NYC-based DJ Flash Gea has built a career at the intersection of music, fashion, and brand culture, spinning for top names like Audemars Piguet, Saks, and more. In a new interview, he shares how he keeps brand collaborations authentic, the impact of social media on his career, and what truly makes an event unforgettable.
Photo: BFA
You’ve worked with brands like Audemars Piguet, KAWS, Saks, and Savage X Fenty. What do you look for in a brand collab? What makes it feel authentic to you?
I really just work with what I like! I’ve found that keeping it authentic to my own taste and style makes the collaboration process much more beneficial for me and the companies I work with.
How do brands typically approach you for partnerships—do they let you take creative control, or is it more structured?
Typically they find me through my socials. TikTok (87k followers) and Instagram (21k followers) are the leading ones currently and as far as creative control I’m typically given the freedom to do what I want. Most brands like the aesthetic/vibe for the content I put out (music, fashion, brands, lifestyle, etc) so they make it a point to keep it aligned with that.
How has social media impacted your career? Do you see it more as a creative outlet or a business tool?
Social media is probably the most important part of being a creative and anyone who says otherwise is in denial. For me it’s 100% a business tool and a main outlet for getting “Flash Gea” in front of as many eyes as possible. Before I had 87 thousand followers on TikTok clubs/venues would never respond to my messages. Now they reach out to me!
Your music and videos have racked up over 100 million views. What do you think draws people in and keeps them engaged?
I honestly can’t give an exact answer to that. It’s all trial and error. There’s a few certain elements that are consistent across viral videos/songs of mine but one day I’ll follow what I think is a “viral” formula and get 5000 views vs the next day I’ll post something that seems silly and I wake up to it having over a million views. Just got to keep posting!
You’ve performed everywhere from underground clubs to high-end private events. How does the vibe change, and how do you adapt?
As an artist I dj/create super high energy techno that isn’t so digestible to the everyday person so when I get a call to DJ something like the Next Gen Awards I’ll go through my library and try to curate a set that’ll fit specifically for the room whilst I can still enjoy it.
Having played at some of the biggest venues and events, what do you think makes a party unforgettable?
The crowd. Lights are cool, sound is cool, but music and dance comes from the soul. 10 people with beautiful energy can start a party no matter where they’re at, what’s being played, and who’s playing it.
What’s been one of your most memorable gigs so far? Any wild or unexpected moments?
To this day when I was a junior in high school I DJ’d the senior’s prom and that was when I discovered how much I really loved it. It was my first time playing to a crowd of about 150 people and I remember just sitting in my bed after smiling from ear to ear pinching myself wondering if what I just did really happened. Almost 8 years later now I still get that feeling after a great gig.
