Photograph by Ben Rollins
Gina Tollese became a DJ because she couldn’t find anyone playing the music she wanted to hear in her hometown of Birmingham. Her talent eventually brought her to larger crowds in Atlanta, where she mixes everything from Jamiroquai to 21 Savage at venues like Space 2 and Revery VR Bar. “I always pay super close attention to the crowd,” says Tollese. “Feeling the vibes of other people comes pretty naturally to me. What I love most is watching people really, really dance to what I play.”
Neighborhood
I’ve grown to love my little Vine City, since it’s right on the cusp of downtown and the west side.
In your bag
If I leave the house without some form of a headphone, lip moisturizer, or lotion, I’m turning around. I can’t function without all three.
Uniform
I love being comfortable, so things that are easy to throw on are a necessity. My favorite sneakers are my Nike Air Max 180s in Ultramarine. They are such a classic silhouette. My overalls (that I probably wear way too much) are from ASOS. My favorite cozy pants are my black and white Adidas breakaway pants—iconic.
Photograph by Ben Rollins
Local dance floor
I’ve never been to El Bar without breaking a sweat, and not just because it’s the size of my bedroom, but because the DJs are always on fire.
In my earbuds
Whew, what’s not in there? Currently: Solange’s When I Get Home, Gunna’s Drip or Drown 2, Gavin Turek, Ama Lou, and Larry June.
Dream audience
Coachella
Drink
A London Fog from Octane
Fave Atlanta visit
One of my favorite memories about visiting Atlanta before I moved here was sweating my hair out to DJ Speakerfoxxx’s sets at El Bar.
This article appears in our May 2019 issue.
