[Editor's note: This story from Les Femmes Folles previews Defy Gravity’s-Get Silly!, Friday, Jan. 13, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Sokol Auditorium, featuring five DJs (including Hypoxik), 400 cans of silly string and 40 feather pillows. First 150 people get a free can of Silly String and $5 admission. Otherwise, $10. More info here.]
by Sally Deskins | Les Femmes Folles
Les Femmes Folles posted an interview last summer of Lauren Jeffrey and her sister, who used to DJ together as Polari Step. Lauren now DJs solo as Hypoxik and played last weekend at House of Loom’s first all-female DJ line-up “Dames Hit the Decks” and is playing this Friday at Sokol with “Defy Gravity’s-Get Silly!” (details below). She shares with us about why she went on her own, her DJ style, who inspires her, being a female in a male-dominated industry, feminism and more:
You’re born/raised in Omaha, started DJing as Polari Step with your sister. When did you take it on your own, why?
I loved DJing with my sister, but when she graduated college she just didn’t have time to DJ anymore. That’s when I started my solo project. 
How would you describe your style/what do you bring to the table?
EDM (electronic dance music) has a style uniquely its own. There isn’t anything like it in the world. I think that’s why so many people love it! The best thing I bring to the table is my love for the dance culture not only in Omaha but everywhere. The people that come to my shows are very special to me.
What’s your favorite thing about Djing? Least favorite? Most memorable gig?
My favorite thing about DJing is being able to make people happy — to take them away for a little while to a happier place.
I honestly don’t have a least favorite thing, haha. I love it so much.
My most memorable gig was last month. I played for 1,700 people at Sokol Auditorium. I’m playing there again on Friday. It was pretty amazing.
What/who inspires you?
There are a couple of local DJs I look up to. Brent Crampton is one of them. Travis Blac from Lincoln is really great as well. My good friend and violinist Kaitlyn Filippini has the most amazing work ethic. She inspires me a lot.
My biggest inspiration, however, is the people that come to the dance parties I DJ at. They are just wonderful. I love them so much. I DJ because I love EDM, but also for the people that dance to it. The relationship between the DJ and the dancer is so special. It’s kind of hard to explain.
Preview Mini Mix for 2012 By Kaitlyn Maria Filippini and Hypoxik by hypoxik
What do you think of being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry?
It definitely has it’s pros and cons that’s for sure. I have a lot tougher skin than I did a year ago haha.
How did “Dames Hit the Decks” go, and will there be another?
Dames Hit the Decks was really great. I love playing at House of Loom. It is one of the best clubs in Omaha. Yes, Brent and I are talking about making it into a monthly event.
What’s your next big gig you’re excited about?
My next big gig is on Friday, the 13th at Sokol Auditorium. Last time 1,700 people showed up. They’re expecting more than that this time around so it should be crazy.
What does feminism mean to you?
You know, being in a field where 98 percent of my peers are men has opened my eyes to the huge amount of sexism in this world. I am not a feminist at all but I have a lot more respect for feminism and what it stands for than I did before I was a DJ.
* Photos by Hunter S. Hodgson
Sally Deskins produces the Les Femmes Folles blog, which is where this story first ran. If you like this and other interviews from her, and would like to help her do more, buy or trade coffee and meals for her interviews in exchange for an ad on her site.