After a Hiatus from Music, Tracy Young Found Herself Again – Thanks to Cyndi Lauper.
After enjoying a musical career that saw many highlights, some unprecedented in the dance-music community, Tracy Young had hit a bad rut.
Not only had she stepped away from music, but the Grammy-winning DJ/producer suffered several personal setbacks, including the deaths of her mother and step-father. Additionally, she’d developed health and addiction issues. Life, both personal and professional, had gotten away from her.
But then, she says, she got an opportunity that changed her life, and possibly saved it: She was offered the DJ slot on Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour.” She accepted.
As Young told The Advocate this summer, “Being asked to be part of Cyndi’s farewell tour felt like a sign from the universe. I was in a deep emotional place after losing my mom, and this opportunity reignited my spirit. It reminded me why I fell in love with music in the first place – connection, community, and joy.”
Additionally, it meant that, with such a high-profile tour looming, Young had to get her act together – and that meant a healthier approach to life and a rededication to music. It also put her back into the studio to create new tunes, like “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” and “I Know You, I Live You,” a pair of cover collabs with Niki Haris and Donna De Lory on her FEROSH imprint. There’s more to come.
After having played Lauper’s European leg of the tour earlier this year, Young’s back for the entire North American leg that will run until the end of August when it closes with two L.A. shows at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Life has definitely gotten better.
It wasn’t that long ago – in early 2020, just before COVID changed everything – that Young received a Grammy in the “Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical” category for her mix of Madonna’s “I Rise.” It was the first time a woman had ever won that category. Young also earned a nomination the following year with her remix of k.d. lang’s “Constant Craving.”
Aside from her busy career in the clubs, on the radio, and in the studio, Young had become a musical star in the LGBT+ community – for example, she’s been a regular spinner at Pride parties and other community events. And as she readily admits, her friendships with Madonna and her coterie opened plenty of doors for her. In fact, she DJed Madonna’s wedding in late 2000.
And now working such an extensive tour with Lauper – like Madonna, herself a community icon – Young is enjoying a musical rebirth and a bit of a reintroduction to an audience that’s always loved her. We caught up with Tracy Young, just as the Cyndi Lauper tour kicked off.
DJ LIFE: How did you get the gig for this Cyndi Lauper tour?
Tracy Young: I have had a relationship with Cyndi since 2002 or 2003 when I remixed her song “Shine.” She performed at Level nightclub [in Miami] that year for a party with 93.9 – and it was my birthday – and we have been in touch ever since. We worked on a lot of music. I remixed “Walk On By,” which was released on my Danceculture CD. I also remixed a song called “Hope” more recently and I performed with her during New Years Eve with Ryan Seacrest in Times Square.
DJ LIFE: What are your responsibilities on the tour? When do you play each night and for how long?
Young: I was the opener for the European leg of the tour in February and my responsibilities were to uplift the crowd, so they are ready for her when she comes onstage! The final leg of the tour, which ends in Los Angeles, August 31st, is the same. I have the pleasure to open this leg for both Jake Wesley Rogers and Cyndi Lauper.
DJ LIFE: What kind of mood are you setting?
Young: The mood I’m setting is uplifting, defiant, and celebratory. It’s about freedom, self-expression, and honoring the legacy of artists like Cyndi who’ve paved the way for so many of us. I want the crowd to feel empowered the moment they walk in – like they’re entering a space where they can be exactly who they are. My goal is to create a sonic journey that connects everyone in the room – before the first lyric is even sung. By the time Cyndi hits the stage, the crowd is alive and emotionally wide-open. That’s the magic.
DJ LIFE: What kind of music are you playing and for what kind of crowd? What has the audience been like so far on the tour?
Young: I’m playing a high-energy set that fuses dance classics, remixed pop anthems, and deep tribal house with a few unexpected gems – even some nods to ’80s New Wave… all with that signature Tracy Young twist. I want the crowd to feel uplifted, fierce, free and excited for Cyndi because this is all about her! The audience on this tour has been next level – a beautiful mix of generations, from fans who’ve loved Cyndi since day one to younger fans discovering her legacy for the first time. They come dressed up, turned out, and ready to celebrate.
DJ LIFE: How are you varying your set? Are there some tunes that you’re playing every night? If so, what are they?
Young: Cyndi wants me to “do my thing.” She has given me full artistic freedom. That said, I’m definitely varying my set from night to night depending on the vibe of the city and the energy of the crowd. Each audience brings its own flavor, and I love tuning into that. Some nights feel more soulful and deep, others lean into high-energy house and classic throwbacks with a modern twist. That said, there are a few staples I’ve been playing every night – tracks that just hit and set the right tone, such as a Cyndi Lauper remix. After all, that’s who they have come to see.
DJ LIFE: How many of “your tunes” – tracks, edits, remixes – are you playing? Which ones?
Young: I definitely like to weave my own productions into every set – it’s part of telling my story and connecting with the crowd on a deeper level. How many depends on the vibe and the energy in the room, but you can always count on hearing a few of my tunes in there. I have been playing a lot of Niki Haris and Donna De Lory productions we have done together. “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life,” “I Know You, I Live You,” and an even newer track called “WATR” and working on a song called “I’m Alive” with Kipper Jones. I collaborated with Jose Cortes, who has become a good friend over the years, and we did some exclusive fresh mixes of “Shine” and other tracks I am dropping. He also did a mix of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” and “I Know You, I Live You” I have been playing.
DJ LIFE: What’s your DJ-booth setup on stage every night?
Young: I am using two Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 players and the Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2. That’s what most clubs use and what I have at home.
DJ LIFE: What should fans expect from this show?
Young: Fans should expect a night they’ll never forget. This isn’t just a concert – it’s a full-on celebration of music, freedom, and legacy. I’m opening the night with a high-energy DJ set designed to lift you up, move you, and get you ready for what’s to come. Expect remixed classics, deep house grooves, and a few surprises that honor Cyndi’s iconic spirit while setting the tone for something fresh and electric. Then you’ve got Jake Wesley Rogers bringing his magic – emotional, theatrical, and completely captivating. And of course, Cyndi Lauper… what can I say? She’s a force. Watching her perform on this farewell tour is emotional, powerful, and historic. She’s giving it everything – the hits, the stories, the heart. Come dressed to express, come ready to dance, and come prepared to feel everything. This tour is a love letter to individuality, strength, and the power of music.
DJ LIFE: Let’s talk about your 2025 releases. I’m still hearing “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” everywhere. What went into that one with Niki Haris and Donna De Lory? What was the process in re-interpreting that classic?
Young: This was a track I had as an instrumental. It was an idea I had for another artist; however, when I sent it to Niki and Donna they immediately felt that was the track they wanted to work on. There have been a lot of versions released of this timeless classic; however, I wanted to bring it to the LGBTQ+ community and create something that they may not have known. Niki and Donna were the missing ingredients of that recipe.
DJ LIFE: Same question for “Bye Girl Bye,” which is a more tribally track.
Young: When I produced “Bye Girl Bye,” I knew I wanted it to be bold, unapologetic, and tribal to the core. I approached it as a gay record – not just in sound, but in spirit. It’s an anthem for the dancefloor, for the girls, the gays, the rebels – anyone who’s ever had to walk away from something or someone and own their power in the process. Sonically, it’s heavy on drums and rhythm – I wanted it to feel primal, fierce, and driving. The tribal elements represent community and strength, something deeply rooted in queer dance culture. The vocals have attitude, and the energy is built to ignite a crowd. It’s a track that says, “I’m done with the drama, I’m reclaiming my space, and I’m dancing through it.” That’s the energy I wanted to capture. It’s not just a song – it’s a moment, one that lives loud and proud on the dancefloor.
DJ LIFE: Moving to the studio, do you have a regular music-making process? How do you usually work?
Young: My studio is my sanctuary – I call it my “man cave.” It’s where the magic happens. I’ve built it to be both creative and efficient, with everything I need to go from inspiration to final mix without leaving the space. I usually begin the idea in Ableton Live at my house, and then I move to my engineers studio. We make a good team.
DJ LIFE: Musically, what were your first influences? What made you want to pursue music?
Young: What really made me want to pursue music was how it made people feel. I saw early on that music could bring people together, break down barriers, and heal – especially on the dancefloor. I started out in radio, but once I touched turntables and saw the impact I could have on a room full of people, I knew this was what I was meant to do. It wasn’t about fame – it was about connection, storytelling, and creating spaces where people could feel free. That’s still what drives me today.
DJ LIFE: Aside from this tour, are you playing clubs these days? Any residencies or guest spots happening?
Young: I blocked a lot of my time for Cyndi Lauper and her tour, but when I come off the road in September I have some dates booked such as X Midtown in Atlanta for Atlanta Pride, Dante’s HiFi [in Miami], which is all-vinyl – I’ll be doing an exclusive vinyl set there. I have residencies in Fort Lauderdale at The Eagle at the moment and in my home town Washington, D.C., at a new space called Crush.
DJ LIFE: Which producer/remixers do you most admire and why?
Young: There are too many to mention, but some of them include CamelPhat, Black Coffee, Samm, and Hot Since 82 because they are doing something different. I still go to the innovators such as David Morales, Louie Vega, Harry Romero, Danny Tenaglia, etc. They will always be my favorites!
DJ LIFE: Which DJs do you admire and why?
Young: Danny Tenaglia, Louie Vega and David Morales. They are masters of sound, production, and live it, breathe it, feel it!
DJ LIFE: How much did it mean to win the Grammy Award? What was that experience like for you?
Young: The moment they called my name, it felt like time stopped. I thought about all the years I spent behind the decks, in the studio, believing in the music even when the industry wasn’t always believing in me. I thought about the late nights, the risks, the sacrifices… and the people who supported me every step of the way. And, of course, I thought about Madonna – for trusting me with “I Rise,” a track with such a powerful message of resilience and strength.
DJ LIFE: What’s next for you?
Young: I’m always evolving, always creating. Right now, I’m focused on finishing some exciting new music – original tracks and collaborations that I can’t wait to share. My latest release, “I Know You, I Live You” with Niki Haris and Donna De Lory on FEROSH Records, is just the beginning of a new chapter for me as both a producer and artist. I’m also continuing on this incredible journey with Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour, which has been beyond inspiring – and I’m working on bringing more of that energy to dancefloors around the world. There are a few remix projects in the works, some international dates coming up, and plans to expand Ferosh as a platform for emerging talent, especially women and LGBTQ+ voices. For me, it’s always about pushing the boundaries, staying true to the music, and using my platform to lift others. The best is still to come – I’m just getting started.
In the Box: Tracy’s Three Faves
“Honestly, I never play the same set twice – everything I do is tailored to the energy of the crowd, the city, the moment. But there are a few tracks I always keep close, just in case the vibe calls for them:”
- Madonna: “I Rise” (Tracy Young Pride Remix)
This track changed my life. It’s powerful, emotional, and always connects, especially in rooms that need a reminder of resilience and unity. - Niki Haris & Donna Delory: “I Know You, I Live You”
It’s soulful, uplifting, and full of movement. My version with Niki Haris and Donna De Lory is a celebration of timeless music with a modern heartbeat. - Idina Menzel: “Defying Gravity” (Tracy Young Flying Monkeys Remix)
A classic that never fails. The message, the vocals, the joy – it’s a floor-filler and a feel-good anthem that brings everyone together.