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We need Andy Cohen and a camera, because the rumors are true! Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star and DJ extraordinaire Meredith Marks is bringing her “Naughty & Ice” tour to Denver’s very own X Bar on Saturday, January 30.
Marks wears many hats: original cast member of Salt Lake City, beloved Bravolebrity, purveyor of fine caviar, award-winning jewelry designer, mother of three, GLAAD ambassador and, most recently, DJ. She made her DJ debut last May at the LGBTQ+ pop music festival All Out Music Festival, followed it up with a series of Pride-related gigs, then announced her first-ever tour in September. Presented by LGBTQ+ music brand OutLoud, Marks’s Naughty & Ice Tour hit a mix of gay clubs and traditional music venues across the country, with such high demand that nine more tour dates were added in December. Her X Bar appearance is already completely sold out, but anyone who didn’t snag tickets yet can join the waitlist to get first dibs on any additional tickets released. Fresh off of the explosive season 6 finale of Salt Lake City, we caught up with the fabulous Mother Marks via email to get her take on queer rights, her favorite crowd-pleasing hits, and how it feels to be the first and only Real Housewives DJ.
Westword: When and how did you first become interested in deejaying? Have you always felt connected to music?
Meredith Marks: I’ve always had a love for music and it’s such a big part of my life. I became interested in deejaying a few years ago when I realized I could combine my love of entertaining with music. Then last year I was asked to deejay for Pride and it all snowballed from there! There’s something magical about reading a crowd and feeling that energy, you can create a moment that people will remember forever.
How did you learn how to deejay? Are you self-taught?
I am mainly self-taught, but I also work with other artists. I started with watching videos online, working with other DJs, and a lot of trial and error. Honestly, it was a lot of late nights practicing but that’s how you really learn, and I am still learning!
What kind of music do you like to play when you’re deejaying? Are there staple artists or classic songs that you always try to include?
I love playing upbeat, feel-good tracks that make people want to dance — usually a mix of house, pop, and dance classics. My go-to artists are Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, and throwbacks that always get the crowd going. Lately I’ve been experimenting more with my sets, and my daughter Chloe is about to release her first single… so you may hear something extra special in my sets very soon.
Many former and current cast members from Real Housewives franchises have become musicians, actors or performers, but to my knowledge you are the first and only Real Housewife-turned-DJ. How does it feel to make Housewives history?
It’s honestly such an honor! I love being a pioneer, and its ben amazing to combine my reality TV experience with my passion for music. I like doing things a little differently, so being a Housewife turned DJ feels really true to who I am.
Last September, you became part of the inaugural class of twenty GLAAD ambassadors alongside celebrated LGBTQIA+ leaders, creatives, and allies. Why are LGBTQIA+ rights so important to you personally, and what does it mean to you to be recognized for your commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy?
LGBTQIA+ rights are so close to my heart because everyone deserves love, safety, and the ability to live authentically. Being recognized as a GLAAD ambassador is meaningful. It’s a reminder that even in small ways, we can make a difference and show support for a community that’s given me so much love and inspiration.
The queer community has been a big part of your journey as a DJ. You made your debut as a DJ at All Out Music Festival last May, stayed booked and busy during Pride Month celebrations, have called the LGBTQIA+ community your “Favorite people to DJ for,” and your tour is presented by LGBTQIA+ music brand OutLoud. Why do you think you connect so well with these audiences?
Honestly, it’s all about energy. The LGBTQIA+ community is so expressive, vibrant, and open, and you feel that connection immediately. They really let loose and have fun, which is what I want from every DJ set. When everyone’s dancing and smiling, it’s contagious, and I feed off that energy.
On the first stretch of your Naughty & Ice tour, you performed at a mix of music venues and LGBTQIA+ clubs. On this second leg, Denver is the only city where you’re performing at a queer bar! So will you have a different DJ set planned especially for the girls, gays and theys, or do you tend to play the similar music no matter the venue or crowd?
I like to keep the core of my set consistent, songs that always get people moving, but I also read the crowd and make tweaks. Whether the venue is an LGBTQ venue or not, my core crowd is very similar either way, but I will have some special moments for Denver!
What’s your go-to song to get the party started?
I always kick things off with something high-energy. People also love songs that have tie backs to the show or my businesses. I usually start my show with “Rumors” by Lindsey Lohan because everyone loves the rumors and nastiness.
If you could pick one song to summarize your experience on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, what would it be?
Probably “Confident” by Demi Lovato. That show pushed me, challenged me and ultimately showed me how strong and unapologetic I am, so that song just fits perfectly.
Besides deejaying and starring in an iconic TV show, you also have a jewelry business, a caviar brand, a podcast with your husband, a collection of bath bombs, your own game, and a line of accessories and apparel. As a self-described “serial entrepreneur,” what’s next for you? Do you think you’ll continue touring as a DJ in the future?
I’m always looking for the next creative adventure! Whether that’s expanding my existing brands or trying something completely new, I love building things. And yes, I absolutely see myself continuing to DJ. It’s become such a big part of my life, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
OutLoud Presents Meredith Marks’s Naughty & Ice Tour, 8 p.m. Saturday, January 30, at X Bar, 629 East Colfax Avenue. Tickets start at $46.57 and are currently sold out, with the option of signing up for a waitlist.
