“The Energy Is Always Incredible, People Come Together To Celebrate Love, Music And Individuality”: Purple Disco Machine Picks His Pride Playlist

From sets at Coachella to a residency in Ibiza, and remixes for A-list icons (Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Diplo, Sir Elton John) – ahead of his set at Brighton Pride, the German DJ lists five musicians who embody the festivities.

“For me, it’s about celebrating people being completely themselves,” says Grammy winner Purple Disco Machine. The German DJ will be performing at this year’s Brighton Pride, probably wearing a comfortable outfit, but one replete with his characteristic disco sparkle. “I’ll probably wear my trademark flowery short-sleeved shirt, good trainers and, if the weather is not too hot, maybe a silk jacket with a little shimmer.”

Purple Disco Machine, aka Tino Piontek, is world-renowned for remixing nostalgic ’70s/80s disco hits, nu-disco and funk with modern, danceable house. “Dance music has always been connected to queer culture,” he says, “and so much of what inspires me – disco, house, clubs – comes from communities that created spaces in which everyone could feel free.”

While each Pride he’s encountered boasts a distinct personality, he values the sense of unity that runs as a throughline between them all. “Seeing thousands of people singing together, dancing together and forgetting everything else for a couple of hours is really special. Those moments remind me why I love doing this.”

Below, ahead of his appearance behind the decks in the UK’s unofficial queer capital, Purple Disco Machine picks five queer artists who embody the Pride spirit in abundance. 

Sylvester

What is your favourite thing about his work?

His voice is pure joy and emotion. He represents everything beautiful about disco.

How did you discover him?

Through collecting classic disco records and learning where modern dance music came from.

What is the track by him that would slot in perfectly to your Pride set?

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”. Plus, of course, I will play my track “Body Funk”, which samples “Do You Wanna Funk?”

What is a defining emotion his work gives you?

Liberation.

Grace Jones

What is your favourite thing about her work?

She has always been completely fearless. Musically and visually, she created her own universe and never compromised.

How did you discover her?

Like a lot of disco and funk artists, I discovered her while digging deeper into the music that shaped my own sound.

What is the track by her that would slot in perfectly to your Pride set?

“Pull Up to the Bumper”. That groove never gets old.

What is a defining emotion her work gives you?

Confidence.

Sir Elton John

What is your favourite thing about his work?

He’s written timeless songs that connect with every generation, and his influence goes far beyond music.

How did you discover him?

Growing up, his songs were simply everywhere. They're part of music history.

What is the track by him that would slot in perfectly to your Pride set?

“I’m Still Standing”. It’s impossible not to smile when it comes on.

What is a defining emotion his work gives you?

Optimism.

Jake Shears

What is your favourite thing about his work?

Jake has an incredible ability to blend pop, disco and theatricality into something that always feels fun and authentic. He never takes himself too seriously, but the musicianship and songwriting are always there.

How did you discover him?

Through Scissor Sisters. He was impossible to ignore, and they brought disco and glam influences back into the mainstream in such an exciting way. And I got to work with him on a couple of Purple Disco Machine tracks, which was an honour.

What is the track by him that would slot in perfectly to your Pride set?

I’m going to have to go with our two collaborations here, “Dirty Pleasures” and “Fire + Ice”.

What is a defining emotion his work gives you?

Self-expression. Being yourself in every moment.

Honey Dijon

What is your favourite thing about her work?

She represents the real spirit of house music: authentic, soulful and deeply connected to club culture.

How did you discover her?

Through the international house scene and hearing her incredible DJ sets.

What is the track by her that would slot in perfectly to your Pride set?

“Not About You”. 

What is a defining emotion her work gives you?

Freedom.