This group is doing DJ sets everywhere but the club in Toronto

A pair of female DJs has been popping up around Toronto playing house music – just not at any clubs.

DJs Gem and Elise Purdon may have taken on the moniker of Housewives Radio, but you certainly won’t find them in the house. Rather, you’ll find them playing house music everywhere from alleyways to parks and beaches.

Scroll through their social media and YouTube channel, and you’ll find the DJs spinning on Toronto Island, a King West sidewalk, under an underpass and even in Costa Rica.

Housewives Radio was co-founded by Toronto-based creatives Elise Purdon, Gem, and Brandon Durmann, who also have their own independent creative pursuits, which do include playing at conventional nightclubs.

“We started Housewives Radio during the winter of 2024. The idea came from wanting to break free from the club environment and build a platform that supports emerging DJs in Toronto by showcasing sets in unique, unconventional spaces,” Gem tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“While we’re not opposed to playing in clubs, our focus with Housewives has always been on creating something different. We’re drawn to the idea of bringing music into unexpected places and making every set feel like a moment.”

Housewives Radio typically spins a wide range of dance music like Afrohouse, melodic techno, tech house, techno and indie dance.

“Our sound is always evolving, and we love curating music that fits the energy of the space we’re in,” says Gem.

Of course, while clubs are designed for DJs to be able to spin with as few hiccups as possible, less conventional spaces aren’t as forgiving.

The Housewives Radio crew almost missed their ferry and mostly heard wind in their headphones when heading to Toronto Island, and interacted with the many colourful characters of Trinity Bellwoods during their DJ set there. Naturally, starting this mostly outdoor project in the winter, they’ve also been dealing with frigid temperatures.

“There have been moments where we were asked to stop filming in certain locations, so we’ve had to think on our feet and pivot quickly,” says Gem. “Flexibility is key when working outside traditional venues.”

Still, despite the fact that passersby may not be aware they’re about to become audience members for a pop-up live DJ set, most people are pleasantly surprised.

“People have been so supportive, excited, and curious about what we’re doing,” says Gem. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm around the project, and we’ve had people reaching out to get involved or find out when the next shoot is happening.”

For example, although their Trinity Bellwoods set may have been one of their most unpredictable, it was also one of their most electric.

“It drew the largest crowd we’ve played for together, and the energy was amazing. Seeing so many people truly engaged with what we were doing was unforgettable,” says Gem.

“Most recently, Elise and I also played our first official show together as Housewives at the Reunion Dance Party, a women’s sober dance party series. which was a powerful experience.”

The best part about Housewives Radio is that you can stumble upon it anytime without paying an expensive cover or staying up until 2 a.m. Since all their full sets are available on YouTube, you can technically experience their magic even if you’re not able to make it out to one of their unconventional venues in person. But if you do want to find out when you can check them out IRL next, just stay tuned to their social media.

“We’re planning our first official pop-up event this summer and also hope to work on some music together soon,” says Gem.