16 March 26 - april 1, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Colores Collective and ICE Out of Tarrant, blending nightlife with community out- reach. Vinyl collectors and DJs from across Texas, including Cumbia 319, Flash 45s, Jo- annaChills and Sue Problema, have helped shape the party’s sound and reach. Chulita Vinyl Club, in particular, has been instrumental, hosting Soy Darks for Día de los Muertos and amplifying its visibility through a massive online following. Villa also credits her DJ mentor, Mike Cuevas, for helping her navigate the techni- cal and professional side of the craft. “He set the tone from the beginning,” she says. “He’s had my back the whole time.” That spirit extends beyond Soy Darks. Villa runs a monthly femme vinyl takeover at Common Good, a listening room and cof- fee shop, and frequently collaborates with female DJs and collectors across the city. “The Dallas scene is supportive,” she says. “People share gear, share knowledge. You just have to take it seriously.” That seriousness paid off when Soy Darks recently won Best Latin Night at the Dallas Entertainment Awards, a notable achievement in one of the country’s most Latin-influenced cities. Villa sees it less as validation of her own work and more as rec- ognition of the space Charlie’s provides. “It’s a layup when you have a dance floor like that,” she says. “People come ready to move.” Looking ahead, Soy Darks shows no signs of slowing down. Valentine’s Day brings a co-hosted edition blending goth, ’80s vinyl, and party anthems. March features another ’80s night. April welcomes Cumbia 319. In May, Soy Darks Presents will host Antë, a cult favorite darkwave act with Dallas roots, blending live synths, post-punk textures, and Spanish language elements. For Villa, the future isn’t about scaling endlessly; it’s about staying grounded. “If you focus on the good stuff, it all works out,” she says. On the dance floor, as cumbia rhythms collide with cold wave synths, it already has. Soy Darks returns to Charlie’s Star Lounge next on Saturday, April 4. Music from p15 Jordan Smith People come to Soy Darks ready to move. ALWAYS IN YOUR FEED. FOLLOW US
