qv5 DJ's Domain

A Master At Work by Carlos J. Carmona The legendary "Little" Louie Vega, DJ/Artist/Remixer/Producer, has for years been one of most influential people in dance music . He has deejayed all over the planet and spun at famed nighclubs Heartthrob, Studio 54, and Sound Factory Bar. Together with Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, he is one half of the remix giant, Masters at Work. His collaborators have included Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Deeelite. Last year, along with Gonzalez, Salsa diva (and ex-wife) India, and a superstar roster from the dance, Latin, and jazz worlds, he released the critically acclaimed Nuyorican Soul album. During a recent visit to San Francisco's Anthem, "Little" Louie took some time from his hectic schedule to answer a few questions. How did your interest in music start? As a child I was always interested in music and I listened to everything-pop, disco, R&B, soul, and especially Latin music. My uncle was a famous Latin singer. His name was Hector LaVoe...and as a kid I saw him rehearsing with Willie Colon...some memorable stuff. In the '80s you used to DJ in clubs such as Heartthrob, where the music was primarily freestyle. How has music changed from that time? Freestyle music, to me, never went to the next level. I spent five years working hard on freestyle. I made over 100 of those records. I was always interested in House because you could experiment a lot more with it. We put a lot of jazz, Latin, and African elements. We put a lot of different flavors into the music...for me it was like growing up a little. You have worked with a lot of artists, such as Soul II Soul and Madonna. What are some of your favorite remixes or productions? My favorite project that I have ever done is Nuyorican Soul. We got to do a lot of different styles and make it all work as one. We worked with a lot of great artists and a lot of inspirations (came about). The Nuyorican Soul album was a critical success and spawned several hit dance singles. Can you explain what Nuyorican Soul is about? Basically, Nuyorican is what we (the group) are. Our parents were born in Puerto Rico, but we were born in New York City. So it speaks for itself-we've got soul, we're Nuyorican. It means a lot because growing up in New York, you listen to all styles of music, you get into different things, and you have a choice to do whatever you want and listen to whatever you want. We try to bring that out in our music and in everything we do. Has any remix's success surprised you? Tito Puente's "Ran Can Can." We took a 1951 mambo record and made it into a house anthem and that was a big accomplishment. To me, if something sells a lot, that's great, but what's important is...that we're happy and excited about it; and also watching the people's reactions. That's where deejaying comes into play. I get to check out all the reactions while I play the records. I think that's the best prize for me-hearing a crowd singing a song that you made, or hummin' anything that you've done. It's a beautiful feeling. You've deejayed all over the world, so let's talk about differences. Do you feel a difference when you play to a Latin rather than to a non-Latin crowd? Not really. You can go to England, and it can be all white people, but it's soulful. In Tokyo, the Japanese know what's going on with the music. To me, that's the most educated place. They really get into it. They study the producers, the remixes. The DJs take it really seriously. QV vs. straight crowd? Most of the places I go to, I draw all kinds of people: straight, QV, mixed. To me, the best thing is a mixed crowd, a little bit of everybody, and I love doing that. In New York, that's what I did at Sound Factory Bar for four-and-a-half years. I'm gonna do that again with another club during the summertime. I'm working on a space right now. What was your favorite deejaying experience? I've had my share of great moments. I had an incredible night in Naples, Italy, at Ages of Love. I also had a great time at Does Your Mama Know. I was just in England a few weeks ago in a place called Candem Palace. In New York City, George Benson performed at Sound Factory Bar when I was deejaying and it was a dream come true. India and Tito Puente performed together. I've had memorable nights all over the world. I've been lucky. You've made some classic records with India. Do you still plan to collaborate with her? Yeah, there's a movie called The Last Days of Disco coming out, and they're going to put out a lot of disco hits (in the soundtrack). They are doing one disco remake for it and they asked India and Nuyorican Soul to do "I Love the Nightlife." She just finished doing her vocals this week. We've been working together for years-we're family and we make records. Whenever she feels like it, she just calls me and, BOOM!, we go right in. Remixing and the whole dance scene is becoming more mainstream with even a category in the Grammys. Where do you see dance/remixing/producing heading in the future? Well, I'll tell you, being in the Grammys did a big thing for it. It's gonna become more commercial for the people who don't get to hear this stuff outside of the big cities. It's a beautiful thing that Frankie Knuckles got the first Grammy, he deserves it. He's the Godfather of all of us and we're really proud. The best dance record category is going to help expose new artists and give recognition to artists who have been doing it for years. Are there any musical directions that you would like to explore in the future? Yeah, more of a Brazilian flavor and a lot more African drums. We're experimenting a lot in the studio. We work with a percussionist called Luisito Quintero. He's also India's musical director. He's a timbalero. We got a great team of musicians and when we get together in the studio, it's just like magic. Here's to a lot more magic from "Little" Louie Vega. Be sure to check out "Little" Louie and his music partner, Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, on the Masters At Work website! There's lots more DJ's Domain in the print version of qvMagazine, including inteviews with superstar Chicago DJ, Bad Boy Bill and upcoming Latina salsa singing star, Corrine. <<Previous Article<< | >>Next Article>> Return to qv5 Table of Contents | Return to Main Menu