In Stereo! Chus and Ceballos

In Stereo Interview: Chus and Ceballos
August 3rd, 2007


The Mediterranean talks to us in a luscious language delivered through broad airwaves of advanced technology. What is this sound you hear? The ethnic cultures of Africa and South America echo a tribal pulse from ancestral decades of human existence. These drum-centric rhythms were the driving force behind spiritual rituals. Over the seas and across the airwaves from the Spanish regions of Madrid and Portugal, comes the sound of STEREO! Chus and Ceballos are STEREO Productions, coined flavor, the Iberican Sound. These two have independently developed an underground sound synonymous of its historical culture and landscape, the Iberican Peninsula. Percussion, warm tribal rhythm and electronic groove help describe the sound of STEREO!, but mere words cannot catch the essence of distinct music. A mixture of global sound and passionate culture, Stereo delivers a dance floor pitcher of Sangria(sangre').

Chus L. Esteban aka Dr. Chus! started his musical journey at 16 years old at a club called Alien, Grupo Kapital in Madrid. Chus was a resident at Kadoc in Vilamoura, Portugal and played along side of the best djs in the world. He soon would play at the top events in and around Spain and the world. He started producing with David Penn (Black Vinyl rec.). In 2001 with Pablo Ceballos and Carlos Calico (head of A&R and responsible for Stereo Management and Dj Agency), STEREO Productions was born.

Pablo Ceballos also started at the very young age DJing and producing. First drawn to the Techno scene then developed a passion of progressive house. His quality productions and collective roots teamed him with Chus, jump starting a talented label into a worldwide production haus. Their teamed efforts contribute to a definitive brand of high quality music.

Together Chus and Ceballos have acquired a long list of accomplishments. They have released a number of tracks and compilations on Yoshitoshi, Shinichi, Defected and Twisted to name a few. Notable remixes include Deep Dish's "Say Hello", Danny Tenaglia's "Dibza" and remix of Madonna's "Hung Up". Several times elected “Best DJ of the Year” by the Spanish Deejaymags Awards, Chus is quoted amongst the top 100 world DJs, next to Ceballos, by the British DJ Magazine.

These two are relentless in their labor. It's difficult to capture word for word, all things known about these two, but nonetheless time well spent. I remember coming across the STEREO web site a couple years ago, it immediately caught my attention with top notch sound, recognizable branding and attention to detail. So, I downloaded their custom desktop image and set it as my background on my Apple G4 while working through design school(It's still there). Little did I know how much of an impact they would soon make in the electronic music industry.

Crossing the Bay Bridge, we slipped into the city of San Francisco with Chus and Ceballos before their Rubyskye appearance for a private interview.


VM: How do you manage running your own club, record labels, digital download site and tour around the world as djs?
Chus: Good question, we try to do the best and sometimes it's very difficult. We try to separate DJing, running labels and personal life, it's not easy.
Ceballos: There are two keys, one is we are workaholics, we are always working on our laptops in the hotel, on tour, pretty much everywhere. The second is help, our partner Carlos Calico who helps runs the labels and also with a team about 4 or 5 people working full time.

VM: What are the names of labels you currently run?
Ceballos:We currently have 5 labels, Stereo Productions, Stereo Cool!, Iberican! Recordings, Solar Recordings, and Tribal Recordings. We also started a digital download site called Trackingspain.com, you can download alot of tracks that come from our labels and artists that work with us.

VM: Both of you grew up in Madrid, you must have had several musical influences. What was you first dance music experience?
Chus: About 20 years ago, I was at a big festival in Portugal, of course DJ Vibe and it was the first time I saw Danny Tenaglia. Long time!
Ceballos: I'm 31 now, I started producing when I was 18 and started DJing at 20. I started DJing in my hometown at a local club, really underground. I started producing on my own and came out with some demos. We are somewhat pioneers in Madrid, of course there were DJs and producers before us. We are pioneers in a sense because we went abroad, we started remixing for international artists and labels.
Chus: We were the first label with a global mentality in Spain(Stereo Productions), which is very important and many people followed.

VM: You both have produced numerous tracks and compilations, any particular project you've had a memorable time with? and why?
Chus: Maybe the remix we did of Haunting Me by Cuba Computers...there are so many tracks, they were are all good memories.
Ceballos: Cuba Computers was supported and a favorite of Danny Tenagalia that year and at WMC, it was important to us because that was when people first started to notice Chus and Ceballos. The Strong Rhythm was the first track on Stereo Productions and the remix of Baguio Track with Luzon which was the 100th release for Yoshitoshi EP, just to name a few. Good times!

VM: When can we expect something from the "Madricians", Chus and Ceballos and Danny Tenagalia? Ceballos: It's going to be a crazy groovy thing, dance floor destruction.
Chus: We are working on it, it's very difficult for us all to get together, maybe in the next year or two.
Ceballos: We started the collaboration, it hard to find time. Danny is very busy and we are really busy too, maybe by next year.
Chus: It's going to be huge, for sure!


VM: How did Dibiza on Stereo come about?
Ceballos: What happened with Dibiza, Danny sold us Dibiza about three or four years ago, I remember like it was yesterday, a magic day.:D It was at his loft, he has his own disco. He said, "Guys, I want to release this on Stereo." We were like, "Wow!"
Chus: He said he needed to fix some things, record some voices, and go to the studio and work together. Danny came to Madrid and stayed one week with us in the studio. Recorded some voices... Bring the Drums Back, Bum BUm BUM!! It was an amazing and magical experience.
Ceballos: I remember it being a lot of fun. Sometimes it's a little strange because you have to do what you have to do, and you have deadlines. That week with Danny was just fun, you know. We had fun eating going out to dinner, going to the studio and recording some takes. Danny was kidding and jumping around. If you listen to Dibiza it has a lot energy and a lot of fun.


VM: Define what is quiet time for you and how do you relax?
Chus: We don't have time to relax.
Ceballos: (Laughs) There is no time for relax. We have maybe just a few days, it a lot of work with our labels, remixes and the studio.
Chus: I have a special place to lose myself in South Portugal, Algarve. I have a house there, my family, daughter and wife go there. I try to relax a little bit there.
Ceballos: I travel a lot, I stay one or two extra days here or there because I have friends where I go, but no real holidays.

VM: Any particular producers killing it right now that we should be on the look ut for?
Ceballos: Peter Bailey and Richie Santana having been doing stuff for a long time now and I think they are on fire now. They are doing good stuff laterally with new remixes, very interesting.
Chus: There is a lot of new talent on TrackingSpain.com, Spanish producers like like D-Formation, Sergio Fernandez, Oscar De Rivera, Peter Tha Zouk from Portugal, Rob Mirage from New York and Simon and Shaker from Spain.

VM: Which places do you like to visit and play?
Ceballos: There something special about Stereo in Montreal, we have a residency there every three or four months, it's magic. It's a special night every time we go. It's an after hours club we play from 4am to 12pm, 8 hours of good music, good vibe, an amazing club, an amazing sound system, and a good booth, but the best is the people. The people listen to you and you can feel what they are listening to.
Chus: Theres another club in Asia it's Zouk in Singapore.
Ceballos: Bulgaria is an amazing country, with two or three cities with different clubs but the crowds are amazing. It's a pleasure to play there.

VM: What would you like to say to the global dance community in 2007?
Ceballos: All the people in house music, it's a transitions time, a hard time for labels, because of vinyl and piracy. Support the music, buy legal music, and go to the clubs to see DJs and support dance music.
Chus: Keep the music alive, don't destroy it, the music industry please!!
Ceballos: Support the music!

VM: We would like to thank Chus and Ceballos, Carlos and Victor at Stereo, Malik at Vital and everyone at Rubyskye. Chus and Ceballos, thank you for all the time and energy you have given to dance music, lord knows we all appreciate the Iberican sound.
Keep doing what you do! Gracias!

Behrouz Interview: Endless

Behrouz Interview: Endless
April 21st, 2007

Life provides us with so much over time. Its good to occasionally stop and look at the work we have done over the years. And sometimes we haven't even begun. In some instances you could say this about one amazing DJ/producer named Behrouz(myspace). In a class of his own and an undefined style to pin him to, he travels the world astounding dance fans all over.

Behrouz Nazari, born in Iran and raised in the Bay Area(CA), got his start playing at Club DV8 in San Francisco, after 7 years he moved on to play for Release at 1015 Folsom. Release quickly became one of San Francisco's premier nights for dance music. His undeniable sound took flight, he started playing at top clubs around the world. Behrouz eventually starting producing/remixing notable tracks such as Safe From Harm, Never Felt So Good, What You Do In Life Echoes in Eternity, and Narcotic Thrust,.... on the labels Yoshitoshi, Renaissance and Shinichi his sound quickly traveled. Behrouz has also mixed astounding compilation CDs such as In House We trust, Frontiers with Yousef, an Essential Mix for Pete Tong's Radio One Show and the widely praised CD Yoshitoshi Ibiza.

Behrouz began working alongside tops djs/producers throughout electronic music. He met with Deep Dish at WMC and they eventually held a monthly residency in SF. They pushed Behrouz further along with similar likes which became a lasted friendship. In 2003, Behrouz was named DJ to watch in DJ Mag's annual Top 100 DJ issue. IN 2004, Behrouz was nominated for Best Breakthrough DJ at the Dancestar Award, nominated also for Best Breakthrough DJ at the 2004 DJ Awards in Ibiza and nominated for Best Resident DJ at the 2005 Club World Awards for his famous Pure Behrouz residency at Ruby Skye in San Francisco. At this time Behrouz had already been djing for over 20 years, he's just getting started.:D A special moment at the 2002 Winter Music Conference, good friend Danny Tenaglia stopped the music and played two of Behrouz tracks. "He's the bomb", Tenaglia said to devoted music fans.

Straight from the 2007 WMC, Behrouz had six successful gigs and each one gave him an opportunity to show a different side of Behrouz. we got a chance to enjoy a special B-day Celebration at his SF
residency at Ruby Skye, Pure Behrouz on April 21st. An amazing show to the very end, he painted a portrait of a nice future for house music.

VM: You were born in Iran, when did you come over to SF?
Whats your best childhood memory?
Behrouz: Yes, I was born in Iran but I grew up in Santa Cruz. I actually came here when I was very young and was fortunate enough to have most of my family here as well. One of my best childhood memories was going to my first record store in Tehran and being fascinated by all the international music. At the time Cerrone, Bonny M and Jean Michelle Jarre were big.

VM:With such a diverse background growing up, do you have mixed feelings about the US and it's world affairs?
Behrouz: I have mixed feelings about the prejudices that still exists in the world. For me, my family and culture taught me that we are all the same and are all human beings. But as I travel around the world, I see the opposite. These days you are judged by your religion or color of your skin and it exists right here our backyard in the US. My music is my foreign policy and through it I teach others to love and to express themselves in a positive way.

VM: You play in SF, Paris and Miami routinely for residencies. How do you prepare yourself for your many travels and gigs throughout the year?
Behrouz: Preparation begins with realizing what region of the world you are playing for and for what club. You have to know what people are feeling in all those regions. For instance in Europe, people are more into minimal or techno so I have to program my music geared towards that sound. But it all comes down to walking into the club and feeling the overall vibe of the crowd. There is no preparation for this. You just have to open your mind and your heart and taking your listeners on a journey.


VM: Behrouz, you're an artist and a storyteller when it comes to DJing. What inspires you outside of music? Explain to us a little of your musical stories.....
Behrouz: I am inspired by so many things- everything around me depending on how I feel. If I'm sad, you can feel in my music because my music is full of emotions. My mother, my wife even my dog inspires me as does some of the amazing books I read. Then you have the people from all over the world I meet, good and bad. These inspirations, whether good or bad, affect my music and are incorporated into my journeys into sound :)

VM: You have completed four new tracks this year, Touch, Free Your Mind with DJ Simi, Beat Box and the highly reveared track, Dreams. What was everyone's reaction to them at WMC 2007? Is there a new Behrouz label we don't know about?
Behrouz: I got a great reaction from all my tracks at my Pure Behrouz show at Mokai this year during the conference. My set was aired live on Sirius Radio and people called and emailed me about my tracks which made me very happy. I really produced each one of those tracks based on life experiences I had this year so to get positive reactions from my fans really means a lot to me. I'm working on some great projects this year and who knows, a label might be in the works.

VM: Any new artists or djs that continue to impress you?
Behrouz: I'm impressed by so much great talent out there. First and foremost, my mentor and good friend Danny Tenaglia continues to amaze me with his dedication to music. EVERY year he out does himself during the conference and every year I continue to learn so much from him. There are a lot of new producers / remixers like Radioslave, Shlomi Aber, DJ Yellow, Roman S., DJ Simi, Martin H from Sweden, Andy Slate and so many others. I'm so impressed with the unique sounds that each of these producers are coming out with.

VM: Some of us don't get to see what its like in Dubai, Shanghai or Bangkok, what's it like?
Any particular parts of the world that embrace what you do most?
Behrouz: I really enjoy the scene and fans in Tunisia as well in Dubai. Whenever I play in Dubai I have many fans that come from Iran (clubs are not allowed in Iran so it's great to see so many fans enjoying themselves).

VM: What is the toughest decision you have had to make professionally?
Behrouz: Transitioning from the corporate world into the dance music industry. I spent half of my life preparing for corporate America and sacrificed all of my education and work experience for the love of music and today I realize I made the best decision of my life. There is no greater feeling in this world than waking up and doing what makes you most happy in life.

VM: Many have heard you play for SF Releases 15th Anniversary with Danny Tenaglia, what an amazing night in music for SF. Any other amazing Berouzza and DT moments you care to share?
Behrouz:All of my sets with Danny have been amazing. We did a great set together in Ibiza at DC10 and we both dove into the crowd. We did a techno wedding at the Cannes Film Festival (we were playing techno for a bunch of guys in tuxedos, lol). I love playing with Danny in NY as well. We bring out the best in each other. It's like two soccer players passing the ball to each other - you know exactly what the other wants to do with the ball and we know the timing and where we want to go without speaking to one another. It's about knowing the professionalism of how to build up a night properly and setting it up right for Danny.

VM: Scenario: Its the very last night for house music, the very last night of house music to be played anywhere on this planet. Where would you play and whats the last track you'd play?
Behrouz: I would play in New York city because I love the people there and my last track would be my track What You Do In Life Echoes in Eternity (on the Shinichi label).

VM: Any expressive words you would like to share with global dance community for 2007?
Behrouz: Good music is good music. Stop making it all about genres. If you feel the music play it and don't be judgmental about what others play. At the end of the day, good music is good music.

VM: On behalf of Behrouz fans around the world and the many people who get to enjoy life for what it is, whether its music, art, traveling, good food or even if its just watering the grass...... Thank You, Behrouz what you do is endless. Special thanks to Megan, for making this interview happen..... your a gem!

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DJ VIBE: LX Interview

subscribe-->DJ VIBE: GLOBAL GROOVES - PODCAST<--

DJ VIBE: LX Interview
March 7th, 2007

DJ Vibe, António "To" Pereira, the MAGICIAN, a house music legend to be reckoned with. This dj/producer got his start in Portugal at an early age, his father owned a record shop, became a dj at 15 and hasn't looked back since. His musical journey has involved him as a dj playing a large variety of music for everyone, he played guitar for the Portuguese band LX 90 and plays a weekly radio show, "Dancefloor" on Antena 3.(http://www.antena3.pt/)

Most notable for the huge hit, "So Get Up" as Underground Sound of Lisbon with fellow Portuguese friend Rui Da Silva. DJ Vibe has spent over 20 years involving himself with the biggest clubs in Portugal. He has held a residency at the infamous club Kremlin for 7 years, there Vibe would develop his sound through his long meaningful sets. The love Vibe has for music is as passionate as the culture he comes from, its all about the music. Vibe has played at the most distinctive spots such as Space, Pacha, Stereo, Ministry of Sound, etc... and has a residency at the LUX Fragil in Lisbon. He's released many tracks on Tribal America, Kaos, Twisted, Funktástica, and many more.

DJ VIBE has impecable and unique mixing skills and knows how to work the Dancefloor. DJ Vibe has left a big impression on music fans around the world and has worked with a cast of honorable friends like Danny Tengalia, Victor Calderone, Carl Cox and Mastiksoul. At the Dance Club Awards 2005 event, Dj Vibe was distinguished with Best National DJ House Award by Dance Club magazine readers.

Before coming to play at Ruby Skye in San Francisco, we were able to get in touch with DJ Vibe and share this interview with you.



AT: Tell us about growing up.... you must have been be diggin' up records way early, with a father who owned a record shop in Portugal? What style had your ear first? favorite old school hip-hop artists?
DJ VIBE: I grew up in the 60's with a house full of records, since I know myself (im talking about the 70's ). In Portugal, we didn't hear any hip hop artists until the beginning of the 80's, a few imports showed up like Shalamar, Earth Wind and Fire, only after that did we first hear Grand Master Flash or Kurtis Blow, to name a few. I did have the priviledge to listen to all kinds of music from rock, funk to the classics, etc etc etc....I mean etc. Having this background was the base for me playing today, from vocal house to techno then going over into progressive.

AT: People are really directing their attention to the tribal sound from the spanish regions across the way. What was YOUR first experience with house music?
DJ VIBE: When I left school and started working at my pops shop in 1979-80. Luckily for me, I was the first to listen to all the dance music arriving in Portugal. Portugal was always a rock-n-roll country until the 90's and in 94' I was a few of the djs( maybe the only one) that already didn't play that music. Since 1985, I started to introduce new styles to my mixing like new beat and acid house. At this early stage some people called me crazy to play that kind of music. I would start to work it in more at the end of the night. It was a funny process.


AT: You have aquired quite a bit of a discography, you got there. What's a typical routine spending time in the studio? Give us the quick ritual.
DJ VIBE: During the week I go out surfing. I also spend my days in the studio where I record my radio shows for antena 3 (nacional radio station, kind of like the BBC, radio 1) which are broadcasted every Saturday night for more than 10 years now. I also record my mix cds and just edit and play my remixes. Then on the weekends I go out and dj.


AT: With Global Grooves 3 out, what impact did you see from this?
DJ VIBE: This record went through several licensing problems and it was released late. It was scheduled to be released last summer. I did a promotional tour for it as it was to be released in July\August. Everybody was expecting the record in the shops by that time. Also, the marketing plan of the record was strongly affected and the campaign didnt happen properly. There was a big impact lost with that, if compared with GG2.


AT: Tribal, KAOS, Antenna 3, Underground Sound of Lisbon, playing in Japan for Womb any highlights from these particular portions
of your musical career?
DJ VIBE: In all those names there is someone that was or still is important in my career. Rob Di Stefano, founder of the house music label TRIBAL and Danny Tenaglia definately were a big impact on me about 13 years ago.


AT: OK Vibe, Spill the beans, whats this new track with Mr.NYorker Danny Tenaglia?
DJ VIBE: While Danny and I were in the studio in Portugal, we got some ideas together and I kept developing the project over here. It's now in Danny's hands to be finished, dont know if by Miami WMC 2007 there will be any news.



AT: On the mixer, getting loops, bringing the next track up,
describe what the music does for you and how do you give it back to your audience?
DJ VIBE: I think music is the reason for my existence, I dont know what I would do if it wasn't for the music. Music to me is happiness and emotions, it's what I feel. Back at home I get to listen to all this new music, then I select what's to be played. When I play, those are the feelings I like to share with the people and I work the tools to create more emotions to the crowd.


AT: Any digital accessories(toys, speakers) that impresses you?
DJ VIBE: Each day there's a new toy on the market, I've been using Serrato and I'm quite happy with it.

AT: Your an artist, what gets you going creatively...?(Fashion, Architecture, ART, Magazines, Other DJs)
DJ VIBE: Music and a few djs.

AT: LOL...Dance music, you're definately bringing it.
Would you like to say anything to global dance culture in 2007?
DJ VIBE: If I'm here today answering your questions that's because of one person, my Father. My father left, worked at the nightclub and ran the downtown store, and I started djing at 15 years old. Wherever you are, THANK YOU DADDY! Also, I would like to thank Ruby Skye and Ross for the invitation it's my first time there and I look forward to it. San Francisco, it's a lovely town.

DJ Vibe, we'd like to give you a tremendous "Thank You" in return for the many years of building a prescious thing many of us have grown to love, it's house music. May you bring more and enjoy more of what you love most in life. -Best. A.

Visit DJ VIBE's website & DJ VIBE's Discography

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Global Interview with Carl Cox

Carl Cox April 1st 2005 Clift Hotel San Francisco, CA

For some of you that have been touched by the electronic music in your lifetime, think back to a time when browsing CDs in music stores was a sport. One name that has graced the racks for years is a legendary DJ, artist and producer, Carl Cox. For over 20 years, Cox has built a great reputation for bringing phenomenal music to the global masses with turntable wizardry. This England based DJ has touched various musical trends and is most widely known for his involvement in the breakthrough era of acid house and techno. Carl Cox, also known as the ambassador of dance music is ready to turn the tables and give you a breath of fresh air, are you ready?

AT: You’re almost at the end of your U.S Tour, and you just played in Miami during the 2005 Winter Music Conference. What were some of the highlights from touring the US and WMC this year?
CC:One thing is for sure, dance music is definitely not dead, it’s very much alive. So far, all the places that I have played in the U.S. have been amazing. I played the Crobar in New York, Avalon in Boston, and Detroit. Miami never seems to amaze me with how many people go there and have a good time. You can go and check out so many DJs and hear all kinds of new music. Ultrafest had over 60,000 people there and I had my own Global Arena with Mark Lewis, Josh Wink, Christian Smith, DJ Yousef and Danny Howells; it was amazing and put a smile on my face. Last night, I played in Denver, Colorado, which was minus two degrees centigrade. So after Miami, it was freezing but people came out and had a good time. Tonight, I’m here in San Francisco playing at Ruby Skye for the first time.

AT: You recently had a new single come out ‘Give Me Your Love' included on your newest album, Second Sign, what is the idea or inspiration behind it? Where are you taking us with this one?
CC: On the new album, I put a lot of my heart and soul into it. It’s based on music that I have been inspired by, and it’s music that pushes the envelope of electronic music forward. Also, there is an art of performance with the album as well, the whole concept of the album can be and is being performed live.
The album is a second sign of my original sign, which is aliyah and my second sign is shemesh, which means praisal of the sun. So, it’s probably one reason why I like the sunshine so much (he laughs) and gives the album more meaning. My music always seems to glow and flourish and people enjoy that. It’s funk, it’s soul, it’s jazz, techno, breaks and drum and bass. So, I compiled all these elements and fused them together giving the audience a little bit more. It took a lot of hard work and took me three years to finish it and I look forward to the next one.

AT: You’ve been djing since the age of 15, playing all kinds of music from soul, disco, hip hop, acid house, breakbeats to trance to techno, out of all these types of music what was the biggest influence in making the Carl Cox sound?
CC: The biggest influence really was the rave scene , I was able to mix and fuse acid house music and uk breakbeat and the uk jungle sound. I learn alot, utilize the music, I work with the people and do what I enjoy most and entertain people.

AT: Besides playing with two turntables and a mixer, what was the first step in taking you beyond the turntables and into the studio?
CC: The first step really was making a bootleg record in 1989 called "Lets do it". I had two turntables and a Numark mixer which had a 4 sec auto sampler on it. I looped and mixed a track called "landlord", I did it in real time with no edits, start to finish. I put it on vinyl and sold about 3500 records, it was Carl Cox turntable mix and people loved it. I learned a lot by working with sound engineers to help find that sound.

AT: Many have said that, "You’re the Peoples DJ", and you set yourself aside from other global djs, like Paul Van Dyke, Sasha & Digweed, do you feel the direction you’ve been branded is where you want it to be?
CC: Absolutley, I’m so happy where I am because I have nothing to prove, I don’t choose to compete with anyone. In life, Carl Cox is Carl Cox, as an individual and I will always will be. People come out to hear what I do, it's not the idea or concept of what I am. I’m a person like anbody else, but I play and create music on the dancefloor and that’s the most important thing. Once your number one, the only way is down. So, for me i'm in a fantastic place. That’s the story of my life and what I believe in.


AT: One mix in particular, "Carl Cox Live @ Creamfields", you can hear the crowd throughout the mix. Near the end you of the mix, you began playing some brazilian vocal tunes that just blew fans mind, where is this coming from? Were these original tracks you mixed in or are they new productions?
CC: I’ve always been in to brazilian cultural music and what it stands for. A lot of music today that I play has those elements and those sounds. It pushes my buttons hearing brass sections, intertwined with these records. Some are elements I would drop onto tracks and some are records made twenty five years ago, thats 21st Century Music. For some reason I feel like I'm on a mission to just liven things up a bit and get people to move and in such a way you couldn't do with progressive music. Its a sexy sound I feel good about and when I play, it's what makes me different. I like to introduce different flavors to the coldest parts of the world, like England. It's making people smile with brighter days.


AT: You launched Intec Records in 1999, since then we’ve heard many great tracks, what can we expect in the next five years?
CC: I recently signed some amazing artists and still scouting around to keep the essence of Intec alive. We just signed Hiroki Essashika who did this track called Kazane, this record is not your typical Intec record that we put out, it sounds like electro clash but has this element of sound which you can't deny, this record should be big this year. We played Kazane everywhere we played and the people went absolutely crazy fo it. Also, we have Valentino Kanzyani from Slovenia, he did a compilation album called, Intecnique Vol. 1, which comes out in May 2005. We're bringin out new International artist from the UK, one particular is Adam Bamford, he's absolutley amazing. As I go along, there has been amazing music being made which I can’t ignore, and if it's that good, it goes on Intec.

AT: What things give you satisfaction in your life right now?
CC: I think its now being understood by my music and what I’m doing. It's important to me because it always feels like your banging your head against a brick wall all the time. If your trying to get people to understand, do what you love, you'll be satifisfed in what your always doing. I’m family safe, I have good health and I’m enjoying life as I know it and for me I think electronic music is great right now, a lot of people saying it's over, it's finished and the superstar djs are done, I don’t see it. I’ve just played a cameo role, in LADJ the movie znd our global radio goes out to 2 million people every week. Our music is heard in different countries all over the world, even countries I've never been. I live for the live shows and putting albums out, also getting over the hump of producing, and getting the job done at the end of the day.

AT: Any last words you would like to tell global dance culture?
CC: This music is to be enjoyed and respected for what it is, it makes a lot of people happy and brings people together from all nations, colors and creed. Above anthing else, electronic music has played a big part in our lives, a positive thing. All I can say is, "take care of it, it’s for you and no one for anyone else". For evermore, I’m still doing it and because of that, it makes people smile and happy. The many djs who follow these steps and play music play in what you believe in and enjoy what you believe in and enjoy yourself, that the only thing I can say..

Thank you Carl, thanks for giving us your time, what you do has touched MANY, MANY, MANY MUSICS FANS around the world and we hope to see more of YOU in this lifetime. :D
Carl Cox has achieved more successes and attained more goals than any other DJ, yet proving that he is one of the hardest working people in the industry.

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One On One: Danny Tenaglia Interview

Consider us blessed for getting an interview with world-renowned global dj, remix master and producer, New York native Danny Tenaglia. When we found out he was playing at San Francisco’s Ruby Skye at Releases’ 15-year Anniversary celebration Saturday January 8th, 2005, we jumped on the chance to get an interview with the man. Tenaglia had this personal information to share.

AT: How did you first get into dance music and at what point did you decide that this is what you want to do in life?
DT: I knew from an early age, that I was different. As a little boy I knew I possessed this gift that I loved music. I was always interested in playing and making music if it was just picking up instruments or banging stuff. I have two careers, one being a dj and one being a production artist. The production follows being a dj. I first started as a dj when I was a teenager in Brooklyn, New York. I played at all kinds of places – house parties, weddings, and roller discos. It wasn’t till I moved to Miami I first got recognized. I moved to Miami in 1985-90 and held a residency at Cheers in South Miami. At the time, I was playing at the only after-hours club, open till 7a.m. I also started playing at the Winter Music Conference (WMC), which gave me a lot of exposure from media and allowed me to showcase my talents; people started talking about me and the word spread. People often mistook me and said I was from Miami. Danny Tenaglia is from New York. People from Billboard magazine were writing about me, and I was getting great reviews. In 1988, I decided to get into the studio and start production. I’ve played around with keyboards and pianos at a young age, so it came natural. I did my first track in 1988 on Atlantic Records, “Waiting for a Call” I was known as DeepState; and I did another one “Everybody Get Down”. In the 90’s I started doing tracks for big name artists like Right Said Fred, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Grace Jones, Deep Dish, Pet Shop Boys, and Blondie.

AT: Who have been your biggest influences?
DT: I have a lot of influences throughout my career, but two are basically the forefront of influences for me. When I was a teen I used to go see dj Larry Levan, who played at the Paradise Garage in New York. I was like a wallflower. In New York I would go out on Fri & Sat …pretty much the whole weekend. I would watch Larry and he would make the audience feel the music how he felt the music. It’s all about the presentation and delivering it well. Some people just do it better; one person will play a track and another will play that same track but make you hear it in a whole new light. Kind of like when you taste your mother’s lasagna; it’s different when someone else makes that same dish. (Tenaglia laughs) It’s true.
Another person who was a big influence was Shep Pettibone, famous dj/producer and KISS mix master from the early 80’s. He was doing radio mix shows and was like the godfather of re-edits and remixes. His skills were phenomenal. At the time, he was remixing everyone’s music. His catalog of songs is around 3000 songs; he did a lot of stuff for Madonna, and produced the Erotica album.

AT: You’re a seasoned veteran when it comes to djing around the globe; where is your favorite place to play?
DT: That’s a hard one to answer; every place is different and the crowds are always different. I play in over 20 different countries, and to say one place is the best, is impossible. As far as enjoyable, I have three. 1) New York. I love going home playing for residencies and weeklies, which involves consistency and brings something new each time. 2) The WMC, which is a global gathering in itself. 3) Ibiza. Playing there for me is like turning 40 professionally, a revelation in its own. I played there the same year as 9/11, so that year particularly was memorable. But as far as touring other countries, most people treat me with respect and appreciation.

AT: What current projects are you working on?
DT: Well first I need to get my ass in the studio and finish this track I’ve been working on called, “Dibiza” on Stereo Records; it will be the first track to be released since ‘Elements’. I’m also planning a collaboration with DJ Chus & Ceballos, we’ll be known as the Madricians, and something with DJ Vibe, one of my favorite DJs.

AT: What’s your all time favorite track you love to play?
DT: Again, a hard question to answer… what’s your favorite track?... (I pause, and he laughs) See, not that easy. (I thought briefly and mentioned two tracks….one, being Jasper Street Company’s “A Feelin” and Romanthony’s “Ministry of Love”) You mean this? (He plays the tracks from his laptop. I laughed and said, “Man I love that stuff!!”) You got good taste. Well a question like that can be broken down into vocal, instrumentals, etc…. The stuff I really love playing is a Philadelphia classic cd, very soulful music, MFSB history. For the record, Philly soul, one song in particular – “Love Is the Message” by Arthur Baker, 1972 – is the mother of all dance anthems and never gets old.


AT: You have been known to play 8-10 hour and the longest a 30 hour set, how do you prep yourself for a long night ahead of you?
DT: My average set is about 8-10 hours; like at Vinyl I get on at midnight and play till noon. I enjoy having upcoming djs open up for me, and we get to share the peak hours of the night. Preparing for the show, that’s the work. Depending on the country and crowd I search through all my titles on vinyl, iTunes, and CDs. Some of it depends on what’s in front of you at the time; like for News Years I had to prepare for the hour up until the countdown. You have to prepare yourself musically, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. And of course I eat a solid meal before the show.

AT: Fans are interested in knowing what entails Danny’s contract when getting booked?
DT: I do ask for people not to record my shows. Friends give me demos to play that aren’t released yet, and for someone to record the show, that isn’t right. I do have three special requests 1) Privacy, having a booth that gives you privacy is key because I can’t have tons of people in there while I’m working. It becomes distracting, and I tend to feel obligated to talk to people, but I do step out of the booth and come say hi. I don’t like being the center of attention, so privacy is a must. 2) Water, you have to have water, and I might have someone bring me some protein bars, fruit or coffee. 3) Respect, usually people give you respect and if there is a guest list then that’s usually taken care of.

AT: What plans do you have for the 2005 Winter Music Conference in Miami? Is it true that you have a part in the start of the WMC?
DT: I plan on playing at two places for the 2005 WMC – on March 22nd in downtown Miami, previously known as Envy, and the Ultra Music Festival. The person responsible for starting the WMC 20 years ago is longtime south Florida DJ Bill Kelly.

AT: When you’re not playing what does Danny Tenaglia do in his spare time between projects?
DT: I enjoy communicating with people online at www.dtourism.com and spending time with my family. I just got this really nice TV and I’m starting to build my DVD collection, one of my favorite movies right now is Lost In Translation; I can relate from going to Tokyo. I also have a growing passion for furniture design. After traveling around the world I’ve seen very unique designs, especially from Italy. That’s what we do.

AT: What’s next? What do you see in the future for dance music? Any big changes?
DT: I just don’t know anymore. I used to have answers to that question. Looking back, I thought I knew, but now technology is so unpredictable. I do see the dj taking on a bigger role with more multimedia.

AT: Any last words to say to the dance global culture in 2005?
DT: If you can gauge the amount of appreciation, love, and enjoyment I have for my journey in life, it would be massive. Twenty years ago, I never knew that what I was doing would turn out to be so widely accepted throughout the world, and I never anticipated on being a celebrity at all. I also want to thank Behrouz and everyone from San Francisco’s Release for having me play for their 15th Anniversary celebration.

We would like to thank Danny Tenaglia, Kevin McHugh, everyone from SF’s Release and Behrouz because with out them this interview would not be possible. To find more infromation about Danny tenaglia visit his website at www.dannytenaglia.com

This interview was first published for the Legend Magazine, Sacramento. www.thelegendmag.com

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FEBUARY 2007

I want to first starting off that this life has been one tremendous story after story, be yourself and keep your dreams true and close to your heart. Mom and Dad, I love you.