Junior Vasquez: Exclusive Interview
Getting Junior Vasquez on the phone is no easy feat. So when he called to talk to us about his upcoming appearance at Compound, we made sure not to disconnect him.
What are you working on now?
Right now I'm doing "On the Floor" for Mariah Carey, Vernessa Mitchell's new album, my own compilation of Elton John, and a greatest remixes album of all my older stuff from Pagoda and Criminal Records.
What are your top three favorite venues?
Ageha in Tokyo is my favorite. It’s the most amazing club I’ve ever seen in my entire life -- it’s half the size of Madison Square Garden. I’ve been going to Tokyo for the past six years and love it. The crowd is gay, straight, and full of energy, plus they actually have Asian guys with bodies. Next would be Carnival in Sao Paulo, Brazil for Gay Pride, and then Nation in D.C.
I hear you’re working on Vernessa Mitchell’s new album?
Yeah, we found a 2-inch tape of hers, it was gospel and vocal and the rest is history. She’s performing with me on Saturday also.
Tell me about the two girls from Atlanta you’re working with.
They’re called “Tempting Venus” -- two girls named Marne and Tora. I looked at their CD for a month and didn’t really think about it. Then I heard a song on it called “Saving My Love for A Rainy Day” -- it’s fucking awesome. I’m meeting with them when I’m in Atlanta.
How has the club scene changed since you first started?
Well now there are a lot of clubs and DJs, and technology has made everything kind of boring. There’s not a human side to DJs anymore, everything is electronic. It was different with vinyl -- technology is taking away the warmth.
Your music seem happier now. How have you changed?
I don’t have a significant other, as I realized that I can’t be in relationships. The other guy was always younger and couldn’t handle being "Mr. Vasquez.” I have my dogs, my music, and my business and I’m happy -- I’m not lonely. I’m also completely sober and off drugs now, which has helped a lot.
Congratulations, even though most clubs and DJs cater to kids on drugs.
I did that too, but not consciously. I’m against certain things, and most of my fans know that I’m against drugs so I don’t draw that type of crowd anymore. I’m in my own backyard, and I do my own thing. However, I’m not going to tell someone what they can and can’t do -- I just don’t want them passing out in my club.
How much time do you spend in the studio?
I have a studio in my office, a studio at home, a couple in New York City, one in Connecticut, and believe it or not, one in Tokyo. I never record on Sundays and Mondays, I just rest. Tuesday through Thursday my cleaning service comes, so that’s when I usually get out of the house and into the studio. Lately it’s been warm though, so I’ve been roaming around Chelsea a lot.
What inspires you and your music?
I love it when fans come up to me, I need that feedback so I’ve been trying to get out of the studio and into the city more. I also get inspired by things going into me when I’m playing a residency, then they come out in the studio when I do the commercial record.
Do you go to artists or do they come to you?
It’s a little of both. I was just asked to do Meleni Smith's "Meet Me in the Bathroom" which will be huge. A lot of them contact my label, and I’ll say yes or no. It’s a give and take.
What separates your work from other DJs out there?
I came from the group of DJs like David Morales and Franckie Knuckes , and I started out in radio with Shep Pettibone. So I had to learn how to be commercial. I think my remixes and professional productions are what really make me stand out.
You did a good job at branding your name.
It took about fifteen years. It really hit with all the drama behind me Madonna. I became a household name with her. And I think I was in the right place at the right time. Also starting my own club -- Sound Factory -- and being persistent. I stay true to what I do.
Knowing Madonna, was the rift between you two real or was it created to help sell records?
No, it was disgustingly real. And just unfortunate.
If Madonna called today, would you answer?
Oh absolutely. I still love her stuff and work on her mixes unofficially. I believe I’m really the only one who can turn her out.
You also did a mix of Whitney Houston called “Crack Is Wack.”
Yeah, but I’m not releasing it because I don’t want to get in any more trouble. It’s her from the Diane Sawyer interview over Mfumi’s “Don’t Let It Be Crack.” You know, “don’t let it be crack, crack, crack…” But I’m protected on my Web site, so if enough people request it I may put it up on there.
- For more of Junior Vasquez and his music, visit JuniorVasquezMusic.com
More Junior Vasquez:
* For more gay Atlanta tips, tricks and insider secrets get the book ATLANTAboy: An Insider's Guide to Gay Atlanta on Amazon!
Comments