VIDEO/PICS/Q&A with DJ BRETT HENRICHSEN

Sure, you see him and prob think the same thing I do: ‘He matches my sheets! Get on my bed!’ lol At first glance, you’d think he’s an actor or a model or something fancy like that, but in fact he’s an entrepreneur and world-renowned DJ, the man behind all things Masterbeat. While the online store may have closed, the brand is still very much alive, and getting into high gear for a massive new years experience.

Brett’s set for his big Masterbeat New Years Eve ‘End of the World’ 2012 party here in L.A., ft. spinmasters Tony Moran, Ana Paula, Ralphi Rosario, Abel and DJ Paulo (and of course Brett himself). This experience consists of four major events spread over three days, starting at the Mayan downtown, moving to the Palladium in Hollywood then on to Arena and Avalon. All awesome venues…so if you haven’t made new years plans yet (or even if you have)…

GET MORE INFO AT THE OFFICIAL MASTERBEAT SITE.

DIRECT LINK FOR TIX.

Fortunately my boy Mikey caught up with him to get all Brett’s latest. For those of you who wanna drool over his hotness (I don’t blame u!), lots more pics at his Facebook. Lets get to it:

M: Brett thanks for talking to me! The trailer for the New Year’s Eve event at the Hollywood Palladium looks amazing! What can L.A. expect for the weekend events?

BH: Well, its an “end of the world” theme, to go along with 2012 being the new year. I thought of the theme last year, then figured why not do a full trailer to it, like a movie?! I really am going to try & blow their minds, and make sure they’re happy until (yes) “the world ends”! I absolutely love the Hollywood Palladium, the last party they did was in 2006. They just did major renovations, so it should be ready for a fantastic party.

M: What do you bring to an event that others may not?

BH: Well, I think I’m the unique combination of not only being a DJ, but a promoter, and also a customer. I spend the year going to many of the other parties, so I definitely see it from all angles. For me, it’s all about the music. Trust me, I see some party-goers groaning when the performances start at some of the other parties; we will definitely keep everyone dancing at this event!

M: So you’re an Los Angeles resident now? Do you still miss being a “New York City” boy?

BH: L.A. is still my real home, but New York is still home to an extent. I think it’s time to really get the full experience now actually.

M: How do you think late night DJ’ing has changed from the late ’90s when you were doing it?

BH: It’s completely gone actually; it’s not anywhere! Back then, it was every weekend; Twilo, Roxy, places like that. There is nowhere to go to do the “late night” thing now, other than the Allegria parties on some of the holiday weekends. My New Year’s Eve event is going to be one of those perfect kind of late night parties.

M: Who would you absolutely love to work with?

BH: Well, I’m not going to say the two obvious one (Madonna & Lady Gaga), but I would absolutely love to work with Rihanna! She has an amazing voice & is incredibly talented.

M: Have you ever hit Asbury Park in New Jersey to spin for the Paradise crowd?

BH: Actually no, but I would absolutely love to! Here’s some exclusive scoop; I was just confirmed to be the headlining DJ at Sand Blast in Asbury Park next summer, on July 21, 2012! I’m really looking forward to a great party.

M: What’s next for Brett Henrichsen?

BH: Well, the world will be over after my New Year’s Eve event! (LOL). Right now, my entire day and night is focused on the New Year’s Eve events. Everybody go to masterbeat2012.com to check out the full roster and get tickets. I can’t wait to see everyone there!

Tickets & Weekend Passes now available here.

And just for good measure…

Q&A: Get Up Close w/ @DJTracyYoung

Been a big fan of Tracy Young‘s for years, so was really stoked when my boyyy Mikey told me he was gonna be asking her some Qs for us. (New York, you’re in luck – you can be part of her big birthday bash Nov. 10 at District 36, click here for tix.)

Lets get to it:

M: You kept the dance floors jamming this past summer…any future highlights?

TY: I have several future highlights! Patricia Field (“Sex And The City” fashion designer) and my friend Theo are hosting my birthday event at District 36 November 10, which is very exciting. It will be the first time Eddie Elias and I play together! I also have my annual Genesis New Years Day event happening at Mansion Miami, this has become the New Years Day experience!

M: With names like Shep Pettibone & Junior Vasquez, you’ve joined an illustrious group of people who have worked very closely with Madonna. What are some of your best memories of the “Music” era? Any plans to work with her again on some newer material?

TY: I have to say one: Watching Madonna break a sweat on my dancefloor was pretty fucking amazing!

M: You just released your Ferosh clothing/gift line. What made you want to enter into a different industry?

TY: They’ve heard me and seen me, and now I want them to wear me! The slogan that I’ve chosen for the line is “Forever Young.” I’m very excited about it!

M: You also are the premier DJ to “go to” to have some fantastic Broadway songs remixed for the dance floors. You mixed several tracks for “Rent” and you turned the iconic “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” into a killer dance track. Are you a Broadway geek at heart?

TY: C’mon, aren’t we all?

M: What artists are out there now that you would love to work with?

TY: Right now, I would love to do an original track with Lil Wayne or maybe even Missy Elliott!

M: Every DJ has couple unreleased gems out there; any tracks of yours that you keep hidden for special occasions?

TY: They are only to be experienced on my dancefloor!

M: What’s next for Tracy Young?

TY: I have so much more to do. I’ve been going back to writing more original music and now adding to my plate original screenplays, as well as books. There’s more television to explore, bringing my 9-years-running new years event Genesis across the U.S., and win a Grammy all while staying Forever Young!

Tracy’s got a bunch goin’ on this month, click here for her latest info. Keep up with Tracy via her official site, Twitter or FB.

Q&A: JASON DOTTLEY Talks ‘Nation of Jason’ Tour

I LOVE his track ‘Party Round the World’ with dance diva Debby Holiday – now he’s hittin the road with his ‘Nation of Jason‘ tour – thanks to Mikey for gettin’ up close and personal with the hottie:

The “Nation Of Jason” tour is coming this summer! What can your fans expect when you hit their town? (For the record the boys of Jersey DEFINITELY want you to make a visit)!

I’d love to come to Jersey, that’s for sure! I hear Paradise in Asbury Park is THE spot, maybe my tour will end up there!? My show is just that, a show! Hot dancers, fun choreography, custom-made costumes, 3-songs, 14 minutes of hi-NRG bliss.. and did I mention half-naked eye candy? 

Both of your dance tracks “Party Round The World” and “Hit Play!” were Billboard Top 20 hits! How did it feel to be such a hit so fast?

It still makes me go, “WTF?” But just wait till “Pop It” comes out; It’s going to blow those two out of the water! May 2011, baby!

You’re next track coming out is titled “Pop It!”! Tell me about it..

It’s like cotton candy for the sugar-deprived. It’s fresh, it’s fun, it’s a lyrical playground, and it’s so sticky you can’t get it out of your head for days! 

You’ve worked with some big name DJ’s/remixers, such as Manny Lehman & Barry Harris. Any other DJ’s on your “wish list” to work with?

I’m getting my wish list on “Pop It”! I can’t reveal much yet, but Manny’s back, Twisted Dee’s back, Yiannis Elia has joined Team Dottley along with the BetBoyz, but the big papas are still being kept secret. I feel like each DJ has his or her own prime, and when you package a record, you want to get as many prime DJ’s as possible, and I know with “Pop It” we’ve accomplished that. If the rest of the world loves it as much as we do, that’s the only part that I can’t control, I can only hope  

Debby Holiday worked with you on the big track “Party Round The World” What was it like working with such a dance music superstar?

I didn’t think of it that way. She’d been my friend since before her first dance single so to me she was just Debby from “Trailer Trash Housewife” (Jason husband Del Shore’s play-turned newly filmed movie, yes, staring Debby Holiday).

Dance music is known for being a little tougher on men as opposed to the big voiced “divas” that the gay boys love. How do you think you compare to the names out there like Colton Ford & Brian Kent?

I don’t even know who they are… and that’s not being catty, I genuinely haven’t a clue. We’re always up against something, so I don’t think about obstacles, only the finish line. Besides, there’s room enough for everybody, that’s my philosophy. Just don’t get in my way!

So many fans were dissapointed when the tv show version of “Sordid Lives” did not make a return. Any chance of a reunion movie/tv show?

YES! We are working very hard to shoot two more Sordid movies (at once). The story must be continued! 

What was it like working with such heavy hitters as Caroline Rhea, Bonnie Bedelia, and “Golden Girl” Rue McLanahan?

They were all amazing. Caroline is non-stop hilarity and I have since produced with her, Bonnie and I have become friends and she’s an excellent mentor, and Rue of course is dead, so that relationship has been the hardest to maintain. 

What’s next for Jason Dottley?

#Winning!!!

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with BIMBO JONES

UK-based dance music trio and pop party clubstars Bimbo Jones (aka Lee Dagger, Marc JB and Katherine Ellis) are known best for the upbeat party anthems – with stellar remixes from Pink, Janet, Gaga, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson (and a ton more) and a slew Billboard club no. 1s, these guys are showing no sign of slowing down.

My boy Mikey got up close and personal with BJ’s resdent mixmaster Lee Dagger who talks their upcoming projects, including Broadway-bound work with Cyndi Lauper.

*****Check out Bimbo Jones with Freemasons this weekend at Amnesia in NYC*****

Lee, thanks for taking the time to speak with me, it’s a thrill! Tell me how Bimbo Jones came about?
My love of house music began in the late 80′s and by 1991 after loving the uplifting piano house sets of DJ Sasha & I was hooked! I started DJ’ing professionally in 1991, and by 2000, I felt an urge to convey all of my poetry and ideas into production. Within a year, I found my manager, then a few months later a co producer, Marc JB. The rest is history.

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Not since the days of Hex Hector has a remixer came onto the scene with such as splash! Your mix of Pink’s “U + Ur Hand” still packs dance floors years after it’s release. How do you choose the artists/tracks you’re going to remix?
Usually these days, the artist or label comes head hunting us. But sometimes, being the only house DJ in Bimbo Jones, I have a good ear for a future anthem’s and end up badgering a label to let us remix a track before it’s even been released. For example Solu Music – Fade and Tim Berg – “Bromance”.

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It almost seems like a week doesn’t go by without “Bimbo Jones” being listed at the top of the Billboard chart. How would you describe the “Bimbo Jones sound?”
Its energy, feel-good factor house with a pulse. Just like my DJ sets!

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You’re bringing the talents of Bimbo Jones to New York City for the first time for the Saint At Large May Day party! Are you ready for the boys of New York City? What should they expect from you?
Yes I can’t wait! I hope everyone is gonna be as mad up for it as the crowd I headlined for at Mardi Gras in Sydney with David Guetta, Kelly Rowland, Carl Cox, Adam Lambert, and George Michael last year. Expect 4 deck live mixing, acapella’s, wild live bootlegs, new material, and no “emailing DJ” nonsense off a laptop. I always DJ to the people, I thrive off it!

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You’ve remixed everyone from Britney Spears to Janet Jackson to of course, Pink! Who is left that you want to work with?
Madonna, Missy Elliot (we love her vocal), and Jay Z; we could make sound wicked! But people please, don’t forget we not only remix, but also produce and songwrite too! I love doing top line, too.

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I hear you have some interesting collaborators on your next album, including “American Idol” alumni Blake Lewis! Any hints you can give me on the new album/collaborators?

Yes the new album is sounding fab! We have been writing with Cyndi Lauper, Sergio Mendes, Katherine Ellis, Angie Brown, Cyko Logic, and Gramma Funk just to name just a few! Plus look out for new Lee Dagger tracks with the likes of Shannon, Barbara Tucker, Kristine W, Kosheens’ Sian, Kelsey B and more. Great times ahead!!!

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Every remixer has those mixes that just have not gotten to see the light of day aka the “unreleased” gems. Any hidden treasures that the public may eventually get to see?
Yes of course heaps! Two Pink mixes that never saw the light of day, Empire of the Sun, Mary J Blige, P Diddy -there are heaps, and when I play them worldwide in the clubs, they go off! Which is great & an added bonus; in one way, that they weren’t chosen, so it keeps them more personal for me in my Lee Dagger and Bimbo Jones DJ sets.

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What is this I hear about a possible Cyndi Lauper collaboration?
Yes she is fab! Look out for a hot new house track and maybe more, plus a Broadway show we’re working together on! Also we did a fab track with Charo, she is lovely!

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What’s next for Bimbo Jones?
Well I have been lucky enough to DJ everywhere from Siberia, Australia, Hong Kong to Ibiza, Miami and beyond, but never South America so let’s wait and see.

Hopefully if my wishes come true, we may end up writing new tracks with some of my vocal idols like Stevie Wonder, Pink, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliot, Beastie Boys, Kylie, and more. I also LOVE 60′s music and would love to do a updated track with Beach Boys, Cream, the Doors or someone like that. Look out for our next album and thanks to all for your continued support!

Click here to visit Bimbo Jones’ official site.

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with HEX HECTOR

One of the reasons MUZOPHILE even exists is because of this man right here: Hex Hector. Over the years, if I could count the hours I’ve spent listening to his stuff and dancing to his beats….well, it’s a lot of hours. My addiction to club music began in my teens – then in my 20s, this man was on the mixmaking front line – and he hasn’t slowed up!

The first time I realized in black and white how much I really was a fan of his work was last year when I did the MUZOPHILE Decade Collection: 100 Greatest Club Hits of the 2000s. Once it was finished, I tallied up which remixer appeared the most, and it was Hex.

Hex, very grateful for you and your work – and big thanks to mah boi Mikey for taking the time to talk with the mixmaster. Lets see what up:

Hex, thanks so much for talking to me! How’d you originally get started spinning records?

Watching my late uncle Joey spinning records in his bedroom in the late 70′s.

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Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” was the point in your career that many people started to take notice of the legend that would one day be Hex Hector! How did it feel to become such a major player in the remix world so suddenly?

At that point, I had been spinning records for over 16 years. It really did not seem so sudden to me. LOL. I have to say, I never noticed I was a major player at any point in my career. I worked so hard that it never really sunk in.

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While Deborah Cox was a successful R&B singer, you literally transformed her into a major gay/dance floor icon with your mixes of “It’s Over Now” and “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here.” How does it feel to have made such an impact on one person’s career?

I loved working with Deborah! We always had fun in the studio re-cutting vocals and goofing around. The woman is a major talent and the sweetest thing you’d ever met; We definitely had musical chemistry!  I got her and she got me. I guess that was the secret our success.

Muzo Note: Hex’s mix of Deborah Cox’s ‘Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here‘ is – dare I say!? – arguably the greatest club remix of all time – just sayin’!

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From Anastacia (“One Day In Your Life”) to Kina (“Girl From The Gutter”), you’ve taken smaller-known artists and turned them into dance floor legends. How do you choose the artists that you decide to work with?

9 times out of 10 the artist and/or the record labels chose me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with some crazy talented people. There were some clunkers though.

Muzo Note: A personal Hex addiction of mine: Anastacia’s ‘I’m Outta Love’

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Some of your biggest hits were as part of “HQ2″ with Mac Quayle. How did the partnership come about?

Jellybean Benitez introduced me to Mac a few years before we became partners. It was during that one session when I knew that I’d be doing great things with this dude. Turns out I was right!  Mac is one of the most talented keyboard players and engineers I’ve ever worked with.

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Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston-you have worked with some legendary names! Who is on Hex Hector’s “wish list” to remix?

I’m pretty much done with the remixing game. How much further can I go with it? I think I’ve taken it as far as it can go for me, personally.

Muzo Note: While that literally breaks my heart, passion is passion – one of my personal mantras is to really embrace something you love while you have it…you never know when it’s gonna be gone…and that is the absolute truth. I miss U already. Oh the hell with that, NO!!!! You can’t stop! lol

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You seem to have done it all & worked with everyone. What possibly could be next for Hex Hector? Any top-secret mixes coming up that you can give us a hint on?

I’ve just scored my first film. It’s called “GWB” That is my primary focus today. I’ve moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a composer. That’s where my head is at. I’m still not done with House Music. Not by a long shot. I just dropped a mix CD on Nervous Called “Allura” It’s a sexy, chill and soulful set. Something you can groove to at home or in the car. It’s on iTunes and Amazon. (Muzo Note: Hey guys, U can preview the album at either of those links.)

I’m also working with some talented new singers on new music strictly for the dancefloor! No crossover radio garbage! Deep, dirty-ass House Music!

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Muzo Note: Man, it’s not often I get starstruck, but wow – big love to you, Hex!  I know you’ve heard it a million times, but truly, thank you for all you’ve done for our dance community – and best to you on your future ventures. Without you, there prob would’ve never been a Muzo, so big thx!!

And with that said…I’ve already included some links above to my personal Hex faves, but this one right here  - well, it’s my personal topper…

Lets just say…right when the remix in this vid below was about to blow up in the early 2000s, I remember walking down Santa Monica Blvd. in WeHo with my friends saying to them, ‘ There’s this new mix you HAVE to hear…oh wait! Listen! That song playing in Micky’s, that’s it, that’s the song I’m talking about!’ …Kept on walking… ‘Oh wait, Rage is playing it, too!’ …Kept walking, ‘Holy shit, Perfect Beat [RIP] is playing it, too!’ …Crossed the street, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if Abbey was playing….holy shit!’ You get the drift lol!

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with Dance Diva BILLIE RAY MARTIN

Very cool! Dance diva Billie Ray Martin is set to release a new EP ‘Sold Life’ on April 26 – and Mikey got up close and personal with the diva who talks up her forthcoming album, new track ‘Sweet Suburban Disco,’ her foray into DJing, work with Junior Vasquez, forthcoming album with The Opiates, which sounds frickin’ awesome btw, and more:

*****Check out the FREE DOWNLOADS BILLY RAY MARTIN’s Offering at Her Official Site*****

M: Billie, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me! “Sweet Suburban Disco” is your latest track, and it gives us everything we expect from classic Billie Ray Martin; a throbbing dance track with your signature hypnotic vocals. What’s the meaning behind this glorious track?

BRM: It’s a “noir” version of Saturday Night Fever’s theme, if you will. A woman who, to avoid dealing with the grimness of suburban life’s limitations, dances the nights away. Stopping would mean dying. Whether out of boredom or more severe mental distress remains the question…

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M: Junior Vasquez is a big fan of yours, and has remixed many of your past tracks; 18 Carat Garbage, Space Oasis, and Running Around Town to name a few. What is it about him that makes your working relationship such magic?

BRM: Junior has a great skill to slam a song to the floor, without losing it’s initial spirit. This skill makes his work timeless. It would be magic to see him go back in time right now and try some classic old-school vibes. Not jumping on the retro-bandwagon, but creating something beautiful, song-based and classic. He was one of the people who did that back then; it would be great!

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M: Recently, you’ve also begun taking some time behind the decks as a D.J.!  How different is it getting crowd reaction from behind the turntables as opposed to performing vocally for your audience?

BRM: DJ’ing is an instant high! First there’s the whole adrenaline – fear thing. What if I press the wrong button? Once you’re going, the feedback of the crowd is instant, no complicated judgments, just pure enjoyment! You go home with an achievement, if it went well, so it’s a rounded situation. You go in, you perform, and you go home with a result. Also you don’t have to dress up if you don’t feel like it; a bonus! Singing is more involved; it’s so physical that it becomes a more complicated experience.

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M: Who would you love to work with right now?

BRM: Me and the wonderful producer/writer/singer Colin Waterson are a production team. We’re working on my album songs. I’m most happy with this collaborative situation. Other than that, Beth Ditto (lead singer of “The Gossip”) maybe?

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M: You’ve always received so much love from the NJ/NYC area; the boys of NYC always love to hit the dancefloor to your tracks, and Larry Flick of Sirius OutQ is a huge fan! How are the fans of New Jersey/New York different from fans around the world?

BRM: They show love and are not holding back; I love this. They support and respect the artist and their efforts, they get it!  It’s a rewarding thing to play in front of NYC/New Jersey, but also U.S.A. audiences in general. In terms of my career highlight, which so far is “Your Loving Arms,” NYC feels like the number one home. It broke the song across the U.S.A.

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M: I remember coming out and “Your Loving Arms” was an anthem for myself and many of my friends dipping our toes in the “manpond” so to speak. Any words for the kids just coming out and hearing your music? (Muzo note: Did he just say ‘manpond?’ lol)

BRM: I am not very good at giving meaningful speeches. I try to let the music talk whenever I can. However, Colin and me wrote a song called “Soul Defender,” which is possibly the most direct lyric I’ve ever done. It talks about the kids not giving up in the face of haters. It was written as a response to the suicides in America of gay youths, which saddened me greatly.

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M: What’s next for Billie Ray Martin?

BRM: On April 26, I’ve got a collaboration EP coming out with Hard Ton. It’s going to be mad! It’s called “The Sold Life EP” and has 2 songs and various remixes.  Two months after that, The Opiates album comes out, which is our album under the name The Opiates, with Robert Solheim; it’s a full-length electronica album. It’s a most exciting time for me!

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with Dance Diva INAYA DAY

The dancefloor would most certainly not be the same without Inaya Day. HUGE fan of hers, so thrilled about this! Diva took the time to talk up with my boy Mikey about what tracks she’s workin’ on now, the Biz, her new label, ‘circus music,’ forthcoming collabo with Crystal Waters and much more:

*****GET A FREE DOWNLOAD AT INAYA’s NEW OFFICIAL SITE****

M: Inaya, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me! You are an icon! Our dance floors would not be the same without “Movin Up,” “Can’t Stop Dancin,” “Keep Pushin On,” and of course, “Nasty Girl.” How do you manage to choose tracks that become such instant classics?

ID: Well, I figure if the music moves me, it’ll probably move others. If I believe in it, just maybe, I can make others believe it, too. Other than that, it’s left to luck and blessings.

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M: You have a very recognizable sound, “very big room, hands in the air anthem.” How do you think the world of dance music has changed in terms of sound?

ID: Well, it seems music is now more made up of a collection of random sounds rather than ANY instruments. The musicality is most times lost and not many classics are being made. A lot of the music sounds alike. Creativity is lacking. I call it ‘circus music.’There’s no depth, and it leaves me with nothing to dance to or FEEL. Good music gets you by. GREAT music makes you FEEL something for the rest of your life.
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M: You also have worked with one of Muzo’s favorite (and featured) DJ’s, Eddie Kay, who actually directed the video for “Say You Will.” What is it like working with him?

ID: Eddie Kay is AWESOME! He’s done a FEW projects for me and there is no end to his talents. He’s always helpful and insightful. He’s much valued in my camp.

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M: You’ve worked with some other big name DJs in the industry: Mike Cruz & Harry “Choo Choo” Romero to name a few. Who else is on your “wish list” of DJ’s to work with?

ID: My WISH list? Hmn. I’d love to work with my buddy, Dennis Ferrer, but he usually steers clear of established artists…BUT, ya never know. In the meantime, I’ll continue to dance to his music as if no one’s watchin’  :-)I’d also love to collab with another buddy; Frankie Knuckles. He’s standing by for me to send him some vocals, so my wish may come true.

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M: From “Nasty Girl” to “Glamorous Life,” you took some ’80s tracks and gave them the “Inaya” treatment! Any other classic tracks you may want to update and put your own spin on them?

ID: Yes indeed… I’ve laid vocals for two more Prince tunes… love him, and I have a remake of a Sub-Sub song in the works.

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M: The world of marketable dance music (and music in general) has changed dramatically. You recently started your own record label. Is this as a result of the changes in dance music marketability?

ID: It’s actually a result of labels no longer doing their part to promote. If the only thing a label will do is release a song, I figure I can do THAT myself….. so, I AM. I figure no one will believe in my music more than I, so, I’ve cut out the middle man. If I’m gonna heighten the profile of a label, why not have it be my own…. giving it a shot.  :-)

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M: We hear that you have a track coming up with the iconic Crystal Waters!? How did that powerhouse partnership come about?

ID: AH! Crystal’s a friend of mine, and I asked if she’d write a song for us to sing for my upcoming full project. It’s a fun song and almost done with production. Can’t wait!

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M: The boys always give you so much love from the dance floors! Got a message for your fans that you’d like to relay?

ID: Yes. Thanks to everyone who supports the arts, especially my music! (wink) I hope I can continue to keep you dancing!

Grab a FREE download from http://www.InayaDay.com

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with Porn Star MATTHEW RUSH

He’s one of my favorites, and if you aren’t familiar with Matthew Rush from his work in Falcon, MenOver30 (NSFW), ManifestMen, Dominic Ford, ‘L.A.Zombie,’ his numerous GayVN and Grabby noms and wins and much, much more, spend a few minutes with the hottie, who talks up everything from his days as a personal trainer to his forthcoming work in the horror biz.

***Hell yeah he’s hot – more of him here. (NSFW)***

Big thanks to Mikey for taking the time to talk with Matthew. Lets get to it:

M: How did you end up entering the world of adult entertainment?

MR: I was living in Columbus, OH, working as a personal trainer. I was out at a club one night when I was approached by Bill VanBoklen, who was a Falcon representative. I had no intention of doing porn, but Bill seemed to be a cool guy so we chatted for a bit. We had a lot in common so we exchanged numbers so we could keep in contact.

Fast forward a few years later, I went to work one morning only to find out that my gym had closed without notice. As I was driving home Bill calls me. I told him my dilemma, and he suggested that I give Falcon a shot. After sleeping on it, I thought what the heck. The rest is history.

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M: You’ve worked with some of the legends in the industry: Erik Rhodes, Johnny Hazzard, and been directed by Chi Chi LaRue. What would be considered your “favorite scene”?

MR: I think the most memorable scenes were the scenes that were shot in Sydney Australia for “Good as Gold” and In New Zealand for “Cross Country.” Both places are beautiful, which made the scenes really fun to shoot because it was out of the norm.

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M: You’ve recently entered the world of directing. What do you enjoy about directing as opposed to being in front of the camera?

MR: It’s always a challenge, and I love a good challenge because you never know what’s going to happen. Nothing ever goes according to plan so you have to be good at problem solving, and you have to be creative. There’s something about being able to create my sexual fantasies on camera. Plus being behind the camera, I don’t have to worry about how my body looks.

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M: You’re known for having a pretty amazing physique. What are some of your secrets in terms of your work-out regime?

MR: Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. I used to be a competitive bodybuilder so I apply a lot of the discipline.

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M: Are there any particular performers that are on your “wish list” to work with?

MR: When I first started in the industry, I really wanted to work with Mike Branson. He was my porn crush but he retired shortly after I started working for Falcon.

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M: You’re now a resident of Ft. Lauderdale! What do you love most about living in the “Sunshine State”?

MR: You really can’t beat the weather here. I’m a T-shirt and shorts type of guy. Plus I love kayaking, and Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to kayak. It’s also really laid back here. I can be myself and not have to worry about anything.

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M: Some of your porn counterparts have entered into the music business, be it as an artist or a D.J. Ever consider taking a turn behind the microphone?

MR: I’ll stick to what I know! I can’t sing, and there isn’t enough auto tune in the world that’s going to make me sound good.

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M: What’s next for Matthew Rush?

MR: I’m going to be working with Muscle Wolf Productions. It’s a B horror movie company that uses big beefy muscle guys in their films. I love horror movies and this is completely different than anything anyone else is doing. It’s a fairly new company, and hopefully you’ll be seeing a lot of cool things from them in the near future.

Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with RALPHI ROSARIO

Originally published Sept. 5, 2010

Very excited to get up close and personal with Ralphi Rosario – one half of the infamous Rosabel (pictured above), he is – without a doubt- clubfloor royalty.

Big thanks to Mikey for taking the time to chat up Ralphi. Make sure to check out his latest work at Masterbeat.

Now, Ralphi talks how he likes to geek out when going solo, what it’s like working with DJ Abel and the challenges of working in a team, how working Gwen‘s track wasn’t all that ‘Cool’ and his new indie label Cha Cha Boom! Recordings – lets get to it…

M: How did you get started on the road to spinning records?

RR: Its been since 1979; Doing various radio mix shows, private events & various Chicago clubs. I started all this while I was an 8th grader into high school!

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M: You’re credited with essentially creating the phrase ‘House Music’ along with the crew of the Chi-Town radio show Hot Mix Five. How does it feel to have put such a definitive stamp on the world of dance music?

RR: So much has happened since then; I’m honored to have such a stamp on my life. But for me, it’s all about moving forward.  House is still a great listening pleasure, but music has evolved & so have I. I’ve tons of respect for my fellow house DJs & always will.

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M: Many of your mixes have become legendary on the dance floor, like Pussycat Dolls ‘Don’t Cha’ & Bob Sinclair‘s ‘World Hold On.’ How do you choose songs that become such dance floor anthems?

RR: I really don’t ‘choose’ these songs; I’m usually presented with them & if I hear something there & I’m into it, I can usually call out the potential it has. In its original form of course.

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M: Not only do you do mixes solo, but you also mix under the Rosabel mantle, along with DJ Abel. How does the experience working alone feel as opposed to working as a team?

RR: Teamwork is very hard. Rosabel for me is a totally different monster. I’m influenced by various types of music. When I work solo (most of the time), I can get my ideas across soo much faster! LOL. Since I program, play & geek out at heart, it’s very easy. When its a Rosabel thing, it usually takes longer to get a point across.

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M: Your mixes always turn out amazing – a personal favorite: your breathtaking remix of Gwen Stefani’s ‘Cool.’ What was it like for you when creating that mix?

RR: Like DJ’ing; if it feels good, I go for it! Actually, I was sooo against doing that ‘Cool’ song. In this case, the artist didn’t see the wider spectrum of stuff.  It was a sweet song, and making it tough was a horrible experience.

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M: You’ve mixed tracks for some of the biggest divas out there (Celine, Gwen, Madonna), yet also have given some fierce mixes to the ‘up & coming’ names in dance, like Deborah Cooper & Shauna Soloman. What are the differences between working with more experienced artists, as opposed to the newcomers?

RR: On both plateaus, I love delivering a note-worthy mix. If it’s a strong song, it all comes together.  When you’re dealing with a major artist, your dealing with everyone else too: The label, the management, etc… When you’re doing an indy thing, the communication is better and things move faster.

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M: You’re coming to spin for the boys of Asbury Park @ Paradise this summer. Is this going to be your first time spinning in Asbury?

RR: Yes it is, and I’m very, very excited! Shep Pettibone and I go way back!  I’ve always had this enormous respect for someone who’s not only influenced myself but a WHOLE time table of music lovers. It’s an honor to be playing @ Paradise.

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M: Any artists out there that you’d like to work with that you haven’t gotten to work with as of yet?

RR: Right now; No one. I’m very content with all the great artists that have passed through my studio monitors!! But if there WAS ONE person?? Hmmmm…I’d actually love to write with Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys.

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M: What’s next for Ralphi Rosario?

RR: Right now, my Indy/Online label is launched & solely on Masterbeat; It’s called Cha Cha Boom! Recordings. It’s my outlet for my craziness; raw, unscripted & big naughty tracks.

I’ve always loved putting out my own music, and and this is just another way of expressing myself.  Cha cha Boom! recordings will be on other various sites soon.

Q&A: Even Dance Diva KIMBERLEY LOCKE Has a Celebrity Crush

Originally published Aug. 18, 2010

It’s been quite sometime since I’ve been an ‘American Idol’ addict – but season 2, I was hooked on contestant Kimberley Locke – like, in a scary way lol (AT&T made so much damn money off me for the number of times I texted in for her, it’s ridic.) While she didn’t take the crown (it went to Ruben Studdard), she was a top-4 finalist and went on to become a new dance diva, who I absolutely adore.

Kimberley is now working with Randy Jackson and is signed to his label Dream Merchant 21 – her new single ‘Strobelight’ (click here to get it in iTunes) is an instant dance classic (with some very hot mixes already done up). After much stalking, she finally caved in and talked with us lol Big thanks to my boy Mikey for making it happen! Lets get to it…

M: You worked on your latest single ‘Strobelight’ with ‘American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson. Does this single mean a new album is on the horizon as well?

KL: Basically, the contract that I have with Dream Merchant 21 is a ‘singles only’ deal with a new single being released every 6 to 8 months. These singles may very well lead to a full-length album.

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Click here to check out the ‘Strobelight’ remixes at Masterbeat.

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M: You’ve been embraced by the gay community since your time on ‘Idol.’ What is it about you that you think resonates with the LGBT community?

KL: The gay community has a keen sense when it comes to music. They appreciate good music. More importantly they value real singers.

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M: ‘American Idol’ certainly has changed since your time on the show. What do you think of the potential new judging panel, including Jennifer Lopez & Steven Tyler?

KL: I think ‘American Idol’ has done so much for both the television and music worlds. The new season will be fresh and exciting as usual. The new mix up with the judges will be interesting, but that’s just another great reason to tune in.

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M: You’ve had some of your tracks remixed by some amazing mixers, such as Almighty (‘Band Of Gold’), Scotty K (‘Change’) and, of course, Tony Moran & Warren Rigg (‘Strobelight’). How does it feel to be in a club when one of your mixes comes on?

KL: It’s just as exciting as hearing it on the radio!  When I hear it in the club, the incentive is seeing people’s reaction.  I get to see first hand how much people really enjoy my music.  People can tell you how much they love it, but something magical happens when you are on the dance floor and one of your favorite songs comes on.
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M: Does being an up & coming dance diva leave you much time for a social life?

KL: I always try to make time for myself. It’s so important. It may be a quick trip to NY or Nashville to hang out with my friends. Depending on what I need at that time, I may disappear to Hawaii for a few days. If it’s fun or private time I need, I try to take care of myself. I learned early on that I can’t work non-stop… Even God rested.

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M: Ok, we all have one. Who’s your celebrity crush?

KL: Hmmmmmm…. Right now my celebrity crush is Eminem. (As I laugh a little). There is something about him that is very intriguing…

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M: Which artists would you love to work with that you haven’t had the chance to work with yet?

KL: I would love to work with Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys and even Eminem. I’m sure there are more. We all have our wish list.

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M: Jennifer Hudson has gone from the ‘Idol’ stage to the Academy Awards, and Fantasia has starred on Broadway. Any chance of seeing Kimberley Locke flexing her acting chops?

KL: Acting is something that I would love to do at some point. I go on auditions and am taking classes here and there. I am prepared to put in the time and work for the right role on Broadway or the big screen.

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M: What’s next for Kimberley Locke?

KL: I am actually working on some really exciting things that are just around the corner. I don’t want to jinx them, so I try not to talk about them. When they come to fruition, I will gladly tell you all about them!

Click here to visit Kimberley Locke on MySpace.