Louie Vega is a man who knows house music. Along with Kenny "Dope" Gonzales they formed one of the most historic production and remix duo's in the form of the iconic 'Masters At Work'. Cutting his teeth playing house and block parties in his local Bronx neighborhood of New York he soon was rocking Manhattan's infamous Studio 54. We catch up with one NYC's most decorated spinners.

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What projects are you working now?

I am in the studio currently working on my ‘Elements of Life II’ album and I've executively produced an album entitled "Invocation" by Boddhi Satva (producer of the Invocation album). Kenny Hwang (my partner in merchandising) have a new clothing line Lv & Co. and our site is up to date with much of our merchandise, check it out at www.vegarecords.net

Can we expect new stuff from Vega Records?

Vega records is currently putting out 2 singles a month and has just celebrated its 100th single (What is the single called). We are very excited because we have been nominated at the Winter Music Conference for ‘Independent label of the year’. We have lots of goodies coming from Vega Records with producers ranging from Boddhi Satva, Madame X, Duce Martinez, Johnny Dangerous, Louie Gorbea, Fabio Genito, and we’re introducing The French Twins. Plus there will also be Luisito Quintero’s new album, and elements of life II.

You must be looking forward to hooking up with Bobby&Steve, Kevin Hedge and the legendary Leroy Burgess for Groove Odyssey in London?

I'm very excited about the event. Its been a long time since we've had an event altogether. It was a great surprise to see Kevin Hedge (blaze and my partner at roots) was on the bill, and now Leroy Burgess, the legend, wow!!!

How many years have you been coming to London?

It’s been many many years coming to london. I remember the high on hope days with Nnorman Jay, Energy, Sunrise, early Ministry, and of course the famed Garage City parties!!!

How does the London club vibe compare to one of your European events?

London Town baby!! Always special, a melting pot of wonderful people coming together to dance and have a great time!!! Always a lot of love coming from London for me and I appreciate it from the heart!!

People are still talking about when you played at the infamous Garage City Birthday Party's in London, what's your memories of those times?

Garage City birthdays, yes!! Remember the one with Bebe Winans, what a memorable night. Another with Barbara Tucker impromptu performance and she sang all her classics along with her rendition of "Circles" the atlantic starr gem. And us djing the night away with a crowd that really responds well and know their music!!! Thanks to you and the Garage City crew!!

If you could only play in one club, in one country of your choice, for the rest of your life, where would it be, and who would be your warm up Dj?

That’s a hard question. I love too many places around the world, there's London, Italy, Japan, and the lovely South Africa to name a few. I'd have to say New York City, where I'm from. My residencies here have all been memories of a lifetime. My opening DJ??? There are many choices. I'd have one a month. So they would get to do their thing for 4 weeks!!!

How often do you practice Dj sets at home and how long is the work out?

Its a natural thing for me, i don't practice mixing. I do record radio shows at home and I do listen to new tracks and songs to hear arrangements and they stick in my head. Of course with new equipment I would check it out at my studio etc.

How would you define the secret of your successful djing career?

My Djing career, I've been lucky enough to build a foundation around the world through Djing and making music. The fans keep me going when Djing, their appreciation when I play music really gives me power to do more. As far as producing, it’s always in my heart and a part of my life. When I produce and write songs it reflects that part of my life and what I was or am feeling at that moment.

The hardest part of Djing is the travelling as it does take a toll on your body physically. But I've become accustomed to the travelling and work hard on pacing myself with sleep whenever possible, eating correct, taking vitamins, staying as healthy as can be. My wife has a lot to do with that!!!! Anane keeps me healthy and grounded as well. I'm lucky to have her in my life!!! Anane and my son are a big inspiration for me!

I'm a very creative person, and always inventing new ideas (as a producer or DJ) is something I do well. I always like to try something that feels good to me, if it gives me chills when listening that’s a good sign. But all this I could not do without the incredible people I've met who have supported me through the years, and my team and family as well who are there for me 24/7. Thank you!!

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Sincere, honest, creative!!!!

Finally ... What is the key to making a good track house?

The key to making a good house track is picking unique sounds (bass, keys, sound effects, etc) when using keyboards or plug ins, playing pocket parts, good hooks whether musically or vocally, mixing the track well, and the recording is very important if you are recording live instruments, how you mic all instruments if acoustic, the sound in the room your recording in, I'll leave the rest to you.

Louie Vega will be in London for 'Groove Odyssey presents Louie Vega and Guests' on Saturday 6th November @ FIRE in Vauxhall.

Tickets are available through Don't Stay In

For all thing Louie Vega, check out www.vegarecords.net
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