By Juan Porrata
How do you maintain your prolific production release schedule when challenged by such a hectic travel schedule?
I do all of my production on my laptop and portable studio. I usually bring several batteries for long and boring flights! I also work between shows in hotel rooms. Actually, some of my favorite tracks were done this summer on the long train rides in Europe between cities. It's really inspiring to be working on the road because you get to see new things as well as get work done. It's the best of both worlds.
Tell me about some of your most recent memorable gigs?
I'd have to say this year has been extremely memorable. Beijing (China) was great because the culture is so different there. Marlboro sponsored the tour so they had girls in shiny sequined motorcycle suits dancing by the dj booth all night. They drink a lot of whisky and play dice & poker games at the tables in the clubs. I ate really strange (to me) food, and partied until early in the morning. Another great party was Dance Valley in Amsterdam. It had over 40,000 people and lasted 2 days with some of the biggest artists in the world. There was a wide variety of music and plenty of "activities" to keep you entertained! Core Club in Tokyo rocked! The city is so clean and everyone is so nice and polite there. There is so much to do and they love house music! Krakow (Poland) was great because it was on the edge of Europe and everything was so different and reasonably priced. The food was amazing, gambling was fun, and the girls were top notch! Florianopolis (Brazil) has over 100 beaches and the parties there didn't stop! Very beautiful place with great people. This year was really fun!
What long-term goals would you like to achieve both personally and/or professionally?
My record label "Weapon" is getting major digital distribution starting early next year. I'm doing a special Weapon 20th release with remixes of one of my biggest songs, "Movin' Thru Your System." Getting the record label to where it's consistently pumping out hits would definitely be a major goal for the next year. The release and success of the "Motive" artist album series and a continued global touring schedule is definitely a priority. I would also like to get my night "Weapon New York" to be one of the main destinations for the funky and bangin' house and techno sound with guest djs from around the world and me as the monthly resident. Artists like Umek, Hertz, Valentino Kanzyani, Dave Clarke, Joey Beltram, Cave, and more are all in the works for the amazing underground club here in New York.
Any Thanks / Shout Outs to your peeps?
All those who have helped along the way, I'm gratefully indebted to you! Thank you!
And Lastly, DDM readers want to know - Nintendo Wii or Playstation 3?
I can't play video games cause I'm an addict but I'd have to go with the Playstation 3. Go Cowboys!
