CP NEWS: The Fabulous Life of Louie DeVito

[ddm-news]

-Gina Grinstead

You don’t have to be the world’s most renowned DJ to be the world’s best selling DJ. Just ask Louie DeVito. He landed in Guinness record books when his NYC Underground Party compilation sold 450,000 copies, more than twice that of the previous record holder (some dude named Oakenfold.) But he’s not resting on his laurels. DeVito’s got a new CD, several more slated for release in the fall, and an upcoming tour of all twenty worldwide Pacha clubs. In his limited free time you can find him at a Yankees game or cruising along the Belt Parkway in one of his many luxury vehicles. Even if he doesn’t have the greatest recognition, at least he has the best rides. And, psst, ladies, he’s still single.

Clubplanet: As a long-time clubber living in New Jersey, how do you feel about the terms “guido” and “bridge and tunnel”? They’re not exactly used as compliments...

Louie DeVito: I actually just read an article on Clubplanet about the whole bridge-and-tunnel crowd coming into the city. I was born in Brooklyn, grew up on Staten Island, and now I live in New Jersey so I probably am a bridge-and-tunnel person, but I think that’s nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of the big venues in the city aren’t getting two thousand people from Manhattan to fill up those rooms. With guys like JP or Erick Morillo or Roger Sanchez, I wouldn’t be surprised if 75% of the crowd is from outside the city. These are people who care about dance music, they’re paying the cover charges, paying to park, all that stuff to be in the city, so I think they should be welcomed, not shunned.

You’ve gotten some criticism in the club community for being, if not a sell-out, too mainstream. How do you respond to that?

Louie DeVito: I always say you can’t be afraid to play a record. Look at Erick Morillo. I think Erick Morillo is the top DJ in America and probably the world right now, and when you hear him play he’s not afraid to drop a record that was big four or five years ago. Often it started out as a cool underground record, and when a radio station like KTU adds it, it’s a go-to record you can play to get the dance floor going. My feeling is that once a record becomes really big people should support it more rather than pulling away from it.

Any other advice for bedroom DJ’s looking to achieve your level of success?

Louie DeVito: Probably out of every ten emails I get I would have to say five of them are from up-and-coming DJs. My biggest thing is to believe in yourself and not worry about what other DJs say. If you’re at a party and the whole room is moving and there’s a great vibe in there you’re doing your job.

You’ve certainly done your job. I hear you have a thing for cars…

Louie DeVito: Yeah, right now I have three. I sold my Ferrari last summer and my Lamborghini a month ago. I do have a new Ferrari on order that should be here in the fall.

Maybe I’ve just watched too many Cribs episodes, but I always wonder whether people with multiple vehicles actually drive them all, or if they just sit around gathering dust like my little sister’s model horse collection. Do you have a favorite?

Louie DeVito: I just bought a BMW M6, and I wouldn’t say that’s my favorite, but it’s the most practical. I drive that every day. The Bentley is more when I’m going out in the city or out to dinner. And the truck, the Porshe Cayenne Turbo, that’s for when I’m going to Yankee games or into the city for meetings or DJing.

Are you a big Yankee fan?

Louie DeVito: I have a Yankees gallery in my basement, and, outside of DJing, the Yankees are my second passion. I have season tickets with the Yankees, so hopefully I’ll be able to pass them along to my son.

Oh, you have a son?

Louie DeVito: No, just, you know, if I do get married one day I’d love to pass ‘em along.

Get more about Louie DeVito at his official site.

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