Remixing biographies: Louie Vega
This is a rewrite of Louie Vega’s bio, based on an interview with NPR, another interview with RA, and an interview with Mixmag. An attempt at improving the basics — using the active voice, removing clichés, putting the emphasis on the right places, fixing punctuation and spelling, and generally shortening things — it is also a personal exercise in applying “The Elements of Style”.
Within the global dance music scene, Louie Vega represents New York City. Growing up in the Bronx, Louie was fascinated with the sounds he heard play on the street — jazz, latin, gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and funk — and with the records he heard his dad — a tenor saxophonist for over 50 years — play at home. Louie remembers, “He always listened to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, all the music of the greats, and I would hear that as a child.”
Louie’s older sister introduced the 14 year old to club culture, taking him to see Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage in the early 80’s; fascinated by the experience, Louie soon started playing music at block parties and clubs. Later, as part of Masters At Work — consisting of himself and Kenny Dope — Louie helped define the sound that emerged from NYC in the 90’s.
Obsessing over production values — the quality of recording, drum sounds, and mastering — the duo released a string of records that became instant classics. MAW, KenLou, Sole Fusion, Nuyorican Soul — these are but a few of the monikers under which music was produced; music you are still likely to hear play at any club in Ibiza.
Allowing serendipity into his life, Louie enjoys mingling with the next generation of house pioneers. One day, at the studio of Radio Sonica in Ibiza, to his surprise — Sonica being home to a more electronic sound of dance music — Louie heard Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star” play in the other room. Venturing out to investigate, Louie found the usually Boston-based DJ and production duo Soul Clap playing next door; a friendly chat followed, and collaborations ensued.
Louie has always felt a particular love for the latin sound emanating from NYC’s very own Fania Records; a passion shared by the The Martinez Brothers, another young DJ and producer duo whom Louie mentored and collaborated with. Louie recalls “every time I would go to their studio, I’d walk in and I’d hear Héctor Lavoe.”
Today, Louie remains busy; touring the world with his tech Moses Montoya — Louie’s DJ sets are famous for his using of a carefully setup booth, including three decks and an isolator, as a musical instrument — and releasing music under his own Vega Records. A latest release is the compilation titled “Expansions in the NYC”, based on the namesake party’s unique vibe. Including artists from all over the world and a variety of musical styles, the album reflects Louie’s vision of NYC: hustling streets and mixing cultures.
