If you like house music or even listen to the radio at night, you have probably heard the name Louie Devito. He has captured audiences worldwide both live and at home. His CDs include the “NYC Underground” series, “Dance Factory,” “Trance Sessions.” His latest CD, “NYC Underground Vol. 5,” was recently awarded Best Compilation at the American Dance Music Awards.
His career began when he bought a pair of 1200’s and began spinning in his room until he was good enough to land his first gig. He is now one of the major names associated with dance music. He is also the number-one selling DJ in America.
Unlike European DJ’s like Cox, Okenfold and Van Dyk, he is American made. Devito has recently established a monthly residency here in Boston, at Avalon, and he will be on the decks this Saturday as well.
I was lucky enough to catch up with Louie this week and ask him his thoughts on both his residency and career. He was more than willing to talk.
Q: What do you think of Boston and its people?
A: I love it here, I’ve had time to meet some people here and you guys are great. I always get a positive and friendly response here. Boston is a great city.
Q: Have you given any thoughts to releasing a song?
A: I’m actually working on a couple of remixes, but the most recent project was a remix of “Willing and Able” that I worked on with Aubrey.
Q: Is there anyone that you would like to work with in the future?
A: I think it would be interesting to work with someone like Whitney [Houston] in the future.
Q: Do you see a future here?
A: Absolutely, I’ve spun here multiple times and I love it.
Q: Who were the major influences in your career?
A: Definitely Scott Blackwell and Franco Iamello [WKTU in NYC]. I used to watch and listen to these guys and it was shocking to me the control that they had over the crowd.
Q: What was your first gig like for you?
A: I was nervous, it was at Club Hollywood in Seaside Heights, NJ.
Q: Did you find that control over the crowd at your first gig?
A: No, actually it wasn’t until about two years ago that I found that it was coming to me. [Devito has been DJing for almost a decade.]
Q: Your name is now mentioned with the top DJs in the world, what’s it like to be at the top?
A: I don’t see myself at the top, not even close. I think that I have a long way to go before I get there, I’m still learning.
Q: What do you think is a key quality of a good DJ?
A: Playing for the crowd. I think that a DJ should play for the crowd. There’s a lot of DJs that play for other DJs [for recognition] and forget about the crowd. I mean it feels so good to see hands in the air and people dancing all night when you’re on the decks. I like to mix it up and play something that will get people moving. That’s why I’m spinning, to get people dancing and to create a high-energy atmosphere.
If you want nonstop energy, rhythm, and beats, then you should check out Louie at Avalon on Saturday, March 29, or check out his website, www.deeveemusic.com. Also look for “Dance Divas,” in stores April 15.