AIL Meets Louie Vega of Masters at Work

One half of the legendary DJ duo Masters At Work, Louie Vega has been a leading pioneer of dance music for twenty years; creating everything from house to Latin, soul to hip-hop. This Bank Holiday weekend he headlines the Groove Odyssey House Legends party at Ministry of Sound. We caught up with him to talk about the London scene, his musical appeal and fond memories of the late Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles.


Hi Louie. London has always held you dear to its heart and you play here regularly. How has the scene over here evolved over the years for you?

I really appreciate those words because London has always been in my heart as it’s the first place I went to on this side of the waters and the first crowd that embraced my sound and my style of DJing :-)

I'm glad we’re coming back around to the deep sound, with groups like Disclosure writing their songs with tracks that have elements of all of our old school sounds - that is a really good thing. There is also MK who had a number 1 hit and he comes from the same house world. And there are more and more new artists and DJs that are inspired by the scene, so there is a lot out there – and more coming – and it's becoming fresh again now! London has always been ahead of the curb with music but now more than ever. For the first time since the 90's, the deep sound is back in the charts and the kids want to know where this music came from. You will see various documentaries coming out in the near future from icons in the dance music industry and that knowledge/education of the roots is important for the generation today. Look out for the docs from Lil Louis, Masters At Work Anthology, Nicky Siano and more…


You were one of the original New York City pioneers of dance music with your partner, Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalez. What do you think has been the appeal of your sound and your DJ sets over the past 20 years?

The appeal of my sound? Well, I'd say most of all when I play music you can tell I'm giving you a piece of my soul. I transcend emotions through my DJing and I connect with the crowd - we become one. Even the people in the booth connect in the same way.
My sound is really just what I like. You can't really say I play a Latin sound, or a soul sound, or a gospel house sound, or a classic sound, or a tech sound - I play what I'm feeling at that time and it can pretty much go anywhere in time - music from today or yesterday, it's much deeper than just playing the music. When you’re with me in a room and I'm DJing, it's an experience. Lots of times people go through many emotions - crying, smiling, singing out loud - I've had people say I've saved their life - seriously.


How do you keep the mix experience and studio work fresh?

I keep the mix experience fresh by trying new gadgets and things. My mixing style is always the same, as in blending records, cutting them up, but what I do with them keeps it fresh. I have isolators, which allows me to speak to the audience and create dynamic effects that really bring out a reaction in people on the dance floor. There is also the remix 1000 Pioneer, which is a wonderful new toy I use.
As far as the studio goes, I'm always getting a new keyboard or plug-in or new piece of gear, which excites me and brings out new vibes in my keyboard playing. I can write an entire new song and come up with tracks just by hearing a new keyboard sound or plug in.
I get inspired in many ways so it’s never ending for me but it's all based on passion. I have a super strong passion for this music so it keeps me going - like a mojo!


You’re playing at Groove Odyssey alongside the legendary Josh Milan, who works with you on your Elements Of Life Project. Can you tell us how that came about?

Josh Milan is a very close friend, a brother to me. I've known him and Kevin Hedge for many years. We started working on Elements Of Life in 1999 when we first created the original song "Elements Of Life". It was Blaze Productions and me in the studio and I had a track and they had these amazing lyrics that fitted perfectly with the track. The track was different from other music I'd created before - it had more of a jazz, world, house, African, Latin, soul feel all combined. This opened a whole new door and sound for us once Blaze Productions were onboard. I was also just at the start of my relationship with Anane and once I heard she could sing and write we went in the studio and to my surprise she wrote in her native tongue, which is Cape Verdean. From there it grew and the Elements Of Life family was born.


Your new Elements Of Life album is out. What tracks are you releasing from the album?

My new Elements Of Life album is entitled 'Eclipse' and we are now preparing 5 EP's to be released throughout this year. Each EP will focus on the artists: Anane, Josh Milan, Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, and the Elements Of Life Band.


You’re something of a workaholic. Do you ever get tired and want to slow down?

It's more passion than work, that’s why I make music. I'm working on another new album now. The Louie Vega album.


With the news of the legendary Frankie Knuckles passing, can we ask how and when you met him?

I met Frankie in the late 80's at a club called The World and that was the first time we shook hands and were introduced. It went right into a hug - he's just that type of person. Very genuine, down to earth, humble, I mean, he was very special. You don't get more real than Frankie Knuckles, as well as being a super-talented DJ, producer and artist, he taught us all and will still be teaching us forever. He is the blueprint of a true DJ who stood true to himself and his music.


Do you have a favourite story about him?

My favorite story, hmmm, there are so many but here's one. For David Morales’ birthday we all played together in Mykonos at Cavo Paradiso and at one point the three of us were all in the DJ booth each working a piece of equipment. I felt there and then like I'd done it all! Just to be next to his presence in a DJ booth working together was huge for me - the feeling in the music that morning was magical!!
Frankie Knuckles to me was my friend, my big brother, my musical hero and an icon to us all!!!


What’s your favourite Frankie record?

I love lots of his music but "The Whistle Song" and "The Pressure" really brings out the emotion in me. Now I can't hear the songs without getting a knot in my throat.


Thanks for talking to us Louie. Before you leave us can you tell us what we should be listening to as we head out the door this Bank Holiday weekend?

As you head out the door play 'The Whistle Song’ and get ready for a slamming party :-)