Louie Vega Interview

Friday 5th March 2010 - 11:24:58

LOUIE VEGA just got behind the release of Soul Heaven, 10th Anniversary, and we caught up with him for a chat.

How important is Soul Heaven to you and why is you think they have been successful; proudly celebrating their 10th Anniversary?

At soul heaven we have always kept it real musically and all the djs have done wonderful work giving you the best in soul dance music. Soul Heaven always kept a close contact with the fans, and there is always an a class set of entertainment. With the cds, events worldwide, and quality of music they bring, you can't go wrong. They are also friendly with all fans and give them the time they deserve. 10 years is a long time to keep for an ongoing party, and soul heaven has proven themselves in our industry.

Your career spans way more than ten years but can you remember the time when you celebrated 10 years in the industry and as MAW?

I will never forget our 10-year anniversary (maw). We had a huge party in Miami at opium garden, over 2000 people and the best live entertainment you could ever have. We invited the Nuyorican Soul band to back up Roy Ayers, Bebe Winans, Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Jody Watley, and many more. Brazilian dancers, fireworks, the infamous MAW gift bags, and much more.

Soul Heaven brought together the soulful sounds of house and really gave it a worldwide stage. How have you seen dance music evolve over the last decade?

Dance music has evolved very much. From djs playing at the Olympics, to playing at the super bowl, working with cirque du soleil and even getting recognized at the Grammys with awards, dance music is growing in a big way. Many pop artists now are leaning towards dance music where before many in that world saw it as taboo. I only see it growing bigger in that way where the worlds will mix more musicially.

Are there any particular styles that you have seen arise and quite happily seen disappear...?

Well dance music always goes through its changes, many styles come have their light and go back to the underground till it happens again. All i can say is we all need to stay creative and true to the music we make, not be afraid to experiment and mesh the styles but make music you love and feel from your heart. That’s why house music is still here.

You've been involved with many compilation projects in your career, do you enjoy a more retrospective approach?

I like doing all kinds of compilations, I've recorded over 12 compilations to date and they've had variation. i always think about making a cd you can hear in your car, your house party, with wonderful energy for all. Sometimes the retro approach is great too because you can teach the new generation where it all comes from.

How did the album come about, how did you feel when you were asking to put together the 10th Anniversary Comp?

I was honored to be asked to mix and compile the soul heaven compilation. I've been involved with soul heaven since its conception and it felt right to be a part of this project. When MOS became the label of choice to release the cd, it came full circle, MOS is one of our landmarks in club music, it’s a pleasure to be involved with both those entities united!

Tell us a bit about the compilation and how you put the album together, how was the album mixed?

It took a few weeks to compile the album; i usually go 20 extra songs over the limit so there is enough. Sometimes all can't be cleared and some tunes do not make it. i mix a the body and i add effects and keyboard overdubs so there are exclusive bits all over, sometimes very subliminal. i also add a few exclusive Vega tunes.

What experience do you hope the listener has while checking out the new Soul Heaven Compilation?

I hope the listener enjoy a bit of the Soul Heaven experience and will come out to a soul heaven event near you to get the full on vibe. This cd can be played at a party, while you're getting ready, in your car driving, travelling, at your own house party, even at a club! During a course of a soul heaven night you get many colors of music within the atmosphere, i tried to fit some of that in these cds. Then you have the classics, I asked the soul heaven residents to each pick a few tunes, and they sent in and we picked enough to fit on one cd, they did an amazing job compiling.