Etoiles pull a big crowd every weekend, how are you going to keep them entertained?
I’ve always arranged songs the way I would arrange a great band. Put the strings just behind the drums, put the vocals on the edge of vulnerability and keep the bass going. So many DJs I know get bored of their craft because they fall into a routine but I like to challenge myself to bring out a sound that’s familiar but unheard of.
Give us some insight into what it’s like to be Lady Gaga’s DJ.
There was a time that was really amazing where I was the DJ and the tour manager and the friend and the casting director of the music video. The music business is hard work and doing what you love has almost nothing to do with doing what you like.
What is the lady like?
When I was 24 I met a 20 year old theatre-school dropout who devoured stories about what the older bands were like, how the shows went. She took so much inspiration from the people who came before her. But now I think those people take that same measure of inspiration from her.
What was it like being in her video for ‘Just Dance’?
It’s in my nature to over-prepare. In the weeks before it was coming I volunteered for several music videos just to see what it was like. We had a Hollywood casting agent and they did great but it didn’t feel right. Once I got on set I called in as many favors as I could and we really made that shoot rock. But you know what was really amazing? That’s the first time I saw Gaga as the creative director. She would watch the VTR between takes while the extras would go for a smoke and talk about what they’d do after wrap. But it was Gaga who decided that we needed another take.
In New York, you are known are the Nicest Guy in Nightlife – why would you say this is?
Thanks. I remember being young and new-in-town and I didn’t know what was cool or where I should go or what was totally lame. So I just didn’t care. I had tons of fun all over the place because I wasn’t going to waste my night out. Then when I threw parties I just decided for myself that anyone who cared to come out was awesome. If I am known as the nicest guy in nightlife it is because I think that it’s just so nice that so many great people come see me play records or check out the bands I support.
What is it like being a DJ in New York?
It’s the best! Furthermore, New York is the ultimate hustle, whether you’re a pizza place or a night club. I love New York. But I also love returning to New York after a brutal tour where I can go to my favorite pizza place and chill out or hit up my friends’ night club.
DJ VH1 will be playing Etoiles at Emirates Palace on 8 June from 11.30pm-4am (02 690 8960).
