Interview with New York DJ, Hector Fonseca

Hector Fonseca is excited to return to Philadelphia, where the NY based DJ had been a habitual spinner at Shampoo's Shaft party up to 2004. "I loved that party. I liked the layout of the room and the top-notch sound system. The crowd loved the NYC sound." Now, returning to Philly, Fonseca is the headliner at HX Philadelphia's First Anniversary Bash at Pure on October 6th. With this DJ riding high from his lastest Star 69 "NY Club Anthems Vol. 2." Voted by Out Magazine as "Hottest DJ," Hector is sure to be hot-to-trot for all his fans. We had a quick rap with the DJ, to give you an inside look at the man behind the melodies.

You're a Jersey boy, right? Were you into music as a child?
Jersey born and raised! I was definitely into music as child. I remember my mom had a great collection of vinyl and we'd listen to them on Saturdays. Of course, I dictated what was played! (Laughs) We listened to everyone from Michael Jackson to Tito Puento to Donna Summer. When I started to get an allowance, I started buying records myself. I was into pop stuff like Olivia Newton John, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran and Falco! I still have all those records I bought as a child.

Was their a single event that inspired you to become a DJ?
I'd point to two events. One would be Halloween at Twilo in '98 with Junior Vasquez, the other was Peter Rauhofer's debut at Roxy. Those were the two amazing nights of music I had ever heard, and I then decided that I wanted to pursue being a DJ.

One of your early big events outside of New York was the PINK party at Shampoo...
I loved that party! It was huge and very "mixed". My first event of that size. I played the last slot so I closed the night. I ended up being a regular at Shaft Fridays after that.

Your a "crowd-pleaser" - but you also try to give the audience unique tracks...Seems like a tough combination, how do you do it?
I'm a producer first and foremost so I often edit things, put them together or just do my own mix altogether. That way, I can give them what they want and not compromise my sound as an artist. In the end, I am pretty good at reading a crowd and that's most important.
You've spun for Fashion Week runway shows, what is the difference between the music for a walk-off versus a night at the club?
Most clubs I do hold 700-3000 people, so the music has to be powerful and driving. For fashion shows, it has to be understated and highly stylized. Those hectic fashion editors don't want to hear a peak hour anthem right after their 3rd machiato at 12 noon, so it's important to keep that in mind when picking show music. They are totally different vibes, which keeps things interesting for me.

What DJs do you admire? Who do you look for inspiration?
I think guys like Pete Rauhofer, Tom Stephan and Roger Sanchez still have the best balance of creativity and mass appeal. They really are "artists" and not just DJs.

Who are some of your fav artists to remix?
Maya Simantov, Suzanne Palmer, Alan T....pretty much any Star 69 artist. Also, I'm working on Beyonce and Kelly Rowland's latest. They have amazing voices. I would love to work with Sia and/or Madonna.

Is being an international DJ hard on your personal life?
Like with anything, there is good and bad. I travel to some amazing places and meet interesting people all the time. That part is great. BUT...It's hard to maintain a relationship. Most people can't really relate to you or what it is that you really do. I don't get to see my family and close friends like I used to. That part can be tough at times. In the end, it's mostly good so, I can't complain. I love my job...

What does the future hold for Hector?
A lot of dj touring. A followup to my NY Club Anthems Vol. 2 compilation on Star 69. A full length original album. And more hot remixes.

Big room versus small room?
Medium sized rooms are my favorite. Can play anything u want.

Gay versus straight crowd?
Mixed crowd. More gay than straight though.

Vinyl versus electronic?
I prefer CDs.

Beyonce versus Rhianna? Beyonce...much more
talented vocally.

Hectorfonseca.com, Myspace.comhectorfonsecanyc.