Today, we welcome a true legend into the mix. Luis Ferdinand Vega Jr. better known as Little Louie
Vega has music in his blood. Son to a professional jazz saxophonist and nephew to famous Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Lavoe, his path was set from the start when he began spinning records at the ripe age of 13. The rest they say, is history.
The house music stalwart goes by many guises. He is also known as Harddrive, Sole Fusion among other, he is the leader of NY based collective Elements Of Life and is also one half of the iconic duos Nuyorican Soul and Masters At Work with fellow don Kenny Dope. His list of his bangers goes on for days but the man is behind some of house music most seminal records such as Deep Inside, To Be In Love ft India, Beautiful People and I Get Lifted to name a very small selection. Louie has the ability to craft music that is designed for the dancefloor and the shameless lovers alike. Its packed with elements jazz, salsa, funk, disco and beyond all wrapped up in undeniable rhythm. After 30 years in the game, he is a man who understands who knows where all the world’s sounds live and hide and fully understands what they represent as well as the people behind them.
Last month, Louie released his new album with 90s house music star Cassio Ware Starring… XXVIII which featured 28 collaborators including Funkadelic & Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul) to name a few. The album is a testament to Louie’s knowledge, ability and friendships in the world of music and with his unmatchable style and quality, we are pleased to welcome the legend into the mix for i-D. With 60 minutes of solid grooves, press play on the sound of Louis Vega
What are the top three tracks getting heavy rotation in your sets?
1.3 Winans Brothers Featuring Karen Clark, I Choose You (Louie Vega Remix)
2. Kia Stewart, He Still Loves Me [Honeycomb Music]
3. Louie Vega Starring Cassio Ware, Just the Way I Like it (Jersey Mix)
What’s the most hedonistic party you’ve ever been to?
Hmmm. I played once in san francisco for a porn convention many years ago, really didn’t know what was going on till I arrived. Lots of skin running around. Different for me.
What’s the most phenomenal clubbing venue in the world and why?
Clubbing venue, theres are a few. One that comes to mind is a club called Ageha in Tokyo, when it first opened. Lighting and sound by jim toth.
If you could go back to back with any DJ, at any venue, who would it be and why?
I would say joe claussell, because we are both old souls and have vast musical collections.
History is made at night… What was the best night of your life?
Best night of my life, there are many. But one that stands out is a night at air in tokyo, 10 hours + set, we all had such a good time everyone forgot what time it was!!! Musical bliss ! Any flashback night that we do is always a best night, we just had one in miami at the music conference where I played a 7 + hour set of the roots !!!
What’s the most debauched thing you’ve ever seen on the dance floor?
Hmmm while djing and club was open (not saying which club) i’ve seen couples doin’ the do in the past. Was it the music? Lovely to know you can inspire people in all kinds of ways and bring out the sexual tendencies.
What would your dream rider consist of?
I’m pretty satisfied with my rider, i’m not one that asks for much 🙂
What would you actual rider consist of?
All the bells and whistles!!!
4 cdjs nexus ii
Ars alpha recording system mixer 6700
1 isolator bozak 4 way
1 isolator iso q 3 way
1 pioneer rmx 1000
2 15″ l’ acoustic or d&b monitors
2 18″ bottoms l/acoustic or d&b monitors
Console
And more bells and whistles
What’s your favourite party anthem of all time?
MFSB, Love Is The Message
What producer are you predicting big things from this year?
Josh Milan
Where do you go when the record ends and the lights come on?
When the record ends and lights come on we all go to breakfast.
What track would you end the night on when everyone’s still awake and its time to go to sleep?
There are many, its all spontaneous.
Here are a few: Nina Simone, Feelin’ Good
Elements of Life, Stand on the Word
Bob Marley, Is it Love (dk Edit)
Or the hot record of the night, so they go home singing. That is key.
Finish the sentence, the music sounds better with… you!!!!
The music sounds better with the experienced! And you can all get there just feel it from within!!