Photo credit:  Paris Brightledge

Louie Gómez has been involved in the Chicago House music scene since day one. As a House music pioneer, Gomez stepped onto the stage of dance music history by discovering, a then unknown, Jamie Principle. Louie went on to produce the original eight minute “Dub Vocal Mix” of “Your Love”, an unreleased track of Jamie Principle’s at the time. This House music anthem, along with another original unreleased production from Gomez entitled “Change”, became staples in Frankie Knuckle’s DJ sets at the legendary Warehouse and Powerplant nightclubs in Chicago.

After taking some time to hone his skills as an audio engineer at local recording studios in Chicago, Louie Gomez was ready to show his growth as a producer/remixer and DJ. His productions aren’t limited to one style. He is comfortable producing tracks that are elegant and soulful, to deep House or funky dancefloor excursions, always striving to go beyond the ordinary.

In 2015, he marked the launch of a new record label, Bassment Tapes Records with Jesse Rivera. The label is a multi-media imprint, encompassing live DJ sets, music videos and a roster of talent signed from the underground House music scene from across the globe. The label is coming up on their 100th release and to commemorate this milestone, Louie Gomez and Jesse Rivera will collaborate on a 4-track vinyl only release.

Aside from running a label, music, and video production, you can also catch him and Jesse Rivera on their monthly show “Gruvbox” and his solo DJ show “Happy Hour” on the Sugar Shack Radio twitch stream.


GO BANG! MAGAZINE: When and how did you get an interest in DJ’ing?

Louie Gómez : Well as a young boy, I was exposed to all types of music, having grown up with older siblings and a father who all bought music on vinyl. There was always music on the hi-fi stereo in our home, and my dad taught me how to use his reel-to-reel tape deck to record my own “playlists.” By the time I was in high school, I had a nice collection of Disco and Funk records. So naturally, when the opportunity to play at a school dance came up, I was asked to play. The response from friends, while I played records, really got me hooked on wanting to play again

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How did you first get started in the House music scene?

Louie Gómez : Before the term “House music,” we’d go to parties where the Chosen Few were spinning, for example, The Tiki Room, The Loft, The Mansion, Sauers, South Commons. I was around 16 at the time. I think this was my intro. But it wasn’t until I was about 17, when my friends and I actually ventured to a club that we had only heard of until then. It was this place called U.S. Studio Warehouse, on Adams and Jefferson, that I became fully baptized in the “House music” scene.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You are also a music producer/remixer. Can you please explain if DJ’ing and music producing started at the same time or did one lead to another?

Louie Gómez : During my high school years, I was DJ’ing on the south side at small basement parties and events for friends. At this time, I hadn’t thought about producing. It wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t even consider it a possibility.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Who are some of the music producers, artists or DJs that inspire you or inspired you in the past?

Louie Gómez : Those who I continually draw inspiration from are, Patrick Adams, Vincent Montana, Randy Muller, August Darnell, Giorgio Moroder, Gino Soccio, Kraftwerk, Dan Hartman, Roy Ayers, D.C. LaRue, Eric Kupper, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Joao Gilberto, to name just a few.

Photo credit:  Louie Gómez

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You’ve stated that you discovered Jamie Principle, an icon in the House music community. Please tell our readers how and when you first met Jamie and how you introduced him to the world, by producing one of his House music classics “Your Love.”

Louie Gómez : I met Jamie Principle when I was 17 years old, while working a retail job at Evergreen Plaza. I saw him walking across the lower level and because of the way he was dressed, he caught my eye. This guy was the epitome of “new wave” head to toe. I just had to strike up a conversation, so I stopped him and asked him about his Fiorucci sunglasses and his lavender knit gloves. He was just too cool for that plaza – LOL. It turned out that we had a lot in common, music, love of fashion, and trends.

Over the course of the next year, we became good friends. I would share my stories of the parties I’d attend, and I spoke enthusiastically about going to The Warehouse a lot. He in turn would share his original music with me. I would actually play some of his original tracks (off cassette) at the parties I DJ’d at. We talked about music production a lot and he showed me his project studio at his home. It was during one of these visits that he played a rough draft of a new song for me (later to become “Your Love”) and I immediately responded positively to it. In an off-handed remark, I said “you should let me remix this.” I thought it had potential to be played at The Warehouse.

A few weeks later, Jamie called and invited me to Soto Sound Studio to do a mix on his newly completed track “Your Love.” I enthusiastically accepted the invite and off I drove to Evanston, having no idea what I would do once I got to the studio. However, once there, we got comfortable and just started the playback of the track learning the song and taking some notes. I began to mute, solo, add delays and various effects, while the engineer helped with editing the actual tape, to create a longer intro/outro, which I knew was imperative to make it DJ friendly. The result was a 10:00 minute hybrid vocal/dub. I knew I had to get this into the hands of Frankie Knuckles.

I belonged to I.R.S. Record Pool at the time, and I knew Frankie did too. I had run into him there on a couple of occasions. So, that following week, I showed up to I.R.S. and waited for Frankie to come in and pick up his promos for the week. When he arrived, I handed him my remix of Jamie Principle’s “Your Love” on a 7” reel-to-reel tape. I explained that it was a new song by a brand-new artist and kindly asked if he would have a listen when he got the chance.

That following Saturday, my friends and I, as usual, headed for a night out at The Warehouse. I recall around 3am, the lights going dark on the dancefloor and over the sound system that infamous arpeggio intro that seemed to last forever started. Then that throbbing synth bassline from the Korg/Mono Poly plays. I couldn’t believe my ears. Frankie was playing “Your Love” off the reel-to-reel tape, and to my surprise everyone on that dance floor was feeling it. Over the next year Frankie played my dub mix every weekend and basically established this as an anthem.

The following week, back at the record pool, Frankie asked to meet Jamie (which was easier said than done, having strict parents). But eventually I was able to introduce them to one another and that’s a whole other chapter of the origins of House music.

So, I really owe it to Jamie Principle for allowing me to remix his track and showing me that music production is something that I could pursue. I immediately went out and bought my own drum machines and synthesizer and started to learn the craft of songwriting and production.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: As one of the pioneers in the House music scene, you must’ve worked with and DJ’d with many other pioneers of House. Who are some of the people that you have worked with or spun with over the years?

Louie Gómez : As a DJ, I’ve been on the same roster as Victor Simonelli, Laura Branch, Craig Loftis, and Mike Winston. I’ve produced tracks for Shawn Christopher, Kym Sims, Marisa Lopez, and Roxy.

Photo courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/louie.gomez

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In addition to all that you do, you are also and entrepreneur and the co-owner of Bassment Tapes Records, along with Jesse Rivera, which launched in 2015. Please tell us about your label and your co-owner Jesse Rivera.

Louie Gómez : Jesse Rivera is a talented musician, producer, engineer, DJ, graphics artist, and tech-head. Originally from Detroit, he brings an ear for the organic, experimental, and cutting edge to the label. Our friendship has grown over the past 11 years. He and I launched Bassment Tapes Records to curate a sound we ourselves were interested in spinning, with roots in; Deep House, Funky, Soulful, Disco, all with an underground vibe. Throughout the 7 years running this label, we’ve showcased producers and vocalists from around the globe which fit into our vision for keeping this genre that we love, vibrant and forward looking.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How would you describe the Louie Gómez sound, both as a DJ and as a music producer/remixer?

Louie Gómez : Well, I would say that my productions aren’t limited to one style. I’m comfortable producing tracks that are elegant and soulful, to Deep House or funky dance floor excursions, but always striving to go beyond the ordinary.

As a DJ, this all depends on the mood. Maybe you’ll get all the new stuff, or a classic Disco set, or perhaps I’ll mix it and go where the vibe takes me.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Over the years, House music has evolved and has branched out over the world in many new variations. What do you see as the future of House, as a music genre and as a community?

Louie Gómez : Well, there will ALWAYS be music being made for the dance floor. The name may change, but the roots will always be Disco and House music. I really like a lot of the new music being produced. There’s a lot of great original sounding music coming out, but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the classics and will continue to include those tracks in my sets.

As far as community, I hate to sound cynical, but I’m just not feeling “community” like there was in the past. Perhaps this is due to COVID separating a lot of us, or people just looking out for themselves. I don’t really fret over “community” because I’ve surrounded myself with great friends who are supportive, believe in what I do and always have my back no matter what. Holding on to that is important for me.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In conclusion, please tell our international readers what we can look forward to from Louie Gomez and Bassment Tapes Records.

Louie Gómez : Well, Bassment Tapes Records is soon coming upon its 100th release. In commemoration, Jesse Rivera and myself are collaborating on an album to be released in limited edition on vinyl and special editions available digitally. I ask your readers to please check out our YouTube channel. We frequently post promotional videos to accompany our releases and select DJ sets. Look for us to drop a DJ set in your area soon.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Thank you Louie for this interview and you have now officially been BANGED!

Photo credit:  Louie Gómez

CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LOUIE GÓMEZ:

Juno Download Releases

Traxsource Releases

Bassment Tapes Video Promos

https://soundcloud.com/louie_gomez

http://www.mixcloud.com/louiegomez/

https://twitter.com/Louie_Gomez

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Photo courtesy of:  Pirooz Moshavash

Julian Demond Thomas (born November 5, 1993), known professionally as Julian Keyz, is an American recording artist, musician, record producer, disc jockey (DJ), singer/songwriter, actor, dancer, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he became involved in the local music scene at the age of 10. He became a 3x Amateur Night winner at the world-famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, Manhattan, New York by age 12. Simultaneously, he became one of the original Chicago BullKidz dancers for the Chicago Bulls for three seasons. Shortly after, he established an acting and modeling career by booking commercials and commercial prints for McDonalds, Coca-Cola Minute Maid, MTV, Disney, Nickelodeon, Burlington Coat Factory, Value City and others.

In 2012, Julian established his independent record company and brand under the name VIBES By InNo or simply InNo. The company serves his business interest with subsidiaries that include a music academy and a music marketing agency.

On March 9, 2020, Julian released his debut independent album InNo State of Mind to favorable reviews.

Apart from music, in May 2019 Julian graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing.

EARLY LIFE (1993-2003)

Julian Keyz was born Julian Demond Thomas on November 5, 1993 at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago, IL, to Dana Brown, a family law and entertainment attorney, and Willie Thomas.

Growing up, Julian experienced bullying due to his speech impediment, which caused slurs in his speech, and him being overweight. He and his siblings also witnessed domestic violence at home. This led to troubled behavior and poor grades in school. His punishment for his behavior was writing essays and giving presentations to his mother. From this, he developed a love for writing and expression. He states his biggest inspiration at the time was Tupac Shakur for his passion and diversity in subject matter.

To build confidence and a sense of identity, his mother Dana enrolled him into numerous extracurricular activities to keep him busy and focused. He joined local sports organizations, the Barbizon Modeling and Acting school, took dance lessons and began piano lessons at age eight.

With music, he thrived. He trained classically, then transitioned into Jazz Contemporary. He eventually switched schools and met his mentor Alan Franklin, owner of Muzicnet School of Music in Chicago. After years of training and building a local reputation, he began to receive offers for local performances and competitions.

EARLY CAREER (2003-2011)

Julian won numerous local music competitions and was eventually dubbed “A Real Showman” from local media outlets for his performances. During this time, he was selected to become a BullKidz dancer for the Chicago Bulls organization for three seasons. His modeling and acting career began to prosper as well with multiple national commercial and commercial print bookings with companies such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola Minute Maid, Burlington Coat Factory and more. During this time, Julian also learned new skills with recording and production. He worked with known Chicago DJ’s such as Lamar “Hula” Mahone from the Outhere Brothers for his first record.

Julian’s major breakthrough came when a talent coordinator, Jane Jackson Harley, discovered him and asked for him to audition for the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, Manhattan, New York. He was accepted and became a 3x Apollo Amateur Night Winner at the World-Famous Apollo Theatre by age 12.

From the Apollo stage, Julian received press recognition and national performance opportunities. These performance opportunities ranged from; Voter Rallies in Chicago, IL for then Senator Barack Obama, The Chabad Telethon with the Ray Chew’s Boys Choir, opening act opportunities for recording artist Stevie Wonder, Fred Hammond, Ginuwine, and private dinner events with celebrities such as the Kardashians, politicians such as Jessie Jackson Jr. and many more.

In 2008, Julian’s focus shifted to becoming a full-time recording artist. He began to work with industry music managers and started pursuing a record deal. During this time, he developed his production and engineering skills by working with numerous local artists. He signed to SESAC in 2010 as a songwriter. He also worked behind the scenes with emerging artists. He was cameoed in the Mindless Behavior “My Girl” Remix music video featuring Tyga and Ciara in 2011.

Julian dropped out of high school his junior year. With little success of securing a record deal, he decided to go independent and move to Los Angeles, CA full-time to pursue his entertainment and business career in 2011. Upon his arrival, he secured more performance opportunities along with acting bookings with companies such as Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV and more.

CAREER (2012-Current)

In 2012, Julian established his independent record company and brand under the name VIBES By InNo or simply InNo. The company serves his business interests with subsidiaries that include a music academy and a music marketing agency. He continued to expand his company and release projects independently under the company as well as produce music shows. Simultaneously, he developed his marketing skills which led him to securing contacts with businesses in the Los Angeles greater area. He also expanded his music academy, an on-demand in-home music lesson service, from two students to over 100 in 12 months.

Julian secured his GED to start junior college at Pierce College Los Angeles in 2012. During his first year of college, he took his remaining high school classes at West Valley Occupational School to receive his high school diploma in 2013. He acquired his Associates Degree in Business Administration with a transfer to California State University, Northridge in 2017. He graduated CSUN in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

During college, Julian continued to work behind the scenes. In 2013, he interned for super producer Harmony Samuels’ studio in North Hollywood, CA. In 2017, Julian interned at Interscope Records in Santa Monica, CA in the digital marketing department. At Interscope, he worked on digital projects for recording artists Ella Mai, JID, Lady Gaga, Jaden Smith, Billie Ellish and more.

Upon his graduation from college in May 2019, Julian focused on expanding his company and working on a series of music projects.

He released both “InNo State of Mind” on March 6, 2022 and “SNAKESKINS: An American Hustle” on July 2, 2022 to favorable reviews.

He’s currently preparing for his upcoming new album release in November 2022. His first lead single for the project will be released in the very near future.

                                                                                        Photo Courtesy of:  Julian Keyz

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You had struggles growing up like bullying, due to a speech impediment, being overweight and witnessing domestic violence. How did these events affect you then, and what effect has it had on you presently, to make you who you are today?

Julian Keyz: The challenges in my youth definitely took a toll on me at the time. However, I’ve always been a person to internalize things, so I never even gave it acknowledgement. I was also taught to be quick on your feet, so I always had a response to adversity. My mom always taught me to channel the energy into positive outlets. I was also ALWAYS busy when I was younger, so it gave me an opportunity to take my mind off things. I’m the same way until this day. I find solace in meaningful work whenever I’m stressed or pressured.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Growing up in Chicago, you were involved in so many different activities, from performing in the music scene, to dancing for the Chicago Bulls, as well as modeling and acting. I too, have experience in all those worlds and it requires tons of discipline, commitment, and persistence to be successful. Of those four fields of entertainment, which one do you like the best and why?

Julian Keyz: I would definitely say I have always been more consistent and involved in music, so I’ve fallen in love with it over the years. Music taught me about EVERYTHING in life. It does require discipline, patience, commitment, and A LOT of sacrifice to be great at anything in life. Since I was always involved with music and it took a lot of time from me, it became a great teacher and allowed me to succeed in other areas of my life. Music has also made me more appreciative and interested in other areas of the arts. So, without it, I wouldn’t have done the other activities.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Your mother Dana, has been quite a driving force in your life, personally and professionally. Please describer to our readers how you mother has been influential in your personal and professional life.

Julian Keyz: I mean she’s been everything to me. I never get enough of giving her credit. I know for sure she doesn’t mind either. Lol My mom has always been my rock, my confidence, my example, and biggest supporter. I’ve never felt any lack of support or love in either area of my life from my mom. We’ve obviously had a lot of challenges throughout the time being both mother and son and business partners, but I am her son. We’re both very independent, entrepreneurial, risk-taking, free-thinking, creative, passionate, compassionate, loyal, sacrificial and hardheaded. Lol

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You have three other brothers and all of them have their talents as well, ranging from film, medicine, and business. Please describe how you and your siblings inspire and motivate each other, and if there’s any “friendly competition” between you all.

Julian Keyz: We all grew up believing that we could do anything. I can’t necessarily speak for them, but I honestly don’t think any of us ever felt a lack of support in our endeavors. So, in the process, all of us received the opportunity to get exposed to many things and test different waters to see what fit. Since we never felt restricted, we’ve all been pretty good at anything we pursued. I would attribute that towards us receiving a lot of support. I’m very close with all my siblings and I have a special relationship with each one since we’re all VERY different. But we all grew up pretty close.

Regarding friendly competition, I’ve personally never felt like that simply because we all have different passions. Everyone’s honestly their own person and we respect each other for it.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Early in your career, you dropped out of high school during your junior year, and moved to Los Angeles, CA. to pursue your dream. Thankfully, you returned to school and earned your GED and even graduated from college in 2019. Kudos to you! How important is education to you and what advice would you give to someone that maybe thinking about following your lead and dropping out of school to pursue their dream?

Julian Keyz: This one’s pretty conflicting for me. I would always advocate for education, but I honestly don’t feel many schools are providing the information needed to survive in the current landscape of the country. We live in very different times and kids nowadays are so exposed just because they have access to the world through the internet. I think that’s what starts the contemplation of dropping out because in some cases you feel it’s useless. Being a person who did drop out and who felt the same way, I would still advocate for those in school to complete your high school experience. School itself is a great place for networking and utilizing resources to your advantage. But there’s always benefits to getting real world experience.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In 2012, you became an entrepreneur and established your own independent record company, VIBES By InNo aka InNo. Can you tell us about your company and brand?

Julian Keyz: InNo stands for being “In NO restrictions of your creativity”. I co-founded the company with my mom to allow myself the independence I craved, regarding my entertainment career. Prior to that, many people tried boxing me in, regard the direction of my career. I’ve always been free-thinking and a bit hardheaded, but that’s ok. I’ve always put my money, time, energy, and every ounce of myself into my goals. Once I started learning business, I felt confident to pursue these goals independently without waiting for the approval of someone else. Best decision in my life thus far.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You have been consistently on the grind in the entertainment industry for the past 20 years, and you’re only 28 years old. What has kept you motivated and inspire you to keep going?

Julian Keyz: I honestly just love what I do. Feels like a fish swimming or a bird flying. I ask myself all the time when things get rough, “what else would I do?” We all have functions and purposes on this planet… this is what I’m meant for, so I just keep going and growing.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: GO BANG! Magazine just recently found out that you are a DJ. At the tender age of 14, you had your first paid DJ gig. You stepped away from the craft for years, but the fire was reignited when you moved to Vegas. I too, am a DJ since childhood, but also stepped away for years. Again, we are mirroring each other since I just recently started DJ’ing again myself. When YOU dug back into your bag from the past and revisited DJ’ing, tell us what that felt like.

                                                                   Photo courtesy of:  Bright Light Digital Art / Amanda Altman

Julian Keyz: It just felt right and you kind of ask yourself why you allowed so much time to pass without you engaging with it. Circumstances happen though and you’re just happy to be back in love again. Almost, like a part of you was missing and you found the missing piece. That’s how I feel about music in general when we separate too long. Very much like a marriage.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Please describe your DJ style (single songs, mixing/blending songs together), the type of music you play (House, Dance, Hip Hop, R&B, EDM, Techno, etc.), and what your favorite genre of music to listen to personally.

Julian Keyz: I’ve been exposed to a lot of music in my lifetime, and I have different time periods that I gravitate to different genres. Regarding DJ’ing, I play a lot of Hip Hop, R&B and Latin Music. I occasionally do House music and I love it.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Another venture that you established is The Simple Music School, which was founded in 2015, where you taught piano in music schools in LA. Why did you start that company and how did that inspire you to start your own music academy.

Julian Keyz: When I was in college, I honestly just wanted to find a way to make some money and free my time up. Teaching music afforded me that opportunity. I got the opportunity to create my own schedule, pay my bills and do what I love to do. It was the best-case scenario for a college kid. Once I saw how lucrative it was, I scaled it and it did well. Been growing the business since.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You recently started a training course entitled Professor Keyz Piano Basics. It officially launched on September 1, 2022, but you are accepting orders now at http://www.course.juliankeyz.com. What does the course contain, how can someone benefit from purchasing your training program, and what is the cost?

Julian Keyz: The course highlights simple ways of understanding the basics of sight reading, composition, and music theory. It’s beneficial because it’s very simple to understand. Sometimes musician’s like to over complicate the process of music. It’s not simple by any means and it does take time to become good, but the concepts themselves are very simple and repetitive. Sometimes we can complicate the process to the point you intimidate a potential beginner. The goal should be making it concise and simple. I hate overcomplicating things.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Now let’s get back your NEW music. When are you dropping new music and when will your first single come out? Can you give our readers some exclusive information on your upcoming music drop, like what to expect, when it dropping, what’s the first single and when will that drop?

Julian Keyz: I’ve worked on so much music this past year. The only thing I’ll say is new music will be dropping in September and you’ll get a consistent flow of material to close out this year. It’ll definitely be an experience. Stay tuned!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Now that COVID has somewhat subsided, the world has reopened. Do you plan on getting back on the road for touring and if so, when and what’s the tour schedule?

Julian Keyz: I plan on hitting the road top of 2023. The goal is to be touring the entire year. We’ll start domestically.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In conclusion, is there anything that you’d like to say to our worldwide, international readers AND YOUR FANS?

                                                                                          Photo courtesy of :  Julian Keyz

Julian Keyz: I would just like to say thank you for getting this far into the interview and thank you for the support. Love y’all and many blessings to you and your endeavors in life. Let’s win big.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Thank you for granting GO BANG! Magazine this interview and we wish you continued success. You’ve officially been BANGED!!! Now…GO BANG!

Julian Keyz: Thank you all, I appreciate you.

ONLINE Contacts:  https://linktr.ee/juliankeyz

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/juliankeyz/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankeyz/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/juliankeyz

Listen to Julian Keyz:

YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuNAJ40xOL-gedgk4i1gHwQ

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/juliankeyz

WEBSITE: https://www.juliankeyz.com/

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

All photos courtesy of:  Emanuel Love

Dee Jay Alicia (DJA), a Chicago native, developed a love for music at a young age. Her musical beginnings were rooted in Soul, Steppers, and R&B. She began her DJ career in 1996 under the guidance of her mentor and then husband DJ Raphael. When she was properly prepared musically and technically, she became a member of the DJ group C-7 sounds.

Her first residency was a weekly Steppers’ set at Mr. G’s Supper Club. She enjoyed a successful 16 year stretch as a mobile Jock and Stepper’s DJ which included appearances on the weekly TV show “Stepping at Club 7” hosted by the Legendary DJ and radio host Herb Kent.

After a short hiatus in 2010, she made the decision to dive back into music and the world of DJ’ing. After a year spent familiarizing herself with the new DJ technology and musical landscape, the focus became the genre of House music. She began frequenting House exclusive parties and getting a feel for the very vibrant Chicago House scene. The first brick of building in a community where she was “unknown” was to gain a residency to perfect and showcase her talent. She did so, with a weekly night at a local southside bar.

Since that pivotal decision, her journey in House music thus far has included many events at bars, clubs, and picnics throughout Chicago, Detroit, L.A., Austin, and Houston. Also, there have been many phenomenal moments which include larger events at Millennium Park, the Silver Room Block Party, Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, Randolph Street Fair, Charivari Detroit, Chicago Summer Dance, and two guest appearances at Chicago’s House music crown jewel, the Chosen Few DJs Picnic.

DJA is, and has been, a member of many groups such as Midnyte Productions, Black Onyx, the Triad, and Ascension. She has hosted internet radio shows and been heard as a guest on the airwaves of Philly Nites Radio, NYC Radio, NTS Radio, and House in the Midsouth. She holds DJ residencies for several groups and organizations which include CODE RED, Devo Entertainment, the Sisterhood Picnic, House Stock, and Heaven Has A Heart. Currently, DJA can be seen every Wednesday on Twitch TV on her show Studio Sessions with Hostess Lady Alicia and Moderators G Whip and Red Diva at http://www.twitch.tv/Deejayalicia

In 2018, Alicia founded a non-for-profit Legacy Arts Center for Education (LACE) with the mission to provide arts and educational programs to support and motivate the youth. LACE includes programs that foster positive, forward-thinking that guides our future leaders towards a successful future.

What began as a weekly internet radio show, evolved into a collective of some of the most talented DJs in the Chicagoland Area…the VORTEX DJs. In 2021, the VORTEX DJs hosted their first annual picnic.


GO BANG! Magazine: When you started DJ’ing, you were trained by your then husband, DJ Raphael. What was it about DJ’ing that attracted you to it?

Dee Jay Alicia: The music. I’ve always LOVED and been surrounded by music. Music played in my aunt’s kitchen daily while I was growing up. An eclectic mix of music (Rock, Soul, and R&B) was played at the skating rink on Saturdays. I rushed home as a teen to watch MV60… no commercials ALL MUSIC. Not to mention mixes on BMX and KKC. Every memory I have can be tied to a specific song, genre, or artist.

GO BANG! Magazine: At this time, you were spinning Stepper’s songs. What was it like to spin at Mr. G’s Supper Club and on “Stepping at Club 7”, and how were you received as a female DJ in a male dominated field?

Dee Jay Alicia: Spinning at Mr. G’s was bananas. The DJ booth was double sided with events going on simultaneously on both sides. At that time, Raphael and I shared our crates of wax. Two events going on simultaneously was tough in terms of sound and timing of record play. We eventually acquired double copies of popular songs and expanded to our own individual crates.

Stepping at Club 7 was stressful. The tapings were LIVE on set, so mistakes were frowned upon, and do-overs were not possible. The Producer was a no-nonsense woman and wanted perfection from the DJs and the dancers. I was about 3 months into my DJ career so needless to say I was scared to death. Calming words from my mentors Steve Breeze and Terrible Ted calmed me enough to perform.

Raphael and I had begun “blending” steppers music at parties. He convinced me to try a blend on the show. I mustered up the courage to do it and although it wasn’t perfect… I did it! After which, he proclaimed me to be the first to blend steppers on national tv. LOL!!!!!

As far as being a female DJ, I had two strikes against me. I was much younger than the crowd and I am female. They looked at me and automatically assumed I was uneducated on the music and was not skilled at the craft. As I did then, and still do today, I had to prove myself.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any DJs that came before you that were an inspiration to you and helped to motivate you to pursue a career as a DJ?

Dee Jay Alicia: That list would go on to infinity. There are DJs both on the Stepper’s side and the House side that both inspire and motivate.

Steppers and mobile DJs would include: DJ Porter, Eric “ET” Taylor, Stevo, Phil, Lonnie, Steve Brewer, and Freddie Mack (RIP), DJ Reese, Terrible Ted, Sam Chatman, Woody McNeal, and of course DJ Raphael to name a few.

House Music DJs include: Black Coffee, Louie Vega, David Morales, Beloved, Selecta, Joe Claussel.

More closely related are: Terry Hunter, Mike Dunn, Jamie 3:26, Wayne Williams, DJ Boxx, Lori Branch, Lady D, Jevon Jackson, Mickey Calvin, Steve Maestro, DJ Lil John, Taz, Derek Smokin’ Jones, and the list could go on forever.

GO BANG! Magazine: You took time off as a DJ, and when you returned in 2010, you switched genres from Stepper’s music to House music. Why did you make the switch?

Dee Jay Alicia: Prior to the break, I was a Stepper’s DJ and mobile jock. In Chicago, as a mobile jock, there is ALWAYS a House component to most events.

After the break, I returned as a multi-genre DJ playing events around Chicago. I began going out and observing different DJs, their technique, and style of play. It was at this time I became aware of underground parties and venues that were previously unknown to me. While visiting one of the underground venues, I had the opportunity to hear Jamie 3:26. This was the moment I KNEW that I wanted to spin House music EXCLUSIVELY and moreover I wanted to play at underground venues. I was encapsulated by the mix of music, the dark fog filled room, and shrieks of musical ecstasy from the dancers. THIS was what I wanted to do!

GO BANG! Magazine: It’s been 12 years since your return, and you have come back with a vengeance. You have performed at various locations throughout the US, including the Chosen Few DJs Picnic. Please describe to our readers what it was like, in just over 10 years, to go from a “brand-new House DJ” to performing at one of the world’s largest outdoor House music festivals.

Dee Jay Alicia: Unbeknownst to me at the time, with my eager to play music for people ideals, the Chicago House community was a tight knit family that didn’t take to newcomers so easily. They had a history of friendship that span back to their teenage years and the inception and development of House music.

Since I had not been a part of that scene, I had my work cut out for me. On a what seemed like a daily basis, naysayers were sounding off on social media and in House music groups. It was hard to ignore being “drug” on social media BUT my love for music was stronger than the chatter! It was said that I was too old, I wasn’t good enough and I would never play with the likes of Mike Dunn and Terry Hunter.

Being no stranger to starting from the beginning and having already been through trial-by-fire with the Steppers, I began a residency at a local lounge with a few friends. Thus, my House music journey began.

GO BANG! Magazine: Currently, you have a weekly show on Twitch called Studio Sessions. Please describe your show to our worldwide readers, who may not be familiar with your show.

Dee Jay Alicia: Studio Sessions has evolved overtime from its inception, which was meant to be a multi-genre jam session playing wax pulled from my collection over green tea, to an all-House format broadcast on another Twitch platform, to its current format on my Twitch channel, which includes Lady Alicia, the on-screen Hostess and partying with my Squad Mods G Whip and Red Diva.

Its’ most recent evolution are live interviews with a host of guest DJs, both local and global. This change was presented by SA DJ/Producer Harrison Crump during his visit to the show. I affectionately call this segment of the show “The HOT SEAT.” The discussion is very candid, and the exchange of ideas allow for the ability to inform, educate, and create a meeting of the minds on topics usually only discussed in like-minded DJ groups, never allowing for an alternative opinion. The differences in views are discussed in friendship and help create respectful enlightenment.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a DJ, you are also a talented music producer. How would you describe your sound and how has being a DJ influenced you as a producer?

Dee Jay Alicia: I think DJ’ing and Production goes hand and hand. I’ve had opportunities to sit with and work with some of the best Producers in the industry. Watching them create has totally changed the way I DJ. Prior to production, matching intros and outros and catching breaks to blend songs was my method of DJ’ing. The aftereffects of sitting with a talented Producer, changes you musically, if you’re paying attention. My musical ear became more open, and I now listen to select instrumentation and song key. My DJ’ing and Production became more complex. Even the sound of music I’ve heard for years became different.

I believe my sound both in DJ’ing and Production is an eclectic mix on my musical influences. I do find myself leaning toward specific instruments and sounds. Afrobeats, Soulful and Classics are at the top of my list.

My first attempt at production, was to make edits to create an arsenal of music that no other DJ had. I figured this would increase the demand for me as a DJ. Which it did. As of late, I want to create songs that ALL DJs want to play… which is now the goal.

GO BANG! Magazine: You founded the non-profit Legacy Arts Center for Education (LACE) in 2018. What inspired you to do that and what do you hope to accomplish with your organization?

Dee Jay Alicia: Legacy Arts Center for Education (LACE) had been 10 years in the making. I wanted to provide kids with a safe haven where they could also be productive. I’d wished, that as a child, I was exposed to things like DJ’ing, stock investment and STEM. As an adult, my view of the world, and the array of opportunities would have been much different. I want to provide this opportunity to kids that are interested and in need of leadership and mentoring. I want to provide a place where a path to success and a can-do spirit propels them to heights that we could only imagine as kids.

Shortly, after we were up and running the pandemic hit. As with everything else we were at a standstill. Currently, I am reorganizing LACE, but in the interim I have a small group of girls, the “Kim Possibles” that I have gathered to build sisterhood and comradery. I have high hopes for them and am looking forward to the magic they create with the springboard of supporters affiliated with of LACE.

GO BANG! Magazine: You were recently a part of the annual “Queens of House” picnic presented by DJ SolKat. Why do you think that an all-woman annual picnic is necessary and how does it feel to be a part of it?

Dee Jay Alicia: The “Queens of House” is an exceptional concept and event. Bringing together the ladies in sisterhood and solidarity is necessary and important to the industry. I am pleased to have been selected as a guest six of the seven years. The support given and attendance to the event (even if it rains) shows that the House community truly supports the female DJs of Chicago and that an all-female line up can rock out comparable to our male counterparts.

GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, women DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image is changing or has changed, and why or why not?

Dee Jay Alicia: Funny you should say that and use the word “novelty.” I was told by a very good friend of mine that “I” was a novelty and that soon the hoopla would die down. That was 10 years ago.

I’ve seen females spinning with bikini tops on and the like, but Chicago is a bit different. You must “earn it.” Whether the DJ is male or female, the listeners here are more multi-faceted and discerning. They want the music delivered in the most authentic and passionate way. They are well-versed in new and classic House music. They recognize technical proficiency. That being achieved dispels the myth of the “novelty” and reinforces the skill of the Chicago DJ.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are several DJs in the House community with mad skills. Which do you personally like, which ones would you love to DJ with, and which events would you love to spin at?

Dee Jay Alicia: This is a trick question. LOL!

I listen to and learn from ALL DJs! There is something to learn from each and every one you listen to. You can even learn from mistakes (I learn from my own mistakes as well).

I’ve actually begun creating my own events. I’ve gathered a group of DJs, the VORTEX DJs, because I love hearing and playing alongside them. The group consists of DJ Scooter B, Tony Madd, G Whip, Brett Morrison, Nicky D’Vine, Jesus Martinez, Mickey Calvin, Fiddy Millz and DJ Boxx.

I am also a member of the Ascension group. A collective of individuals who promote and DJ events throughout Chicago and abroad. The Ascension group consists of founding members Red Diva, DJ Boxx, G Whip and Toni Marie with the addition of myself, Jesus Martinez and Fiddy Millz.

Outside of that, I love playing for and with people who enjoy what I do. From backyard parties to mega arenas. Being received well, enjoyed, and being paid for what you love to do is the real flex.

Looking forward, I would love to increase my territory, and spin more internationally. Being on a bill with great DJs from around the world is fantastic, but at the end it’s all about experiences. I’m looking forward to more music and great experiences that will last a lifetime.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are an “in-demand” DJ, appearing at numerous events throughout the year. You recently had an event at Chicago’s “Summer Dance”, in downtown Chicago. Are there any other upcoming events that you’d like our readers to look out for?

Dee Jay Alicia: A few upcoming events that I am excited about are as follows:

Sept 10th: Peoria, IL with the Pit Crew DJs
Sept 15th: Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL
Oct 19th to 23rd: I’m super excited about being invited to spin with the First Lady as a member of her “Love Team” at ADE in Amsterdam.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, GO BANG! Magazine would like to thank you for this interview and is there anything that you’d like to mention that we haven’t covered?

Dee Jay Alicia: I would like to thank you for the opportunity and interest. I appreciate your consideration.

GO BANG! Magazine: It was our pleasure Alicia…. Now you’ve been BANGED!

DJA also produces music and currently has two releases co-produced with Mike Dunn feat. The Black Widow under Terry Hunter’s T’s Box record label.

She also has self-produced original singles and remixes that can be found at the
links below:

https://www.traxsource.com/artist/109871/dee-jay-alicia

https://djalicia.bandcamp.com/

Links to more info and how you can become a mentor are below:
https://www.legacyleadersgroup.org/
https://www.facebook.com/LEGACYLEADERSGROUPORG/?ref=page_internal

More info can be found at http://www.deejayalicia.com



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.