From his rippled body to his infectious smile, Scott Man has DJ’d at some of the funnest parties Fort Lauderdale has seen in the last few years. Who can forget him half naked on the DJ platform of Wet N Wild or in costume as a gangster at Wicked Manors 2008, which Hotspots Magazine and our media partner Latino Boys Magazine were proud to be the only gay media sponsors of. As Scott gets ready to be the featured DJ at Florida Aids Walk this weekend I was happy to sit down and interview him.
How did you get started in the club world?
14 years ago in Nashville, TN is where I got started and learned the fundamentals of a DJ. Smooth mixing and learning to read a crowd are the #1 skills a DJ can have.
What was your first residency?
Pyramid Night Club, Nashville, TN
What are some of the major cities you have spun in?
Nashville, TN, Louisville, KY, Atlanta, GA, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
What has been your favorite gig?
It’s hard to choose. Being the official deejay of Wicked Manors 2008 was very exciting. There were thousands of people adorned in their Halloween best all ready to party, but I can’t leave out both Wet ‘n Wild weekends for Georgie’s Alibi in September, which raised money for a great cause. They were definitely wet n wild.
What separates you from other DJ’s?
I love to play some of the same popular songs other DJ’s play, however I like to play them with a twist. I like to create energy. Mix it up and keep it fun and exciting like throwing in one of my new remixes of an 80’s or 90’s song right after the latest Beyonce hit. House, vocal house, tribal, mainstream and some electro are my favorites, but each venue requires a different style, so reading and knowing your crowd is the key!
You have done many remixes; what are some of your favorites and why?
Yes, I have just completed my fourth produced remixes for the comeback of disco diva Thelma Houston (Disco Heat/Mighty Real) expected for released later this year. My “for DJ’s only” promo mixes of Rihanna’s Rehab (DJ Scott Mann Overdose Club Mix), Kat Deluna’s Unstoppable (DJ Scott Mann Club Jumpin Mix) and my newest Britney Spears’ Shattered Glass (DJ Scott Mann Unbreakable Club Mix) have exceeded 3500 combined downloads worldwide in the three weeks they have been available. I’ve seen a few of these put on major DJ’s mix shows online. Very flattering that’s for sure!! Later this year I will be working with recording artists like Amuka and others on some original material expected to be out in late 2009 and a promotional tour for the summer including national pride festivals, parties and Gay Disney.
How did you get involved with the Florida AIDS Walk? Tell me more about that.
Last year I participated in the walk with team Alibi/Bill’s raising over $8K. After the successes of Wet ‘n Wild and Wicked Manors, I was approached to be the main stage DJ for AIDS Walk. I am both honored and humbled for this experience. The thousands of participants can expect a variety of 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and more current music throughout the day. Something for all ages, genders and stereotypes. I am also looking forward to being the deejay for the preceding fundraiser on March 14.
Other then DJing, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to sing Karaoke, travel (although it’s been a while), hang out with friends, dance, play light sports and most importantly I love game night with friends.
What does the future hold for Scott Mann?
The future is getting very exciting for me, more producing requests coming in, weekly spinning at Bill’s, Dudes, Richard’s Tiki Bar at Beach Place, the new Karnival Club and Torpedo. I am also touring and getting to do huge events like AIDS Walk Fort Lauderdale. The future is looking so bright, I’ve gotta wear my Prada’s…..LOL!!!!
Florida AIDS Walk, which is on Sunday, March 15th, is a 10 kilometer walk through the heart of downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Most people will take about two hours to walk the 10 kilometers. However, for your convenience, there will be a halfway turnaround point and relief shuttles for those who need additional assistance. Refreshments and restroom facilities will be provided at checkpoints along the route. Sign-in at Huizenga Plaza in Ft. Lauderdale is at 8:00 am with the opening ceremony at 9:15 am and the AIDS Walk begins at 10:00 am. Since thousands of people will be participating, we suggest you arrive at 8:00 am. There will be a post-Florida AIDS Walk Bash at Rosie’s Bar and Grill from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy dancing with DJ James Leombruno, popular Sunday Buckets, and try out the special Florida AIDS Walk Drink. Parking will be provided at Fort Lauderdale High School and shuttle service is available.