From his upbringing in Queens New York, DJ Escape always had music in his sole. He started DJing in his early teens, but switched to dance music when he was 18 after a night out at the Palladium. He has spun virtually all over the world and has produced numerous CDs all at the age of only 31. It was a pleasure to sit down with Escape and chat with him before he comes back to Miami to spin at Score.
From his upbringing in Queens New York, DJ Escape always had music in his sole. He started DJing in his early teens, but switched to dance music when he was 18 after a night out at the Palladium. He has spun virtually all over the world and has produced numerous CDs all at the age of only 31. It was a pleasure to sit down with Escape and chat with him before he comes back to Miami to spin at Score.
When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?
I was 13 and it was a hobby. I use to play for teen parties. At 17 I branched off into dance music. It happened after I heard Junior Vasquez at the Palladium.
How did you get started in the club world?
I had a lot of great friends that introduced me to important people that gave me shots at big clubs which got me some steady gigs.
What was your first residency?
My first major residency was at Liquid in Miami.
What are some of the major cities you have spun in??
I have spun in all the major cities in the US including Miami, Chicago, Boston, New York, LA, Vegas, San Fran and many more. I have also spun overseas in Brazil, Argentina, Canada, France, Italy, Australia and Japan.
What has been your favorite gig??
One of my favorites was New Years Day 2000 to a capacity crowd at Salvation and from that gig I got my other favorite gig which was the Hot and Dry event for BBCM (Bad Boys Club Montreal) in Montreal.
What separates you from other DJs??
It’s my creation of stuff live. I am constantly working records and remixing live. I like to keep it interesting. I live to play songs the masses like, but not the same way they have heard it in other places.
You have done many remixes, what are some of your favorites and why?
Donna Summers “Stamp Your Feet” as it was an honor to remix for her. I believe it’s a timeless mix. A production of mine that I love is the one of Wer*ship that launched my career in 1998. In addition, I love all the Beyonce remixes I have done in the last 2 years.
You have released many CDs but Party Time series are your top selling dance mixes. Tell me about them?
I use to work for Groovilicious and my partner Michael McDavid we came up with an idea for a compilation of hits and that’s how Party Time started. I did this from 2000 to 2005. After 2005 I have released many CDs including Ultimate After Hours, Circuit Party Vol 8, Banging 3, Total Escape and the past 2 years I have done Global Grooves Spinning Tour.
Your big break was a residency at Liquid in Miami. Does Miami still hold a special place to you and why?
Miami and South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart. I do miss coming to Miami and playing regularly and I still have a lot of great friends that still live there.
Other then DJing, what do you like to do for fun??
I have implanted myself in the gym a lot as I now work out 2 ½ hours a day. Its work, but it’s also fun. I also love playing cards, gambling and shopping.
What does the future hold for Escape??
I hope to do more traveling and touring. In addition, I would like to do alot more remixing for big singers. I also want to step back into production and some originals and of course some more CDs.
You can catch DJ Escape spinning at Bigger Saturdays at Score on Saturday, January 30th.
