LOUIE VEGA Interview about the Album

1. What made you decide to make this album ?

I decided to make this album because Luisito and I discussed making some of the tunes more uptempo. I felt we had some more to do with Percussion Maddness, since the songs lend themselves so well to be dance friendly. Its started with a few remixes, then some original tunes (new) came about naturally.

2. You participated in remixing the tracks on this album as "Louie Vega" and "EOL" ?How did you feel about that when you remixed them ?

Yes, the Louie Vega EOL mixes are exactly what I've made them. I always keep our musicians intertwined with remix projects when called for. In this case it was a given to do it this way. I had a lot of fun doing them, especially the work at Daddy's Workshop, NJ, my studio.

3. Nicola Conte participated in this album also. How did it come about ?

I met Nicola Conte when EOL/Anané/Blaze/Raul Midon and myself performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Gilles Peterson introduced us, and we both respected each others work. We kept in touch and I asked if he would like to remix "Our Love" Feat. Anané, he said yes. I also met him again in Bari, Italy, where he is from. He gave me 3 or 4 rare latin grooves which were also very inspirational pieces of work.

4. I would like to know about the brand new tracks on the album. Did you make them as soon as you came up with the idea for making the album ?

The new tracks came as I was recording the remixes. "Music For Gong Gong" was Pete from BBE's recommendation, he has a relative in Osibisa which is the band and composers of that song. I decided to put something different to it, and called Nina Rodriguez (Yoruban singer) who chanted at the top of the tune. Luisito and his son Anderson, sang backgrounds along with Nina and she sang lead. That was new for Luisito, doing vocals, they came out hot! "Free My Soul" was the last song recorded, it was something we came up with on the spot in the studio after recording "Skinny Papa". I had this idea to record bass, keys, congas and drums, live at my direction. Once the foundation was laid down in one take (after Junito Davile on keyboards and I came up with the progression) I
then reached out to jazz singer Claudia Acuna, and she came up with the Free My Soul hook. Those are just two stories with two songs. (Bass: Carlos Henrique, Keyboards: Junito Davile, Drums: Anderson Quintero, Congas: Luisito Quintero)

5. What is your the most favorite track on the album as a dj ?
What is your the most favorite track on the album as a producer ?

My favorite track on the album as a dj is "Music For Gong Gong". My favorite track as a producer is "Free My Soul".

6. You always feature live instruments a lot when you produce your music.
What is the most particular reason that you do that ?

Live music if recorded correctly can be heard 10 years from now and still sound fresh, listen to Nuyorican Soul and to this day it still sounds beautiful. When I'm doing raw dj club music I also play keyboards on the songs. This is an album here based on a lead percussionist, now turned bandleader, I need to keep it live.

7. Which part of this album tells about your musical roots the most ?

All the songs speak on my musical roots and Luisito's as well. This was a very collaborative album between us. I'm the painter. We went over every aspect, style, and vibe we wanted for the album. I always work closely with the artist if its their album.

8. A lot of people all over the world respect your music very much. What
is your view for future ?

My view of the future is staying creative and keeping the passion I have for music whether I'm recording it (producing) or playing it (djing). To all my Japanese fans, thank you for all the great years of support. I'm not done yet!