CoolJunkie Interviews Dirty Vegas

March 16, 2009 2:12 PM
by Marcos Colón

A new year marks a new life for many in the music industry. For Dirty Vegas, the trio hailing from South London that brought us the addictive 2001 smash-hit single ‘Days Go By’, 2009 means more than just another year. It means a new single, a new album in the works, and another chance at the limelight, which they won’t have any trouble holding on to.

CoolJunkie recently caught up with Dirty Vegas just days prior to their big comeback for Winter Music Conference as they told us about the new album in the works, what producers they admire, and what they look forward to from WMC in 2009.

CJ: How’s the year treated you thus far?

Dirty Vegas: This year has been very exciting so far, we have been working on the new album, which has been very creative and enjoyable.

CJ: Can you talk a little bit about your new single, Changes, and the thought process and production behind it?

Dirty Vegas: The song is about the changes that can happen in any relationship over a period of time. When we first meet a lover or friend we all put on a little act to please the other person, then after a certain period we all show who we really are....sometimes good, sometimes bad! But that’s life!

CJ: Who are some producers out there who you guys admire and would like to work with?

Dirty Vegas: Rick Rubin- what hasn’t this man done! Timbaland – he is really pushing his boundaries to broaden his amazing skills! From Missy Elliott to Chris Cornell, I don’t know many producers who have worked that wide range. Dangermouse – Gnarls Barkley to The Black Keys, he’s a new breed of crossover producer. There are so many great house music producers that we are into: Calvin Harris, Mark Knight & Funkagenda, ATFC, Sultan & Ned Sheppard, and Steve Mac ect. Oh, and that’s just the lineup at our WMC party at the Delano !!

CJ: What are your thoughts on the world of music today and the growing affects that electronic music has on it?

Dirty Vegas: I think that music moves in cycles, and after the whole ‘Dance Music’ explosion of the 80’s and 90’s music moved back to guitar bands. Now things are heading back to electronic music again. Its like food, you eat so much of one thing you get sick of it, so you go try something else.

CJ: What city or country would you say 'gets it' the most when it comes to your music?

Dirty Vegas: I would say that London probably gets our music the most, because we all come from there and we give all our friends our music to go tell the world about. The other place that we think really understands the cross over appeal of Dance music is Australia , people like Nick Littlemore (Pnau and Empire of the Sun), Sneaky Sounds System...we could go on forever. In OZ, Dance Music is THE MUSIC of the younger people, it’s like London used to be in the late 80's early 90's.

CJ: With Winter Music Conference just around the corner, what do you guys look forward to most?

Dirty Vegas: Sunshine! Oh! And a chance to hear what every DJ/Producer/Musician who has been hiding in the studio for the last few months is up to. Also meeting new and old friends, catching up and mixing business with pleasure. Now is one of the only times us DJ's bump into each other!

CJ: You'll be playing an intimate and highly anticipated show at the Florida Room in the Delano. What should fans expect from it?

Dirty Vegas: This will be our first live performance of the new songs, and nerves and new songs can usually give a good energy. It’s a fantastic room and are really lucky to be putting a show in here. It’s our first live show together in 4 years or so, so as you can expect it’s scary , but I’m sure its gonna be great. And then after we have a great party with some of the best DJ's/Producer's out there at the moment. BUT don't expect only house music , this my friends will be a PARTY!

CJ: What's musically exciting to you right now?

Dirty Vegas: God! We listen to everything so that’s tough! But we are all into the new Phoenix stuff, and Empire of the Sun. I really like Fleet Foxes and stuff on Buzzin Fly records like Ben Watt and The Figurines. We all feel that the present is one of the most exciting times for music we’ve ever seen/heard!

CJ: What are your plans for the remainder of the year?

Dirty Vegas: Finish the new album and get out on the road. Just carry on how we have been , it’s not been too bad of late!

Click here to hear more from Dirty Vegas.