Louie Vega's In The House to be Released September 3rd

Grammy winning Latin house legend Louie Vega tells us why Hollywood is releasing a film about his legendary uncle Hector Lavoe, why Larry Levan (Paradise Garage) was his role model and how his mum still rocks out when she goes to his gigs.

"This summer there is a movie out with Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. It’s about my uncle’s life. The movie is called El Cantante (The Singer). He was a very talented singer who brought Salsa music to the forefront in the 70’s and 80’s." - Louie Vega.

Hector Lavoe was a huge influence on Louie Vega’s life, and it appears music was in his genes and that talent runs in the family. So much was his influence that Louie has remixed one of his records as a tribute to him which appears on his new album Louie Vega In the House, out on Defected Records. The track Mi Hente (My People) has a special mix and a special dub which will only be available on this compilation.

Louie Vega needs little introduction. This 2006 Grammy winner is best known for his fusion of Latin beats, classic disco, hip hop and jazz. This comes as no surprise as these were the cultural sounds of Manhattan, the city that provided the musical backdrop to Louie’s experience during his Bronx upbringing. He is also known as one half of the legendary House duo Masters at Work, with his musical partner Kenny Dope Gonzalez.

He is arguably one of the most famous and innovative DJ producers in the world, a belief reinforced by the fact that he has produced titanic Latin artists Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, as well as classic soul artists Luther Vandross, George Benson and Roy Ayers. If that wasn’t already enough he has also worked closely with stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and both Michael and Janet Jackson.  It was in 1997 that Louie created Nuyorican Soul, an album that received huge critical acclaim and would serve to catapult him into the house elite.

His worldwide success can be partly attributed to the influence of his sisters, who would slip him illicit mix tapes inspired by their long nights clubbing. 

"It was my sisters going to clubs and being club queens in the late 70’s and 80’s that got me into music. They brought a lot of records from Zanibar and The Loft, Paradise Garage and The Gallery."

In fact Louie can remember the first time that he went to the Paradise Garage at the tender age of 15 years old. Larry Levan was at the decks that night, and he would go on to prove a huge inspiration throughout Louie’s career. He even remembers what the DJ was playing at the time.

"I remember what Larry Levan was playing when I first went in there. It was amazing. He played Candido ‘Thousand Finger Man’, Street Player ‘Chicago’ - a lot of those records that influence us today were played at that club. I still play those records to this day".

Now Louie has brought the wealth of his experience to the respected In the House series - a compilation series brought to you by Defected that brings together the worlds best DJ producers to submit their ultimate mixes. This is the 22nd edition of the series and Louie brings together a selection of current and classic tracks that are rocking his dance floors.

The main mixes are much more upfront, with CD1 starting with the highly energised Bob Sinclar remix of ‘Put Your Drink Down’. The mix also contains a dub of one of Louie’s most celebrated productions, ‘Love and Happiness’ - a spiritual and timeless dance track.

There are many other exclusives on this album, including a track that Louie produced for Cerrone called ‘Love Ritual’.

"I did it as a tribute to Cerrone and it remade his famous Conga tune. I re-did that beat with the ELO band and it sounded really powerful.”

The package also include a bonus CD with Louie’s musical inspirations, giving a rare musical glimpse into the influences of this artist and including tracks from Ronnie Foster, Donnie Hathaway and Kool and the Gang.