Hi Jimmy, new single dropping in May ‘Out Of My Mind’ in conjunction with the launch of your brand new Sesso Recordings label. What’s with starting your own label?
“I simply became tired of all the genres out there. You have to spend hours on line to find ten tracks that you would play out. It becomes annoying. It used to be about the label. I want to bring that back. I don’t care what style it is. If it’s hot, we’ll put it out. Also, getting a track on a label doesn’t guarantee you anything. You can have the best track of the summer, but if the label doesn’t put up the money to properly market it, it will get lost in the digital world. Launching Sesso allows me to decide what I feel is worthy of the big push.”
So ‘Out of My Mind’, New York house music all over it, some great remixes and an amazing piece of vocal from Phoenix – what was it like working with her?
“Man… I have to say that she was super easy to work with. Phoenix was definitely a professional in the booth. Also, I recorded the vocals at George Mena’s studio. He had worked with her before and really knew how to bring out her personality into the record. Plus, it always helps when the artist really likes the track, too.”
Talk us through the tune…
“It actually started out as a follow up for Subliminal, but the more time I worked on the project, the more it became a record that you wouldn’t necessarily affiliate with the Subliminal sound. It’s Electro, Pop, soulful, happy, dramatic…. all wrapped up in one! So I sent the record to a friend named Jhara. She’s a very talented writer that usually works in the R’nB world. I felt that her skills would fit the track well and really make it a ‘song’ – not just a track with some chick talking on it. She wrote it in one day! Next, my friend Manny D introduced me to Phoenix aka ‘One Take ‘ (she did her verses in one recording!). That was it. I sent it to Ruanne Emmenes for mix-down and here we are. Actually the MEAD Remix is produced by myself and Ruanne. MEAD stands for Mood Engineer Angry DJ. We developed these characteristics during our sessions creating for our subliminal release.”
So what happened with you and Erick Morillo/Subliminal Records – why the split?
“I really wouldn’t call it a ‘split’. I wasn’t an Exclusive Artist, such as the likes of Harry, Jose, and Who Da Funk. I was free to do what I wanted, as long as I fulfilled my commitment to Sub. I came in on the back end of the Subliminal monster run. Erick was peaking as a DJ/Celebrity, therefore he wasn’t around much. And if you know Erick, you understand why he is so successful. Nothing, and I mean nothing goes without his approval. I admired this dedication to the Subliminal name, but also found it difficult to get quick responses to projects. I thought about going to other labels, but I knew that I would be at their mercy regarding the release dates and promotional budget of projects. Also, my sound varies so much from track to track, that it just seemed right to launch Sesso Recordings and truly bring something for everyone.”
You are renowned for playing ‘sexy/funky house’ music – what are your big ten tunes at the moment you’re listening to?
“My ten are all over the place! I’ll give you the new tracks in rotation, but I must admit, I’m known to drop many a classic throughout the night. These are not in any specific order of preference…
When Love Takes Over – David Guetta
Leave the World Behind – Steve Angello, Igrosso, Axwell and Laidback Luke rocking it – Swedish House Maffia style!
Life Goes On 2009 – Richard Grey
Can’t Get Enough – 2009 Henrik B Mix
Gypsy – Laidback Luke
Cumbia – Harry Choo Choo Romero
Come On – Javi Mula
Cava – Abel Ramos and Mark Simmons
Amplifier – F.L.G
I’m Coming Up – Kurd Maverick
…Told ya I was all over the place!”
You have been in this world for 20 years, must have seen a lot out there, what have been your favourite clubs you’ve partied/DJ’d at over the years?
“Believe it or not, I love the small hot ‘n sleazy rooms where the system is worth more than the entire club. But seriously, my favorite club was Louie Vega at the Sound Factory Bar. That party was the best! Even the basement rocked! The early Subliminal parties at Centro Fly and Discotech were also fun. Downstairs at APT is cool and Cielo still pumps also. I’ll go wherever the music will be on point!”
What is New York club life like at the moment?
“Honestly, it has gotten even better – at least musically. Pacha NYC, Cielo, Mansion, have all brought in big name DJs. Smaller venues like Sin Sin and Sullivan room allow the house music lover that doesn’t want to deal with the big room hassle, get their fix. Other than that, it’s all Hip Hop, Hip Hop and more Hip Hop!”
Why did you want to become a DJ in the first place?
“I just always was fascinated by the control the DJ had. Being able to influence how an entire room is feeling was an amazing sight. I wanted to be that guy.”
So the move into production, something to do with the arrival of two little men?
“Absolutely! Being married and having kids is a full time job by itself. I didn’t want to give up music, but knew I couldn’t continue to gig 6 nights a week and still function as a family man. Production has allowed me the opportunity to stay home with my sons and increase the quality of gigs so I only have to go away once a month or so for a few days to earn what I would make hustling in NY and NJ.”
Which artist would you most like to work with in the studio that you haven’t already?
“Probably Axwell. His versatility is what attracts me to his records. I think we would create some amazing music.”
What’s the best album ever made?
“Stevie Wonder ” Songs in the Key of Life ” Enough Said!”
What’s the best and worst thing about living in New Jersey/New York?
“The best thing is that you have all the opportunity in the world here, as long as you are talented, dedicated and persistent. Also, I love the diversity in the people, the places, and the food! The worst is that I happen to produce and spin a style of music that simply isn’t supported by enough people to convince nightclub owners to switch their format. I don’t blame them, though. It’s expensive to run a club out here, and the money is in the sexy Hip Hop and Pop scene.”
Who are the finest DJs and producers that you have ever listened/respected in your time?
“I always go back to my roots… Louie Vega, Todd Terry, Frankie Knuckles, Mr Fingers, you know – the Pioneers! More recently I’ve really grown to respect Harry Choo Choo Romero, Axwell, and Steve Angelo, just to name a few.”
Biggest disco star of all time?
“Sylvester!”
What’s coming out of the studio next from Jimmy Ponzio?
“I have a follow up featuring Phoenix entitled ‘So Many Reasons’ coming out in July and another single lined up for September. The track is done, but I haven’t decided on the title yet…”