DJ PAULO

DJ PAULO, one of the most traveled, well-known DJs of our time, will be spinning in Washington, D.C., during the famous Cherry Weekend. 

Tell us a little bit about the Washington Party on April 17. Where and what time are you playing?
Cherry Weekend,  an annual fund weekend of events. I’ll be doing the Friday party at the Howard Theater, which I hear is an awesome space.

What made you decide to become a DJ?
Dance music came to me naturally; I’ve always had a passion for it. I wanted to share my passion with others.

How long have you been DJing, and what is your favorite thing about being a DJ?
If you’re counting “bedroom DJing,” which I was doing in high school, then over 30 years.Besides the traveling of the world and seeing so many different cultures and people, my favorite thing has to be to make so many people feel good through music. To work on a big vocal track like “Living for Love” and seeing people enjoying it as much as you enjoyed producing it, that’s priceless.

You’re a world-renowned, traveling DJ. What do you think sets you apart from the rest of the DJs in the world?
Thank you. I believe I have a unique sound: Latin and African-fused tribal rhythm with big, soaring vocal tracks. I love reworking old tracks and making them sound current. When you come to one of my parties, you know I’ve put a special set together specifically for that event, with remixes of current artists you won’t hear anywhere else.

It seems as though suddenly DJs are taking the place of the rock stars. Why do you think that is?
Well, the lines are slightly blurred between going to a concert and a club event. It’s even more apparent in the straight scene.

Do you take requests?
[snap fan] No. I think when you go hear a DJ at a big club event, he has prepared something special to serve you. To go and ask for him to change the menu on the fly is kinda rude. If it’s a small wedding or so, I don’t see why not, but if it’s a big club or circuit event, nah.

Can you give me a brief history about yourself, where were you born and raised?
Born in Lisbon, Portugal. Half Portuguese, half Dutch. Moved to the East Coast when I was 10, then Paris and London for six years before settling down in LA.

Do you produce your own music?
I produce, remix, mash, edit, rework, you name it. I get approached by upcoming DJs, and I always tell them: produce.  You have to bring something original to the table.

Do you have anything new out there?
I just released official Madonna remixes of “Living for Love.”  That was super cool to have my remix handpicked by Madonna.

Do you have a favorite DJ that you look up to?
Early in my career I was inspired by Danny, Jr, Victor, Peter and Abel. There will always be respect for those that paved the way.

Friday, April 17:
Gravity featuring
DJ PAULO (LA) with DJ TWiN at The Howard Theatre,
620 T St. NW, from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. Cover: $25. Special performance by Beth Anne Sack.
cherryfund.org/events