Joe Gauthreaux’s Family Affair

Joe Gauthreaux continues to unleash a diverse range of music to dance floors through his music label, Prop D Recordings. “I genuinely love all kinds of beats,” he says, believing the worst thing a DJ/producer can do is to get stuck in a certain sound for too long. “Music is constantly changing and evolving. If you don’t change with it, you’ll get left behind.”

His first release, “Bye Felicia,” was a throwback to ’90s house. It featured vocals by Mitch Amtr@ck, best known for his recordings with late house music great Peter Rauhofer.
This week Gauthreaux reveals his latest work, “You Are My Family.” The song celebrates the tightest of friendships with vocals by the incomparable diva of dance, Inaya Day. Hear it first at VIVA on Saturday, February 21, when Joe Gauthreaux takes the booth.

Was this really your first time recording with Inaya Day?  Yes. I had done remixes for her, but we’ve never worked in the studio before. We had actually only met a few times before this project! I’ve always been obsessed with Inaya’s voice and the way she delivers a song. So, when I was writing “You Are My Family,” she was the only voice I had in my head. I sent her a demo, and she agreed to bring the track to life for me.

Was the experience everything you imagined it would be?
It was amazing! Inaya is such a pro. She is able to convey an emotion into every lyric she delivers. You can’t help but absolutely believe every word Inaya says. It’s an incredible gift that I’m in awe of every time I hear the song.

How is “You Are My Family” different from “We Are Family”?
The lyrics are not about a group of people. They’re for that one friend who means the most to you.

Do you have that one person that will always be honest with you and give you tough love when you need it?
I do. I think when you’re gay, a friend will often understand you more than blood for the simple fact they share similar struggles and challenges in life.

You’ve been a resident at VIVA for two years. Do you consider those guys family?
Every time I see [promoters] Ric, John or Beto, it’s a hug situation. They know what it takes to make a New York circuit night work on a weekly basis!

What is their secret?
It’s a combination of venue and talent. You walk in VIVA and it feels like 2015 with that amazing LED show. Also, the DJ is on stage! That’s a new concept for our scene. It’s what’s done in EDM, so I think the new generation of club kids connect to it more.

What’s next for you?
So many things. I’m going to be releasing a club EP soon featuring remixes of my past club singles along with a few unreleased songs. But what’s really next is we are about to shoot a video for “You Are My Family.” I’m stoked!

Joe Gauthreaux spins VIVA on Saturday, February 21^ST.  2015 605 W. 48^th St. NYC

“You Are My Family” will be available on iTunes this spring.  Visit DJJoeG.com