Tony Moran is considered one of the most well-known DJs in the house music genre, playing to massive crowds at events throughout the world. As a remix producer he has worked with top dance/pop artists including Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Neyo and many others. He has produced four dance hits for Deborah Cox including “Easy as Life” and “House Is A Not a Home” and has unleashed major dance floor hits like “Put Your Hands Up,” “Cafe Con Alegria” and “The Promise.” He also produced “Body to Body, Heart to Heart” for Cher’s “Living Proof” album and was nominated for two Grammys for his production of Gloria Estefan ’s “Don’t Let This Moment End” and “Heaven ’s What I Feel.” Another major production was Donna Summer’s “You’re So Beautiful,” which appears on her greatest hits album.
Tony Moran celebrates his birthday with a special event this Friday at XL Nightclub.
What do you want for your birthday this year?
I want some funky-styled reading glasses form eyebobs.com. I also desperately need colored dress socks.
As you grow older, do you still like to celebrate birthdays?
I do. Not because a year has gone by, but it gives a reason for my friends and fans to come together.
They say 30 is the hardest age for most guys to reach. Was it for you?
30 through 36 were the hardest for me because I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. I was competing with time. After 40, I am finally
comfortable. I can walk into a room or a DJ booth or my niece’s sweet 16 party and I am so cool with who I am.
What was your best age?
Now. I am grateful every day and am more motivated than ever to continue creating.
If you could do your 20s all over again, would you?
My 20s were very interesting, and if you read up on my history, a lot happened. I also had to discover myself personally, and that was hard. My advice to guys in their 20s, don’t let it slip you by. Don’t be ashamed to experiment. That feeling you have that you’re carrying the weight of the world will still be there in your 40s but it won’t be as heavy because you will approach life differently. Time lets you readjust life’s meaning.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Working and collaborating on a personal level with some of the greatest talents of our time and watching them pay attention to what I had to say.
What remains on your bucket list?
A month-long vacation.
How will you make this year special?
Touring the world for events is fun, but it takes a toll. This year, I plan to focus more on my artist development projects. Producing and writing have always given me such fulfillment.
What are you planning for your birthday celebration at XL?
Great music, a packed room and an abundance of positive energy.
What is the best present fans can bring you this year?
[laughing] You mean beside the glasses and dress socks? Coming to see me at XL. Being there for me is the greatest gift of all.
Celebrate Tony’s Birthday at XL Nightclub (512 West 42nd St) on Friday, November 22, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. hosted by Roze Black, Dougie Meyer, Erica Gabriel and Matheus Rafaeli.
