Mel DeBarge, who is DJing at MIXX on Sunday, March 15 and a household name on the international party scene, recently sat down with Borgata to answer some questions.
The New York-based DeBarge has emerged as a fixture at exclusive film, music, fashion, philanthropic and private events with clients including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, GQ, Calvin Klein, Nike, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, Heidi Klum, Kimora Lee Simmons, NBC and Vogue. He’s also a regular at some of America’s most recognizable nightclubs including Avenue and PH-D at The Dream Downtown (New York City), LIV (Miami) and, of course, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
He has an encyclopedic knowledge of music that allows him to draw on a myriad of influences as he seamlessly merges hip-hop, rock, soul, funk, disco and reggae.
“I make sure my personality comes across in my performances,” he explains. “The personal connection with the audience is not only what I enjoy most about deejaying, it’s also the reason I keep the dance floor full.”
Here’s our interview with Mel DeBarge.
When did you start DJing?
I would say this is my 16th year…
But I guess I’ve always deejayed whether it was changing CDs at my parents’ house or picking songs at block parties.
What kind of equipment do you work with? Love technics 1200s and a Rane mixe but I’ve grown comfortable with newer technology like Pioneers CDJs and various types of MIDI controllers. Things change.
Where do you spin usually? Lately I’ve been blessed to play in a lot of different venues…Marquee (New York), Studio Paris (Chicago), LIV (Miami), 1 OAK (LA) and mur.mur have been some of my favorites.
Who is your favorite DJ/Artist? I’m a fan of DIPLO because he can produce and deejay basically any genre in dance and do a great job.
What are your music predictions? Besides knowing that HIP HOP is making a huge come back I think what’s going on between DANCE AND HIP HOP is the future.
Favorite Lyrics? I would have to say Michael Jackson “Baby Be Mine”.
Most people you ever played in front of? I would say 10,000 in Singapore for Formula 1.
First feeling of being star struck? Watching Stevie Wonder next to me while I deejayed.
The track I always play to rescue a dance floor: Well this varies but definitely one of them is “This Is How We Do It” Montel Jordan. I have a secret remix of it.
The track that got me out of bed this morning: “Marilyn Monroe” by Pharrell.
The ideal festival track: “Tremor” by Dimitri Vegas, Martin Garrix, Like Mike … Such a heavy track!
The best track by my favorite new artist: Such a tough question for a deejay.. Well at least for me… Let’s just say today’s favorite is Disclosure’s “FRONTIN” remix.