Tapping the DJs

Eight renowned spinners answer some curious questions about their craft

by DANNY LEGARE

In an effort to get inside the heads of some of the DJs who will create the soundtrack to Divers/Cité's 13th edition, we rounded up a varied lot and asked them a few curious questions.

Denise Benson

Benson began her career in Toronto's clubs and on radio in 1987, and is known for creating sexy, positive and fun club nights. She's consistently been voted Toronto's Top DJ by the city's weeklies, and has a 17-year-young radio program, Mental Chatter.

Mirror: There's a rumor circulating currently that Danny Tenaglia might be retiring from the DJ circuit. Does spinning have a shelf life? When would you know that your time at the decks is up?

Denise Benson: In my other life, I'm also a music journalist and had the privilege of speaking with Danny Tenaglia recently. One of the things he said to me was this: "I'm enjoying the journey and have no intentions of stopping. At the age of 44, I fully know that this is my purpose, this is what I was put on earth to do, and I accept it and I love it." One of the most magical things about DJing is the feeling of an audience who's right there with you, loving your sounds, pushing you to go further, laughing and screaming and freaking with you. That's an awfully difficult thing to walk away from. I certainly don't care to any time soon.

M: Do you have any records that never leave your box?

DB: Prince's "Erotic City," Yazoo's "Situation," Mark Rogers' "Twilight for Some," Run DMC & Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough," Rockers Hi-Fi's "Push Push."

M: Who would win a lightsabre duel between Yoda and Darth Maul?

DB: My girlfriend has long had the hots for Darth Maul, so I'll go with him. I'm not qualified to answer, but I must say that those lightsabres are awfully sexy.

M: What's the kinkiest thing you have ever done (or would like to do) while behind the decks?

DB: Despite the fact that I've played more than my fair share of kinky, queer, fetish and plain ol' sexed-up events, I'm always the bridesmaid and never the bride. For the record, however, I will entertain offers.

At Lesbomonde at Musée Juste Pour Rire on Saturday, July 30, 9:30 p.m., $27, and at Meow Mix at la Sala Rossa on Sunday, July 31, 9:30 p.m., $10

Michael "Deko-ze" Babb

Babb, who hails from Toronto as well, has been going hard behind the decks ever since his noodle first started dripping with butter. Considered to be Canada's hardest working DJ, Deko-ze has played the world over. Montreal finally has a chance to be put under his spell as he weaves a musical tapestry of house grooves at every gig he plays at.

Mirror: The ghosts of Ian Curtis, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Buckley and Mama Cass form a supergroup in the afterlife, and you get a chance to remix the song. What's your recipe for production?

Michael "Deko-ze" Babb: Here is what I need: Red Bull to keep me going, a window to keep me connected to the outside world, DVDs of Superfly, Dolemite and Car Wash so I never forget the FONK - a lot of people don't realize that the roots of rock 'n' roll are based in funk, R&B and blues. Also, a CDR of Jacques Lu Cont remixes so I never forget the groove and raw intensity of a bass guitar, toys (I'll let you decide what I'm referring to), and my Sanctuary shirt - it rawks!

M: What's the number-one item on your rider?

MB: A 28- to 44-year-old, beefy, shaved head (optional), easygoing buddy for inspiration! Ha ha! Actually, it's Red Bull.

M: What do you think about Montreal crowds?

MB: The Montreal crowds are wicked! There is a great mixture of people who also seem ready and open to have a great experience! It is wicked having the opportunity to play for and be part of their energy!

Morning set at la Grande Danse at Berri and Ontario on Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m.–11 p.m., and later that night at Pride Ball at Aria, 11 p.m., $47

Denise Gurney, aka "Twisted Dee"

Gurney was first introduced to the DJ booth in her early teens at her family-owned Long Island dance club. The award-winning "Best DJ on Fire Island" is now spreading her sound throughout the U.S. as more and more clubs are making Twisted Dee a household name.

Mirror: What's the kinkiest thing you have ever done (or would like to do) while behind the decks?

DG: It's a bit hard as a woman - you can't just whip out your dick and get a blowjob like the boys can. And I do stay very focused on my job when working. I have had some fun "end of the evening escapades" in the booth, though, but talking about those can get me in serious trouble (wink).

M: Reality TV: which show would you write a theme song for and agree to a cameo?

DG: I would love for there to be Queer Eye for the Straight Girl! Sometimes I feel straight girls have not evolved at all. Still just trying to find Mr. Right, get married and have the white picket fence - get a grip. I could easily write a song about them called "Why Is My Hair So Big?"

M: What do you think about them Montreal crowds? Got anything special in store for the Pride celebrations this year?

DG: The Montreal crowds are the best I have played for. They are the most receptive to new music, and have this energy that is just unbelievable. As far as Pride, I am going to do my best to make sure everyone has fun while I am playing. I never "plan" anything, I fly by the seat of my pants. It's always been that way for me.

At Lesbomonde on Saturday, July 30, and la Grande Danse on Sunday, July 31

Alain Vinet

Vinet has gained the reputation of being one of the most consistent DJs at his club residencies, and has also participated in Bal en Blanc, La Grande Danse and Black & Blue. Having worked with legendary local DJ Mark Anthony, Vinet has also lent his production cred to Cirque du Soleil via its very own Musique record label. Vinet's first mix CD Mouvement, on the Cirque du Soleil label, is now out.

Mirror: Since we are on a bit of a retro kick, do you have any records that never leave your box?

AV: From my experience, like in fashion, music has approximately a 20-year cycle, which corresponds pretty much to one generation in today's standards, since the kids that go out today were hearing those '80s songs on the radio in their early years. As to the records from the '80s that I still carry in my box, I would have to say "Nobody's Got Time" by Eddy Grant.

M: What's your take on the Montreal scene?

AV: I sincerely think Montreal has one of the best nightlife scenes anywhere. No matter where I've played in the world, for me there is nothing like home. You've got it good, Montrealers, believe me... I will always do a re-edit or remix of one or two songs that mean "gay pride" to me, especially for this event, and I am currently putting together a little live performance for the occasion - but for now, let's keep it a secret.

At la Grande Danse on Sunday, July 31

Steve Travolta

A few years ago, DJ Steve Travolta and a group of roommates were battling to stay in a loft located in the same West 27th street building in NYC that housed Twilo. It was at this party that Travolta introduced a less mechanical sound than that which was being played out in all the big rooms of the city. Travolta was quickly catapulted to the A-list of DJs as clubs like the Roxy, Crobar and our very own Stereo came knocking. Travolta is also an accomplished producer, having worked closely with Frankie Knuckles, François K. and David Morales.

Mirror: Do you ever think DJs have a shelf life?

ST: In some cases, yes, spinning does have a shelf life. I have friends that have been DJing since the late '60s and most of them are currently spinning better than ever. I don't intend to spin past the age of 50 - not because I'll lose my passion for DJing and music, but at some point I'd like to focus on further developing myself as a visual artist.

M: Do you have any records that never leave your box?

ST: "Situation" by Yazoo, "Get the Balance Right" by Depeche Mode, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell and "Blue Monday" by New Order.

M: What's the kinkiest thing you have ever done (or would like to do) while behind the decks?

ST: Believe it or not, there's not a man in the world that could possibly pull my attention away from the music and the party - although there is a security guard at Stereo who comes very, very close.

M: What do you think about Montreal's crowds? Got anything special in store for the Pride celebrations this year?

ST: Montreal's dance community is definitely the best in the world. I always have a few tricks up my sleeve, and this year will be no exception.

At the PM Delux/Sunset Party in Parc Émilie-Gamelin on Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

DJ Mini

Mini's passion for "thee" electro sound lets her merge the musical influences that have inspired her from the day she hit the decks, ranging from punk and industrial to techno and breakbeat. Her Overdose night at Parking has become a Thursday-night staple in the Village, and as resident and artistic director for the club's events, she's made Overdose wild and crazy, with an educational slant. Her second album lands this summer, and will include all-new songs inspired by such things as children's toys.

Mirror: Does spinning have a shelf life? When would you know that your time at the decks are up?

Mini: I would quote a line I remember from the movie Pollock, when a journalist asked Pollock when he knew he'd finished doing a painting. He simply answered, "When do you know when you're done making love?"

M: Who would win a lightsaber duel between Yoda and Darth Maul?

Mi: Go, Yoda, go!

M : What's the kinkiest thing you have ever done while behind the decks?

Mi : I DJed in my undies for a party called Pants Off Party.

M : Is Martha Stewart still cool?

Mi: Martha is way too much of a smart businesswoman to be uncool. I mean, come on, who would really run to the cameras with their face completely mashed up just to make her sales go up?! Would you? She's a smart one, we must give her that. Doesn't mean I agree with her tactics, though.

M: Got anything special in store for the Pride celebrations this year?

Mi: I think playing for the ladies will be fun for me, and I hope they'll appreciate the music. I'm hoping to bring some extra spice to the flavour this year! Montreal rules. Love it.

At Lesbomonde on Saturday, July 30

Peter Rauhofer

Peter Rauhofer's anthemic nights/mornings at Stereo have garnered him the coveted key to the Village. Thanks to his Midas touch in all branches of the music community, he currently represents a solid part of NYC's electronic establishment and has been recognized by the global electronic connoisseurs as a true heavyweight in his various fields.

Mirror: Who would win the lightsabre duel, Yoda or Darth Maul?

Peter Rauhofer: I have never ever seen any episode of Star Wars! Hard to believe, but true!

M: Reality TV: which show would you write a theme song for and agree to a cameo?

PR: Elimindate!

M : What do you think about the Montreal crowds? Got anything special in store for the Pride celebrations this year?

PR: I always love to spin for crowds in Canada. I am unveiling tons of new mixes for the first time. Have fun on the dancefloor!

At Pride Ball at Aria on Sunday, July 31

Robert De La Gauthier

Montreal's very own prodigal techno son, Robert de la... Gauthier has given immeasurable contributions to Montreal's club and rave scene. We felt it to be just to have his inspiring words close this piece.

Mirror: How does Montreal compare to other international scenes?

RDLG: After playing in so many different places around the world, Montreal is amazing! For Pride this year, I'll be making a special classic disco set at the Grand Bal Disco, digging into the real special gay disco anthems, some of the more popular ones, and disco from the era of the Limelight, le Jardin, le Garage, Studio 54, Paradise Garage and the Saint. I'll be playing special extended versions, and many will then hear and recognize where many of the house-music pieces of the last 10 years got their inspirations - and samples - from. It will be a challenge to do this disco set, beat-mixing-wise especially, since disco was played live by bands, compared to electronic music coming from a steady-rhythm drum machine. Later on that Sunday, at Divers/Cité's Pride Ball, I'll be sharing the room upstairs at Aria at first with Scott Free, who's a fantastic DJ, and will be going till the end for a long set into the realms of the newest in electro house, tech house and acid fun party music, into the morning weeeeeee hours.

At la Grande Bal Disco in Parc Émilie-Gamelin on Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m.–11 p.m., admission by donation, and at the Pride Ball at Aria the same night