Interview: DJ Yiannis, House Music Producer, Resident DJ at VelvetNation Mega Club

After making summer in the Nations capitol even hotter, DJ Yiannis sat down to talk about what makes the club scene in Washington, DC so special, his new residency at Velvet Nation, and presenting his remix of Crazy in Love to Beyonce less than 24 hours after her big night at the MTV Video Music Awards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First, Congratulations! You were recently named resident DJ at Velvet Nation in Washington, DC. What does this mean for your career?

Yiannis: It means I have a 'home' here locally where the crowd can come and hear me every time I spin and I get to play my exclusive remixes. That really builds a bigger crowd and gains respect from other venues. Velvet is one of the best parties on the east coast. It has great energy that reminds me of the European clubs back home. Its so much fun working with the team at Velvet. I really feel like I will grow as an artist in this environment.

You came here from Greece. Why did you choose Washington DC when making your career move?

I wanted to go to the UK for school but my parents wanted to send me here to the USA so here I am. When I came here it was a kind of a big shock coming from the European scene, comparing DC and NY... then, definitely I would have chosen NY. Looking back though, I realize that the DC community has given me so many amazing opportunities and Im proud to call DC my home.

Five years ago, you started your own production company called Outstanding Productions. Your mixes are aptly titled Outstanding. The song Believer by Ke is almost exclusively associated with you. It is five years old, and your first exclusive remix for Junior Vasquez. Yet, crowds still beg for it, and go crazy when you play it. What is it about this song gives it such longevity?

Believer was done in the Twilo era. When the Outstanding mix was finished, it became one of Juniors favorite songs, so he asked me not to give to anyone. Pretty much Twilo was the only place you could hear the song. Since then, Believer has become my signature song.

When you're in the studio, describe a little bit of the process you go thru when remixing a vocal track. Is the finished product usually very different from your original intent?

It pretty much starts when I get the vocals (the a capella ) I always get the feeling of the artist singing the song and try to put my self to that situation, and most of the time somehow I associate with the situation. I prepare the drum track and after that pretty much the song is done inside my head.

What is the biggest criticism you face as a DJ?

They really give me hard time about not sharing enough music on the internet, which makes my mixes harder to get but that's a decision I make to only release the 'Outstanding Mixes' to a very few people I trust.

As you say, you are known for keeping your mixes under lock and key. Which song do people most ask you for?

I must say the most requested song is for Kes Believer and Who Do you Love? by Deborah Cox.

Along those same lines, do you think the availability of music on the Internet helps DJs gain a broader fan base, or hurts the industry?

It's both ways. It really helps if the song is already out. It makes it easier to every DJ to get a copy and play the song, so it does more promotion for the song. For an artist, if it leaks and its not out, it jeopardizes the integrity of the artist for a future releases.

DJs have star power, and more and more DJs are turning to production and doing their own thing, which has changed the world of DJing. Are you working on any projects now that are all your own?

Yes an original song that my friend Michelle Cumes (an old friend from college) and I wrote called ' Sugar'. Its a song expressing both our situations. After a break up, from a painful relationship when youve been in love. You try to forget and go out somewhere with your friends and you cannot avoid seeing your ex around.

You have had a big year with 2 of your remixes making it in to the Billboard Top 20 (Alcazars Dont you Want Me? And Jocelyn Enriquezs No Way, No How). Also, this summer, you had one of Outstandings remixes featured in the video release of Automatic Love, which originally was for the 2xist television commercial. This was your first video. What was it like seeing your remix brought to life on the screen?

Simply, unbelievable! I had to go and replay it again just to make sure it was real. (huge laugh) I was pretty amazed to see how well they captured the essence of the remix on screen.

You are obviously comfortable in the booth. When you spin, the crowd can see you jumping and moving in the DJ booth. How does the crowd affect you?

I definitely feed of the crowd's energy. I never come in a club and have a set ready to play. I mean I have all my records with me but never prepare a set. I go one with the crowd and build the night with them. I use their energy and give it back, trying to take them to higher level. Thats where my crowd and me become one!

What was the most memorable moment youve had as a DJ outside the booth?

I have to admit (with a huge smile) that they are mostly Junior moments. Having such a legendary DJ premiering my mixes created just for him and watching the crowd scream and lose it on the dance floor. Those moments could never be re-created and brought tears to my eyes just being there in the moment.

If you were spinning in a city where no one had heard you before, what would you want the club goers to know about your style?

Tribal Diva Anthems, Tribal Beats and Dark Progressive... many build ups and dramatic drops, pretty much what you expect to hear in NYC.

Do you prefer spinning in smaller venues or larger venues?

While the energy from a large crowd is indescribable really, sometimes the personal feel of a smaller venue really allows me to pay attention to details. And of course, I enjoy meeting fans which smaller venues are generally better for.

Even though you are a billboard reporter, is selling records or selling out clubs more important to you?

Selling records is great, but selling out clubs is much more important because I want to travel and play all over the country so I can meet more people and share my passion with others who love music as I do.

You premiered your first Velvet mix in August- Beyonce's Crazy in Love just two weeks ago. With so many remixes of that song already out there, why do you think your mix was so well received by the crowd and critics?

Hmmm I think the Outstanding remix was the only one that really captures the meaning of the song with the proper energy and the diva drama. When I heard the up-tempo remixes along with other DJs, I didn't feel them. Having the original being so big and having the crowd request it, it really made me go to the studio and start putting ideas together for a remix.

NOW, the big news from last night. Speaking of Beyonce. She was in DC last night performing with Sean Paul. Rumor has it that you personally gave her your mix of Crazy in Love. Can you elaborate?

(giggles) Lets put it this way, I made sure she has a copy.

Has the RAVE Act and other legislation that has lead to the closing of major nightclubs across the country affected you personally? Do you think the authorities have unfairly targeted the circuit music scene?

Yes it did. Its very sad having some irresponsible people cause problems and because of the few, the whole club has to pay the price. The authorities blame anything that goes wrong inside a club on the music. They simply try to fix things by creating new laws.

On the more personal side. You are not just a DJ. What other interests do you have that might surprise your fans?

I'm a professional chef trained in French and international cuisine. When Im not in the studio or spinning, I love playing board games with my close friends. We play all the time. You know, playing games and learning new information really sharpens your brain. I am also a graphic designer, I love drawing or creating anything with arts.

When you talk about your mixes, its obvious you feel something in each song that inspires you to perfect it. Of all your remixes, which one is your favorite?

Hmm. Very hard questions. I pretty much love all of them. But I will have to go with the Deborah Cox ones because she is my favorite! 'Who do you love?' was a huge piece in my life and inside my heart. Every time I play my remix I can't really help going through the roller coaster that love put me through. Every single emotion and pain that I had to suffer, every wasted tear, but I still love it. It represents a 100% of me.

You have had such a great summer. How do you plan to top this over the next year? Is there anything special you hope to accomplish?

I want to start producing an original album with songs like the Sugar single with Michelle Cumes and see it hit number one on the charts. (sheepishly) Oh, if Deborah Cox is reading this, I want to work with you girl! (giggles)

DJ Yiannis holds residencies at both APEX and Velvet in Washington, DC where he produces and remixes music with his business partner, Jer Olsen for Outstanding Productions.

For more information or to contact DJ Yiannis, go to www.outstandingproductions.net.

Media contacts and club promoters may call on Staci Morgan staci@cwpublicity.com.