Posted on Fri, Sep. 01, 2006

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Ask the DJ | Boris

by MICHAEL HAMERSLY

Russian DJ Boris' hard-pumping, driving sound has become synonymous with the underground ''New York sound,'' which is perfect for the main room at Space, where he's spinning Saturday night. His energetic, uplifting music has spurred major record labels to request remixes: Janet Jackson's All I Want and Thalia's I'm In Love for Virgin Records, Anastacia's Left Outside Alone for Epic Records, Jewel's Stand for Atlantic Records and Pink's Real Good Feel Good for Columbia Records. But check out Boris' latest mix CD, Believe, for a better idea of what to expect at Space; 305-375-0001.

Q: Is Believe your best work?

Yes, Believe is definitely my best work. It's the closest thing to a live set, such as I do at crobar in New York or anywhere else.

Q: What makes a track sound ``underground''?

It's definitely something that's not overplayed and not on the radio. For me personally, I am all about the drums, percussion and the darkness of a track that won't make it commercial.

Q: You're famous for 12-hour marathon sets, sometimes back to back (is that really true?) -- were you inspired or influenced by Danny Tenaglia?

Yes, I have done marathon sets pretty much every weekend, lately. This past weekend, I went from Cielo in New York to Stereo in Montreal, to Sonic in Toronto . . . right back to New York to do Surf Club. They've all been marathon sets -- 12 hours or longer -- with the exception of Cielo. Growing up in New York, I was inspired by many DJs, but everyone will tell you that Junior Vasquez was the original after-hours DJ whom everyone looked up to.

Q: How do you keep from collapsing behind the decks?

Lots of Red Bull! [laughs].

Q: Do you ever listen to Top 40 radio thinking ``I should remix that one''?

Not at all. Usually, labels will commission me to remix certain artists, and sometimes those are in the Top 40.

Q: Have you really remixed country songs?

No country, although I suppose Shania Twain used to be country. But now, she's really a pop singer.

Q: Will we hear any boot-scootin' remixes at Space?

[laughs] No, no boot-scootin' remixes.

Q: Do you get into the party scene that permeates nightclubs?

I like it for the whole scene: the music, the party, the vibe, the people, the club, the crowds. It's a combination of things.

Q: Do you think technological advances have diminished the quality of today's new DJs?

It definitely has advanced with the addition of Serato, Final Scratch and MP3. All you've got to do now is show up to a gig with either your CDs or your computer. As opposed to before, where you would have to lug heavy bags of records.

Q: In your eyes, what's the state of the dance music scene today?

I think dance music is strong and alive today, with more and more people coming out here in the States. And it being so mainstream overseas helps.

Q: Any advice for young aspiring DJs?

My advice to aspiring DJs is to go out and network in the clubs. Try to meet as many people as you can. Also, try to have your own sound that will separate you from the next DJ, because there are so many talented DJs out there.

Q: What would you do if you had to change careers?

I would probably be a stockbroker.

Q: What do you love to do in your free time?

Watch sports and play some, as well. I am a sports junkie.