Mr Latin House - The Interview

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Mr Latin House Subject – Chicago, IL USA
twitch.tv/mrlatinhouse
facebook.com/slamminsaturdayschicago
instagram.com/mrlatinhouse
soundcloud.com/mrlatinhouse
mixcloud.com/mrlatinhouse
Slammin Saturdays, Thisco Thursdays, Solid Cheese Crew.

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1. What’s your real name and DJ Name?
Mr Latin House – Alex Almaguer

2. How did you get into DJing?
At the age of 13, I wanted to learn the art of DJing. I listened to djs on the radio, 90.5 FM WCYC was heard on every radio and car stereo in my neighborhood where I grew up.

3. What inspired you to become a DJ?
I remember growing up in the Pilsen /Little Village area in Chicago thinking I’ve always wanted to be a DJ. Back in the days at the Marshall Square, General Wood & Little Village Boys Club when The Battle of the DJs was hot and watching the DJs play was eye catching.

4. What do you enjoy most about DJing?
Playing music that I enjoy listening to depending on the day, the way I’m feeling. I love listening to all kinds of music.

5. How would you describe your music style and what makes it unique?
I for one love jumping from Genre to Genre, house music is my love. but blending in from genre to genre is what makes me unique & have been doing it for as long as I can remember. Playing out to the different crowds and watching them dance to different vibes is what makes it unique.

6. What has been your favorite gig or event to play at so far?
On my birthday around 7-8 years ago back to back years I played and opened for Gene Hunt & Farley Jackmaster Funk. I’ve also played with and opened for Chicago greats Paul Johnson, Diz, Louie Gomez, Jevon Jackson, Lady D, DJ Hyperactive, Colette, DJ Heather, Brian Boncher, Alex Peace, Midway Hustle, Jackin Andy & so many more. I cant pick one in particular but I’ve enjoyed playing with so many great friends.

7. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influences are Paul Johnson (R.I.P.) Jackin Andy, Tru Musica (Alex Peace, Brian Boncher, Rees Urban), Bassment Tapes Records (Louie Gomez, Jesse Rivera, Melo Blanco) Agent 818 & his music was one of the main reasons of jumping from old school to the new.

8. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you have coming up?
I am hoping to start back up my Beats Brews & BBQ this Memorial Day weekend I’ve done it with much success pre-pandemic for 5 years straight. Planning on Playing In Denver April 7-9, Las Vegas April 28-30 Los Angeles & San Francisco in May & with other places as well. My focus is to play more outside of Chicago.

9. How do you stay up to date with new music and trends in the industry?
I usually get my music from Beatport, Traxsource or promos from close friends here in Chicago

10. What advice do you have for aspiring DJs?
Hate to say it, but sometimes things can turn very pear-shaped for the young-ins involved in the music industry and it’s extremely important that they are aware of some of the consequences to certain actions prior to getting themselves stuck in sticky situations. But for all of the newcomers out there who want to make their mark on the scene, take a look at some common downfalls that a young DJ may face on their journey within the music industry and some things to be extra-wary of. But with that being said, just be yourself, there’s only one person to prove your talents to & thats yourself. period.

11. How do you think the role of a DJ has changed over the years?
Back in the day, as a young buck the equipment was massive and heavy, 1200s, mixer with flight cases, + milk and recycling crates with records.

You needed a crew to help carry the stuff around, get a ride from your buddy with the van or truck. It was a work out before our sets. Most of us started to carry records for our friends or some other DJ. Now it’s a one man show, USB keys and/or laptops. U can take the subway or bus to your gig no problem. Also love how we don’t have to spend $11.99 on a 12inch single, and you can get any song you want for $2.00 max & with the production being so accessible as well, you can find all types of remixes, not limited to what Record label wants to press and release.

12. How long have you been streaming on Twitch?
For roughly 3 years but streaming I would say around 12 years total.

13. Who are your favorite Streamers and why?
Off hand the close friends I have made on twitch are some of the influences I follow. There are so many to list & I dont want to offend anyone but most recently, Ive listened to Ric Viera, DJ Tuccon, DJ Lookout, Eddie Rampage but there are too many and like I said before it depends on the mood im in that day, just like my style in music when Im playing.

14. Did covid and recent lock-downs influence you to start streaming on Twitch?
No Ive been streaming since September 2010

15. Anything else you want to add? Good time to shamelessly promote yourself.
Today, I DJ when I can on twitch but what I’m known for is Slammin Saturdays, an internet radio show. I host it along with Jackin Andy. I have been doing internet radio since 2010. My goal for internet radio is to showcase Chicago’s best DJs. My intentions for the show are great. Without the listeners and supporters, there would be no show. I would like to say thank you and I hope to continue the success with my co-host for the show. The spotlight and the road ahead are bright and wide open. I would like to thank everyone who has a part in my life and my success. I will continue my best to make Slammin Saturdays one of the best shows, because “Without House Music, Life Would Be A Mistake”.