As Pacha New York begins a new chapter in Brooklyn, few artists are more fitting to help shape its identity than hometown legend Louie Vega.
Ahead of his performance with Masters At Work, the legendary DJ and producer sat down with amNewYork to discuss what it means to be part of Pacha New York’s return, the evolution of the city’s dance music scene and why the venue represents an important moment for New York nightlife.
For Vega, seeing the iconic Ibiza-born brand establish itself in New York is significant not only for the venue, but for the city’s club culture as a whole.
“I think it’s a great thing for them to come here and take over this huge venue because it’s going to be very important for the sound of New York City,” Vega said. “The curation, I’m sure, is going to be great. We’re here, a lot of our friends already played, and there’s many more coming, so I think it’s already at a good starting point.”
While the venue officially opened earlier this month, Vega acknowledged that every new club experiences growing pains.
“Those first few weeks, you work out the kinks,” he said. “You start seeing how you’re going to make things better, what you can do here, what you can do there, how the flow is.”
Even so, Vega said he’s proud to help introduce the venue to New York audiences.
“I’m glad we’re part of it,” he said. “I think they made a good choice bringing us here because we are the New York guys. We’re still doing it, we’re still making a lot of music, and we feel really good to be here and be a part of something special.”
For Vega, performing at Pacha New York carries extra meaning because it’s happening in the city where his career first began.
Having performed at clubs and festivals around the world for more than three decades, Vega said there’s still nothing quite like playing in his hometown.
“We’ve been together 36 years,” Vega said. “We’ve played all around the world, but we still love music. We’re making music from here, as always, and putting out so much quality music.”
Throughout his career, Vega has also made it a priority to mentor the next generation of DJs and producers.
“We’re always reaching out to the young, embracing the young,” he said. “We advise a lot of young people out there.”
When asked what advice he would give aspiring DJs, Vega encouraged them to focus on authenticity rather than following trends.
“Be true to yourself and don’t really follow anybody else,” he said. “Develop your own style. Play the records that you like, not because somebody else is playing them. Trends come and go, but when you’re yourself, that’s how you’re going to stay in this game for a long time.”
Looking ahead to the night’s performance, Vega said his biggest hope was simple.
“Happiness, man,” he said. “We want people to be uplifted. We want people to have a good time, and that’s what we hear.”
Vega also praised Pacha New York’s new home, saying the venue provides exactly what the city’s nightlife scene has been missing.
“The space is great,” he said. “I think it’s perfect for what we need in New York City today, as far as a huge venue that can introduce a lot of music to the people.”
As Pacha New York continues to establish itself in Brooklyn, Vega believes the venue has the opportunity to introduce new audiences to house music while honoring New York’s rich dance music culture. For the New York native, returning home to help launch a new era for one of nightlife’s most iconic brands made the night all the more meaningful.
