We have a new interview with Master’s at Work’s Louie Vega talking about Soul Heaven, Current Projects, and little known bits about his personal life. Enjoy.

How important is Soul Heaven to you and why is you think they have been successful; proudly celebrating their 10th Anniversary?
At soul heaven we have always kept it real musically and all the djs have done wonderful work giving you the best in soul dance music. Soul Heaven always kept a close contact with the fans, and there is always an a class set of entertainment. With the cds, events worldwide, and quality of music they bring, you can’t go wrong. They are also friendly with all fans and give them the time they deserve. 10 years is a long time to keep for an ongoing party, and soul heaven has proven themselves in our industry.

Your career spans way more than ten years but can you remember the time when you celebrated 10 years in the industry and as MAW?
I will never forget our 10-year anniversary (maw). We had a huge party in Miami at opium garden, over 2000 people and the best live entertainment you could ever have. We invited the Nuyorican Soul band to back up Roy Ayers, Bebe Winans, Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Jody Watley, and many more. Brazilian dancers, fireworks, the infamous MAW gift bags, and much more.

Soul Heaven brought together the soulful sounds of house and really gave it a worldwide stage. How have you seen dance music evolve over the last decade?
Dance music has evolved very much. From djs playing at the Olympics, to playing at the super bowl, working with cirque du soleil and even getting recognized at the Grammys with awards, dance music is growing in a big way. Many pop artists now are leaning towards dance music where before many in that world saw it as taboo. I only see it growing bigger in that way where the worlds will mix more musicially.

Are there any particular styles that you have seen arise and quite happily seen disappear…?
Well dance music always goes through its changes, many styles come have their light and go back to the underground till it happens again. All i can say is we all need to stay creative and true to the music we make, not be afraid to experiment and mesh the styles but make music you love and feel from your heart. That’s why house music is still here.

You’ve been involved with many compilation projects in your career, do you enjoy a more retrospective approach?
I like doing all kinds of compilations, i’ve recorded over 12 compilations to date and they’ve had variation. i always think about making a cd you can hear in your car, your house party, with wonderful energy for all. Sometimes the retro approach is great too because you can teach the new generation where it all comes from.

How did the album come about, how did you feel when you were asking to put together the 10th Anniversary Comp?
I was honored to be asked to mix and compile the soul heaven compilation. i’ve been involved with soul heaven since its conception and it felt right to be a part of this project. When MOS became the label of choice to release the cd, it came full circle, MOS is one of our landmarks in club music, it’s a pleasure to be involved with both those entities united!

Tell us a bit about the compilation and how you put the album together, how was the album mixed?
It took a few weeks to compile the album; i usually go 20 extra songs over the limit so there is enough. Sometimes all can’t be cleared and some tunes do not make it. i mix a the body and i add effects and keyboard overdubs so there are exclusive bits all over, sometimes very subliminal. i also add a few exclusive Vega tunes.

What experience do you hope the listener has while checking out the new Soul Heaven Compilation?
I hope the listener enjoy a bit of the Soul Heaven experience and will come out to a soul heaven event near you to get the full on vibe. This cd can be played at a party, while you’re getting ready, in your car driving, travelling, at your own house party, even at a club! During a course of a soul heaven night you get many colors of music within the atmosphere, i tried to fit some of that in these cds. Then you have the classics, I asked the soul heaven residents to each pick a few tunes, and they sent in and we picked enough to fit on one cd, they did an amazing job compiling.

Are you and Kenny still actively sharing studio together, what releases and/or remixes should we be expecting from you in the near future?
Kenny and I are working on our solo projects now. We will soon get together maybe in 2011 to create a new Masters At Work masterpiece!

Right now I’ve just finished the Ananes World album by Anane which is about to be released, its a full on album production by Louie Vega. I’m in the studio now recording my elements of life ii album, which is a double album. I have executive produced an album by Boddhi Satva ( new upcoming talent/ dj/ producer) which is entitled invocation. EOL and Boddhi are due for a summer release. Vega records is currently releasing two singles a month and we are soon up to our 100 release which we will celebrate with a proper Vega records comp end of this year. Roots in NYC every Wednesday at Cielo, and Dance Ritual residencies worldwide from Miami to Rome to Japan. Check out www.vegarecords.net for much more info.

Along with your wife Anane, your father and family have a very musical background, what does a Master at Work get up to when he’s not working?
When I’m not working I’m having fun with my son, we do lots of kids stuff. My wife and son go on excursions in various places. We love beaches, snow, natural wonders, etc.

You’ve included the smash hit Hey Hey by Dennis Ferrer in the compilation, Dennis has been bubbling on the scene for many many years now, and despite having been responsible for some amazing records is finally getting the recognition he deserves…
I’m very happy for Dennis, he has been working hard and creating wonderful music for years. He deserves what is happening and what is to come. He has my 100% support! Keep up the great work Dennis!!!

Are you still as active as ever in researching and buying new music? Are there any new producers and new talent that are catching you eye at the moment. What other producers out there are really pushing boundaries or making a big impact on our scene?
The young producers of South Africa and the scene out there, is like no other right now. There is something magical happening out there. Kids 15 years old and up are making music with such high quality and hot grooves. Hot producers worldwide cookin up a storm are black coffee, Mzee, Culoe de song, Anane Vega and Antonello Coghe at Nulu music, Boddhi Satva, Fabio Genito, Duce Martinez, Louie Gorbea, Phil Asher, Atjazz, Ezel, Abicah soul, Radio slave, lLuciano, there are quite a few.

I am still very active collecting music and playing many tunes way before their time. You have to in this game. I also have a vast collection that extends way back and can play classics in a special way.

As the digital revolution continues to grow and no enters yet another form, have you embraced it. Are you a bit of a technology fan or a traditionalist?
Of course we have embraced technology today. We are in it!

What was your most expensive buy?
My Protools rig!

What releases are forthcoming on your successful record label Vega?
We are very excited here at Vega records because we have been nominated at winter music conference for independent label of the year. We have lots of goodies coming for Vega records with producers Boddhi Satva, Madame x, Duce Martinez, Johnny Dangerous, Louie Gorbea, Fabio Genito, The French Twins, Luisito Quintero, and Elements of Life.

Tell us something we didn’t know about Louie Vega.
Louie Vega can roller-skate ala roller disco days!

Soul Heaven 10 Year Anniversary Mixed by Louie Vega Tracklisting:

CD1:
01. Boddhi Satva – Soul Heaven, The Roots Of London
02. Len Faki – My Black Sheep (Radio Slave Remix) & Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey (Instrumental)
03. Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey (DF’s Attention Vocal Mix)
04. Detroit Experiment – Think Twice (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
05. Madame X aka Anane – You’re So Sweet (Antonello Coghe / Filipe Narciso Mix)
06. Sister Pearl – Bang The Drum (Manoo Remix)
07. Anane – Let’s Get High (Louie Vega EOL Mix)
08. Fabio Genito – Marenostrum (Organic Mix)
09. Fabrizio Orte – Into You
10. Bah Samba ft. Joseph Philogene – Em Bo La (Antonello Coghe/Filipe Narciso Mix)
11. Mzee Feat. Malatji – Ancestral Calling (Rancido Deep Journey Mix)
12. Boddhi Satva – Punch Koko (Boddhi Satva Remix)
13. Boddhi Satva ft. Yuba – Ayele (Manoo Remix)
14. Jephté Guillaume presents Erol Josué – Papa Loko (Jephte’s Extended Loko Vokal Mix)
15. Rocco Feat. Phumeza Dlwati – Poem
16. Boddhi Satva Feat. Fredy Massamba – Warriors Of Africa
17. Joe T. Vannelli Feat. Csilla – Play With The Voice (MAW In Your Face Dub)
18. SoulFricans – Sex In Africa
19. Gilles Peterson’s Havana Cultura Band ft. Mayra Caridad Valdés – Roforofo Fight

CD2:
01. Jay ‘Sinister’ Sealee & Louie Vega starring Julie McKnight – Bittersweet Love Affair
02. N’dinga Gaba ft. Scotty P. – Queen (Ricanstruction Vocal)
03. Elements of Life Feat. Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle – Into My Life (You Brought The Sunshine) Roots Mix
04. Jovonn – First Night To Love
05. Vega ft. Johnny Dangerous – London Roots
06. Mr. V – Circle Track
07. Jovonn Feat. Carole Sylvan – Feelin’ Better (Jovonn Next Moov Club Mix)
08. Agev Munsen – Alien Conversations 1
09. Ralf Gum & Monique Bingham – Little W. 12th St.
10. DJN Project – Take You Away (Glenn Underground Rewerk Tribute Mix)
11. Duce Martinez – Just As Long
12. Lil’ Louis – Feels Good Just To Feel
13. Fanatix Feat. Alison Crockett & Nathan Haines – Fly
14. Roots Orchestra – Child Like
15. Alex Finkin & Reverend P ft. Jocelyn Mathieu – Those Days Are Gone
16. Elements Of Life ft. Lisa Fischer – Love Will Know (Roots Demo Mix)
17. Nathan Adams & Zepherin Saint – Circles (Vocal Mix)
18. Alton Miller & Amp Fiddler – When The Morning Comes (Main Vocal Mix)
19. DJ Man X & Albert “Sterling” Menendez ft. Josh Milan – Consequences

CD3:
01. Elements Of Life Feat. Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle – Into My Life (You Brought The Sunshine) (Vamp Mix)
02. Georg Levin ft. Clara Hill – (I Got) Somebody New
03. Kimara Lovelace – Misery (Lil’ Louis Extended Mix)
04. Trackheadz – Our Music
05. The Deep & Fred Melosax – Dom Dom Jump
06. Kentphonik – Sunday Showers
07. Barbara Tucker – Stay Together
08. Mood II Swing ft. Carol Sylvan – Closer (King Street Moody Club)
09. Sara Devine – Special (Louie Vega EOL Mix)
10. Soul Central – Song For Sharma
11. “Little Louie” Vega ft. Arnold Jarvis – Life Goes On

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