Hometown Hero

(Victor Calderone)


Born and raised in Brooklyn, Victor Calderone admits that it’s hard to stray from his roots. His special connection to the city and the magic its nightlife embodies has kept him spinning locally for more than 30 years despite constant international draws. Finding refuge in the gay community, Calderone has lit up legendary spaces from the Tunnel to the Roxy, and spun some of the wildest circuit parties from New York to Miami. Now with his Evolve residency at Pacha, Calderone has big plans for igniting flames under the now-dreary club scene including a sure-to-be-infamous New Year’s Eve extravaganza. It looks like this local powerhouse has no plans of stopping anytime soon. We bent Calderone’s finely tuned ear about growing up DJ-ing, why he loves New York and what’s in store for 2010.
 
When did you get your start?
When I was growing up, my brother was a DJ and, for as long as I can remember, there was always music playing in my house. We had turntables set up [and] when I was 15, my brother and I would stay in our room all day and mix records.
 
How did you find your sound?
Things started taking off when I [was] playing Miami. I initially made my mark with tribal, and it’s still to this day one of my favorite genres. Over the years I evolved
into more of a tribal, techy, housey feel and recently started dabbling in groovy/ funky/sleazy stuff. I wouldn’t say that my sound has ever been just one thing.
 
Why is New York nightlife so special?
This city holds a special place in my heart; it’s unlike any other place in the world. New York is definitely still the driving scene for music. I have a special connection with crowds—there are just some records you can drop and light up the room. Being from New York, the responses I get are just that much more special.
 
Why is your party called Evolve?
I created the brand when I got to a point where I felt stale and predictable. I needed to take my career to the next level and evolve my sound. It’s important for any artist to take risks; that’s what created the party at Pacha for me. Unfortunately, we’re running out of space options in New York. There’s something missing in tiny spaces. I love big, open rooms where you can create dramatic interpretations.
 
So the days of huge venues are gone?
It’s hard to say. At one point, all of the clubs were being pushed to the West Side before the Giuliani task force was on a mission to shut them all down. I tend not to stay in one place for too long. I’m always looking for something fresh so I’m hoping that some new options will come around. Maybe landlords sitting on some of these huge spaces will turn with the economy and consider renting spaces to nightclubs.
 
Are you proud of your gay following?
Absolutely. It all started when I [was] spinning a house parties on Fire Island. At that moment I just connected with the boys and it grew from there. I started doing the circuit parties—it was a fun time. I attribute a lot of my success to the gay community; working with Madonna and playing the Roxy really helped launched my career.
 
What’s in store for New Year’s Eve?
I’m very excited about it. I’ve done it for the last four years and there is just a special energy. People who don’t usually go out get excited and come out to have fun. I’m preparing a 12-hour set with some special edits and remixes to play throughout the day. I’m also bringing this great lighting rig; it’s going to be really special for the room.
 
What’s happening in 2010 for Victor?
I’m working on some new productions; it’s been difficult to keep my butt in the studio. I have a family now and I’ve been trying to focus more time on them. I’m not giving up on New York. I hope to bring something special to the city in the coming year.   N
 
Victor Calderone spins into 2010 at the official New Year’s Eve Party on December 31 at Pacha (618 W 46th St, 212-209-7500). Visit NewYears.PachaNYC.com for tickets and more info.