Joe Gauthreaux

Named the "Hottest DJ of 2005" by Out Magazine in 2005, New Orleans native DJ Joe Gauthreaux certainly spins some hot sets not to mention he’s easy on the eyes.

Though the youngest (and one of the most attractive) of the top-line DJs, Gauthreaux has manned the decks at some of the biggest clubs in the United States while spinning regularly in New York City.

Still at the top of his game, the high-profile DJ makes regular appearances at Chicago’s Hydrate nightclub quickly become a Boystown favorite.

Before Gauthreaux returns to spin Hydrate’s New Years Eve celebration (Event Details), he took a moment for an interview with ChicagoPride.com.

CP: Since you were voted Hottest DJ by Out Magazine, how do you define "hot"?

JG: "Hot" can be taken so many ways.

Their "Hot" list is about what they perceive as most popular at the moment, so that was kinda cool... But who knows - maybe some people think I'm "hot" in the looks department as well... It's all subjective, I suppose.

CP: Describe your ideal mate.

JG: Someone who can put up with all of my bullshit.

And there is A LOT!!!!

CP: So are you single or spoken for?

JG: I'm dating someone.

He's very brave ;-)

CP: Where were you born?

JG: In New Orleans, where I grew up and lived til my mid-20's.

CP: So when and how did you get started?

JG: I started going out to the nightclubs very early on, like when I was 16 or so.

I loved everything that the whole club scene stood for - primarily, being "free."

By that I mean, you could totally hide who you were by day, but just let it all go when you got to the club at night.

It was very liberating.

So before I knew it, I had made friends with local DJs, and made some mix tapes for the Parade and Oz (the clubs there)... The rest is history, I guess....

CP: Do you have any current DJ residencies or do you primarily just do guest appearances?

JG: I DJ at Splash in New York once a month, along with regular guest spots in Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Los Angeles...

CP: You’ve been a regular at Hydrate in Chicago?

What are some of things you enjoy about the Windy City?

JG: I love the people in Chicago a lot.

DJing at Hydrate is so easy because everyone is there just to have fun.

There is almost zero pretension there, and I love that.

CP: How does the Chicago crowd respond to your music?

JG: They seem to enjoy it... I'm definitely psyched about New Year's Eve.

I have very high expectations.

CP: You’ve cited Junior Vasquez, Susan Morabito, Frankie Knuckles, Lydia Prim and David Morales as his major musical influences.

Pick one and tell us why?

JG: I picked Susan Morabito because she was the DJ at the first all-gay (or circuit) party I ever went to.

Her style of music was so alien to me, but I loved it... Totally changed how I looked at music and DJing.

CP: What is something in your home that would make a stranger think you were gay?

JG: My Madonna cd and dvd collection LOL

CP: What is something that might make a stranger think you were straight?

JG:

My guitar probably.

CP: What is your indulgence?

JG: French fries or anything fried.

CP: How do you spend your free time?

JG: I don't really have a lot of free time, but I do like to go to the gym and hang out with my friends.. I'm also learning how to play my guitar.

But most of my time is spent on listening to dance music - or just any kind of music.

CP: What’s your favorite dance track of 2006?

JG: "World Hold On" by Bob Sinclair.

CP: What's your all time favorite song?

JG: Wow, that's really hard.

"The Age of Reason" is a personal fave of mine.

So is "Always on My Mind" by the Pet Shop Boys.

CP: What can we expect in the future?

JG: Some of my own production work... It's a work in progress.

And just to keep growing as a DJ.

I honestly can't imagine doing anything else right now.

DJ Joe Gauthreaux spins Hydrate's New Year 2-Double-O-Seven, Sunday, December 31st, 2006.

A limited number of $50 VIP All Access Passes are available. (Event Details)