DJ Hector Fonseca

Whether it's in a club or at a fashion show, Hector Fonseca’s unique blend of funky rhythms, tribal sexiness and electronic edginess is pushing the handsome spinner into the stratosphere of DJ superstardom.

But Fonseca, a former model, doesn’t just want to be another busy DJ. In fact, he eschews the two letter label. “I'm not just a disc jockey,” he says. “I am a remixer, writer and producer.”

He’s also a highly successful musician. Last year, the wunderkind released his first full-length mixed compilation album, New York Club Anthems Vol. 2, on the Star 69 Records label. In addition to enjoying rave reviews – his mix of the dance classic “Drama” was one of the best tracks of ’07 – the album was a huge commercial success. New York Club Anthems Vol. 3 comes out this summer.

With success both in the studio and in clubs – and looks that were made to grace magazine covers including now, our own - the industry is referring to Fonseca as the “Total Package DJ”. He doesn’t mind the attention, but is insistent that it is the music, not his pretty face, that matters.

CP: (ChicagoPride.com) You’re called “the total package” DJ.

HF: (Hector Fonseca) Yes, I've heard people refer to me as that. It's flattering. I'll take it.

CP: Of all the careers you could have pursued in life, why DJ?

HF: I don't think I could be anything else and enjoy it. I studied marketing at Penn State and while I did well, I couldn't do the whole punching a clock and sitting in a cubicle all day thing. So, I gravitated towards what came naturally, DJing. The way I look at it, I've been a DJ my whole life, I just get paid to do it now.

CP: How did your parents react when you told them your plans?

HF: I'm from a Latin family so the first question was "do you play any salsa and meringue?" The second was "can you DJ our cousin's wedding next month?" (Laughs)

CP: Did they have another career in mind for you?

HF: I think most people in my family thought I would be an actor or an entertainer of some sort. My mom wanted me to have a more "secure and steady" job but she knows I have always had a creative mind and so she's fine with my career choices. My dad is totally into it and has even asked to come hear me play.

CP: Have you always been musical?

HF: Yes. When I was a kid, I used to really want a drum set but my family didn’t have a lot of money so I had to settle for maracas and congas at family parties. I also used to save nickels and dimes and buy records with whatever I could scrape up.

CP: What’s your favorite instrument?

HF: Is this where I say my huge Tuba? (Laughs) A midi-keyboard, of course.

CP: Before DJing, you were a fashion model in NYC. How glamorous was that?

HF: It was a lot of fun and at times glamorous, but honestly, male models don't really make any money and so you end up going to fabulous parties and then eating ramen noodles when you get to your studio apartment crammed with four other models. Made for fun drunk moments though. Oh the stories I could tell you, fun times.

CP: Do tell!

HF: You would have to get me drunk first.

CP: How does DJing compare to modeling in the glamour department?

HF: Surprisingly, being a DJ has been much more glamorous than modeling. I get to travel, play in some amazing clubs and meet the most fabulous and interesting people. All while making a pretty great living. Nightlife draws a more interesting cast of characters.

CP: You’re still involved in the fashion scene, but instead of walking the catwalk, you’re orchestrating the music at fashion shows.

HF: I have spun fashion shows for designers Victor Alfaro and Jill Stuart.

CP: How do you decide the music that you play at a fashion show?

HF: It depends. Sometimes a designer will hand me a song that inspired the collection and I will build my set around that song or feature it in an edited way. Other times, it's built from a series of meetings discussing the collection and what tracks will go with certain looks at certain points in the show. Design teams can be very indecisive so sometimes the whole set changes at the very last second.

CP: Are fashion designers the hardest clients to please?

HF: Yes, designers can be difficult but it's because they are so stressed with finishing the collection that music is just another important factor to deal with that they don't have time for. Socialite events are even harder because that crowd is used to getting what they want and they don't take no very well. I once had this well known socialite girl ask me to play a song and when I told her I didn't have it, she had her assistant go download the track, burn it and hand it to me an hour later with a $100 bill. Gotta hand it to her, she got what she wanted.

CP: How would you describe this new sound you are ushering into the dance floor?

HF: It’s a mixture of Tribal, Vocal and Electro house. One magazine recently dubbed it "Elektribal" which I like.

CP: DJ'ing and producing seems a natural progression as the two go hand in hand these days. What’s next for you, Hector?

HF: More touring and record making. I’m excited to release New York Club Anthems Vol. 3. I think dance fans are going to love it.

CP: Can you give us a hint of any new tracks that will be featured on the record?

HF: Come to my show at the Circuit Night Club on May 31st. I’ll be previewing several of the new tracks.

Hector spins at Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted on Saturday May 31st. (Event Details) For more information, visit his website at www.hectorfonseca.com and his myspace page www.myspace.com/hectorfonsecanyc.