Tony Moran :: Still Mixing Magic Music and Mayhem

Of any DJ/producer on the scene today none have garnered more attention or had as steady an impact on music as Tony Moran. From his early days in freestyle and performing as a recording artist, the music maker has evolved as one of club culture's most profound innovators. He's produced remixes for dance divas like Deborah Cox and worked on original music for cross-over superstar Gloria Estefan. He's charted the careers of "American Idol" hopefuls like Frenchie Davis and most recently turned reality television sensation from "NYC Prep" Kelli into a pop-music contender with her rising dance-anthem "Gave Up On Love".

Always one to keep his fans, especially those eager for his radical remix skills, on their feet, Moran has just released his newest musical offering. "Mix Magic Music: Sugar House Crew" is a collection of original club thumpers and a feast for the senses. I had an opportunity to catch-up with the international sensation who worked me into his jet-setting schedule. Tony had just arrived in Belo Horizonte, Brazil for a much anticipated DJ set at Josephine's.

I must admit, after multiple text messages checking in on one another during the course of the weekend and finally settling into his hotel room, I felt a little guilty submitting my friend to an interview after having just arrived at his destination, but Tony was relentless - he was very eager about sharing his excitement over all his recent good fortune.

Let the Beat Hit ’Em All!

Getting himself together, Moran was ready to roll. "Once you get into Brazil you have to drive everywhere," he told me showing no signs of travel lag and all smiles. "I'm spinning tonight at Josephine's - It is a stunning club...a DJ's dream come true," Moran tells me. "They've made it so that the DJ can really interact with the people."

Certainly one of the bigger trends among the club circuit set has been the predominant positioning of the DJ in front and in full control of the floor, completely open and able to play along with the crowd. After having started a career as a freestyle music artist, Tony couldn't be more at home than in this type of setting. It completely suits the energetically enthusiast Latin heartthrob - who has never looked or sounded better.

"DJing has always been an awesome experience for me," he admits and connecting with the crowd at the party is very important to him. "I've always done that from the beginning - It's a personality thing. People do want to get to know you better feel they're riding your wave - they want to catch." As a performer, Moran knows it's a well established give and take. "I do the same with my crowd - I'm seeking you out on the dance floor. I'm looking to catch your eye." Moran believes it's the only way to enhance the dance experience.

"It's nice to have a following," he says, "and no matter where I go the crowds have been great. It's wonderful to me (especially) when I can bring them my music. It's good to share my songs with the crowd."

For the Record

And sharing his music is a very important component to Tony Moran's success as an artist. His latest album, the highly anticipated and long-time coming "Mix Magic Music" is an example of Moran's skill as a music producer and especially as an artist. He appears on the entire album, having written, produced and performed on all 17 tracks which feature some of the music industry's most incredible musical guests.

"We're at a new level now," he tells me about working on "Mix Magic Music". "I want to encourage artists to participate." And participate they did. "I have these incredible artists on my album like Jennifer Holiday, Deborah Cox, Frenchie Davis and Ultra Nat�. I've been producing artists that are interested in pioneering a musical movement." Moran selected to collaborate with vocalists that would push the envelope of his musical vision.

"It's an 'artist's album'." Moran elaborates, "I don't want to be limited - I write songs and I like to sing them. I love to DJ and I love to remix other people's beautiful music and give them my own take, etc. Each one of these songs, by design, has been done by me from scratch. There was so much activity in producing this album."

Moran didn't rush the experience. "Mix Magic Music" needed his undivided attention and pouring his heart into it was very important. The album also had to have its very own distinct identity: The Sugar House Crew. "I created this pseudonym," Moran reveals, "to evoke a feeling without having to attach it to one person. It seemed to me that with so many names attached to this project rather than giving people too much information - let me give them a feeling instead: The Sugar House Crew! That's unforgettable...and that's what I wanted on the label."

So the Sugar House Crew has been born and includes all new music by Moran and some close friends, including long time collaborator Warren Rigg. "It's not too often that you get to work with artists on a record who are actually with you in the recording studio - we all see each other for just a minute...but this has been such a labor of love. And people who listen to it will hear all the various stories that we are ready to tell and how my collaboration with these artists allowed me to work them, and them to work me."

And with dance music experiencing an entirely new renaissance: "The dance scene has really opened up - it's no longer predictable." the timing couldn't be more perfect...more magical. "I live my music, so it's very hard for me to just make a blanket statement about it, but [to explain] I take all of my music with me when I get in the car and I ask myself: Can I drive along to this? Is it something that you have to have?" If his following is any indication, yes it is.

Realizing and sharing his music is all he needs. "As long as I'm able to express it and showcase the talent with integrity and play good music for the people, I'm happy. You should feel like those 3 hours [spinning] are a special experience. You have to want to spend some time together." His mixing, his music - it's magic!