GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Hector Fonseca is an east-coast based DJ/Remixer/Producer who has worked with / remixed such artists as Kelis, Missy Elliot and many more. He has been extremely active all over the Dance Music Scene since the 1980s. Recently, queerplanet decided to have a chat with Hector about the upcoming Star 69 Records All-Stars Night, as well as talk about what we know him best for: his music.

Greetings, Hector! How are you doing these days?
Hi...I"m Great! Getting ready for WMC. Working and Traveling alot these days :)

What are your feelings on the upcoming Star 69 Records All-Stars Night in Miami Beach?
I'm excited! I think it's going to be a party not to be missed...

Do you think it will be as big of smash as it looks?
I think so. There are some true legends in Angel, Saeed and Cevin. True originals of house music...and then you have guys like ohzee and the butcha and myself who are a part of the new generation of producers. Mixing the old with the new is always a good formula. Also, Opium Garden is a great venue. One of the hottest spaces in Miami. I'm excited to be introducing my sound to Miaim in such a great space.

Is there anyone performing at All-Stars Night whom you are particularly excited about seeing and sharing a night with?
Not one in particular. I think all these guys have influenced and inspired me in one way or another.

What originally inspired you to be involved in music?
Were you / are you involved in any other arts?
I've always been involved in music in one way or another. I'm a music junkie and so it was inevitable that I would end up making a career of it. I used to act and model and it was during that time that I was inspired to want to dj and produce house music. I also used to be a pretty good sketch artist, or at least I like to think so...hehe. Now I mostly do dj/production oriented things and don't have much time for other artistic outlets.

What is most important to you in producing your music?
I try to do things that keep people dancing and shaking. I am not one for the moodier stuff. I am a dancer by nature and so, I try and keep that in mind when I produce. I think, "would this make me shake my ass?"...lol Usually my stuff has some attitude with the right amount of intensity. I try not to make things over simplified nor over done...

How long have you been working with Peter Rauhofer and Star 69 records and how did the relationship start?
I started working with Peter and Star 69 around 2001. I was a huge fan and being in nyc, was lucky enough to meet Peter through friends and get to play my stuff for him. Surprisingly, Peter was very down to earth, open and receptive towards me and my work. I asked to remix Lula "the DJ, the music and me" and that was my first mix for them. I was pretty new and I thought it was cool that this grammy winning producer who I admired was willing to take a chance and let me try some mixes. Looking back, I think that's a huge part of Star 69's success. Peter is always in touch with what's next and is great with developing new artists and keeping things fresh.

You have done remixes of artists such as Brandy, Khia, Cyn, Suzanne Palmer , Missy Elliott, Kelis and others. Do you think that you (as well as other Star 69 DJs/Producers) working with such well-known artists is helping to expose the underground dance scene to a more mainstream audience?
yes, i think it does help. Especially with the "i-pod generation". It's something that was done by the earlier guys back in the day as well. With every generation, I think it's important to find a way to help introduce the underground scene to them. Remixing popular hits helps that because they hear something they're familiar with and think "I haven't heard it this way...what kind of music is this?" and then you help turn them onto it.

What are some of your upcoming plans and/or projects?
Most people know me for my remixes. I am currently working on some original productions for this upcoming year. I am really excited about this new act I am developing. ScoobyJoshTigra (from Le'trim in the 90s) are the names and the single is called "Hotdog in my buns". It's a fun Elektro/Booty Bass track. I am the executive producer and am also doing some mixes and have guys like djwillbeats (brazil) and Michael T. Diamond doing mixes as well.

I am also putting together an EP with 4 tracks, I don't have names yet but, I will be playing some of them at the Star 69 party at WMC. In addition, I have 3 Remixes debuting at WMC on Star 69 records. I also have new remixes in the works for star 69 that are due out later in the year. So, things are pretty busy for me the next few months...

Where do you see yourself, musically and otherwise, in 5-10 years? Still doing this, or do you have other secret aspirations?
It's difficult to think that far in advance...hehe...I am really excited about what's happening now and what's to come in this next year. I think a lot of doors are opening up and you'll probably see me DJ'ing more in different cities. As far as my music, I find myself constantly evolving and can only imagine what I will sound like in 10 years. I can see myself doing A&R for a record company eventually in addition to DJ'ing and producing.

What other types of music do you listen to and/or draw influence from?
Right now, besides house music, I am really liking what's going on with the elektro/grime/brazilian funk scene. Guys like DJ Diplo are really doing some creative and exciting things.

I ask all DJs this: Dance Music. Why do you think it has stayed so popular in the GLBT community? and, has it transcended the 1970s / 80s stereotype of being "for the gay crowd"?
Do you think Dance music gets the respect it deserves?
I think dance music has always had a positive, forward thinking and liberating message that the GLBT community can identify with. I think there are less inhibitions and "traditional" standards to live up to and that's why dance music thrives. While hip hop and pop have gained alot of popularity the past few years in the GLBT community, there are still alot of restrictions and an overall traditional way of thought in that music. Dance music has always provided an outlet from that. And I don't know.... I feel more and more, a lot of the popular mainsteam stuff borrows elements from dance music.

I find that dance music is gaining more respect because of this. It's easier to play dance music with pop/hip hop these days and to me that's a huge compliment to dance music. In the end, dance music and house music specifically, have thrived withought overwhelming mainstream acceptance or respect and ultimately that says alot about the power of individuality.

The Star 69 Records party will now feature HECTOR FONSECA in addition to ANGEL MORAES, CEVIN FISHER, SAEED YOUNAN and OHZEE & THE BUTCHA.

Monday 3.27.06
STAR 69 RECORDS
ALL STARS NIGHT at O P I U M G A R D E N
Music On The Main Floor By
SAEED YOUNAN
CEVIN FISHER
ANGEL MORAES

In the Imperial Room

OHZEE & THE BUTCHA
HECTOR FONSECA
DOORS OPEN 10pm - 5am
OPIUM GARDEN
136 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach
TICKETS: $10 w/WMC Badge, $20 Advance, $30 at The Door
Advance Tickets Available at
WANTICKETS.COM