Dubbed Masters At Work by friend and fellow house music originator, Todd Terry, back in 1990, ‘Little’ Louie Vega and Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez are two of the most prolific, long lasting and respected artists in the world of house music. Combining talents both behind the decks and in the studio, they became a king-sized force, spreading the gospel of house around the globe with their off the cuff, straight up, no nonsense music at clubs and festivals around the world. Production wise, MAW have remixed for, well, just about everyone, including Michael Jackson (twice), Madonna, Bijork, Debbie Gibson, Jamiroquai, Donna Summer, Gus Gus, Janet Jackson and The Beatles, and have a bevy of timeless originals under their belt as well.
The two went separate ways for a few years wanting to return to solo projects, while remaining friends, only to bring MAW back from the shadows in recent years, much to the delight of house music lovers everywhere. They played Carl Cox’s The Revolution Recruits at Space for Cox’s 50th birthday last year, bringing just about every island head out of the woodwork for a chance to hear these two legends tear the roof down in the Terrace with their soulful, jacking, techy grooves. Now, they’re back for round two, playing this Tuesday at Carl Cox’s massive fiesta once again, and we can't wait to see what happens. So we caught up with Kenny Dope about how the connection with Carl came about, the perks and struggles of playing vinyl only sets these days, and whether or not we’ll be seeing more of Masters At Work around the island.
When did you first meet Carl and how did the first booking come about last year? I first met Carl some years ago on the road touring somewhere in Europe, but I didn't see him for many years till we met again last year at Space for the event (Carl Cox – The Revolution Recruits). It's a small world. Carl's partner Lynn was the first one to bring Masters At Work to London around 1991-92. Lynn and Louie had bumped into each other, and Louie told her we were gigging again as Masters at Work. She then thought it was a great idea to have us come play at Space for Carl's night.
How do you regard Coxy’s night at Space? Really DOPE!!! When we were done with our set we went into the main room where Carl was playing. I was like, ‘wow, this is really dope.’ Carl had them in the palm of his hand he was playing dope records.
What can we expect to hear from you guys next week when playing on the Terrace? I know what I'm bringing to the table: jackin’, techno, soulful and funky house. (But) it's hard to say because our sets are not planned. But I have a lot of new heat that I’m bringing!!!
As a record label owner, do you ever play any vinyl only sets?If not, is there a possibility you will do any vinyl only sets in the future? Yes, I Do 45 sets very often, at least 5-8 times a year and always whenever requested if possible. I have not done any 12 Inch house sets in a long time, except for a free style party me and Todd Terry do called "Fuck You," where we take it back and play 90's house and freestyle and old school hip-hop. But I don't think promoters are ready to pay for that extra weight to bring them boxes (lol). But I would do it. I'm starting to buy house 12's again so let's see. If I could do it worldwide I would. Also, if the records were all being pressed and available to play on vinyl that would also make it more of a possibility. We don't really have stores in the states that carry the music anymore so it would be harder to do, but I’m game. I love playing wax, plus it sounds better. There are also some things that playing vinyl again a lot of the clubs aren't setup for. Feedback problems come into play. That happened to me in San Francisco and In New York when I did a disco classic set, and had to use the computer (Serato) to finish.
Do you think this means we’ll be seeing more of Masters At Work in Ibiza in the years to come? I had a great summer here in Ibiza. And a lot of great things are yet to come, so I would think so. Were starting to bang out these records again, the vibe feels like 1990 again, so anything’s possible!!!
Can you sum up in one sentence, what it means to you guys playing at Carl Cox Space Ibiza? Carl Cox is so incredible and I have the upmost respect for him. He is a DJ that has no boundaries, a soul boy first, and has played funk, soul, classics, house etc., and that's what MAW is all about!!!
Listen to Masters At Work on Pulse Radio.