Interview with DJ Ranny

Perry Twins: Ranny, how did you first get invloved in DJ'ing?

Ranny: I've always been into music and started going out to clubs when I was 11 (in Brazil), but only later on, in 2000, I decided to act on this hobby by making mash ups on my computer and posting them online. All of a sudden I started getting a lot of great feedback from DJs from all over saying they were playing them, which made me very happy. That's when I decided to take it to the next level and started making my own mixes, and shortly after that people started inquiring for gigs. I had DJ equipment and learned how to mix on my own with the occasional help of professional DJs.

PT: What are your favorite current songs to spin?

Ranny: I love remixed pop songs, and Beyonce's "Single Ladies" is really doing it for me now. Britney's "Circus" is also on heavy rotation, as well as pretty much anything by Lady Gaga. I am also really into tracks like "You used to Hold Me" by D.O.N.S., "Broken Pieces" by Friscia & Lamboy/ Jennifer Carbonell and Joey Negro's "Must Be The Music".

PT: Very cool. What are some of your favorite classics?

Ranny: Oh, I love to throw some classics into my sets, and I even remixed some ("Better Off Alone", "You Used to Hold Me"). I absolutely love Angelina's "Release Me" and "I Don't Need Your Love", "Show Me Love" by Robin S. and Fragma's "Toca's Miracle". I could go on and on with the list... Alex Gaudino feat. Crystal Waters - "Destination Unknown". I also get request for my mix of "Bob Sinclar's "Sound of Freedom", with the famous "Everybody's Free" sample by Rozalla.

PT: Love those songs! Do you have a favorite DJ gig thatyou have done?

Ranny: I am very lucky to have had many great gigs, so it's really hard for me to pick one. Karmabeat in Mexico City was very memorable and every time I play at Bubu Lounge in Sao Paulo I have a fenomenal time. Playing in Brazil and Mexico are amazing experiences, and I never get tired of it, but I absolutely love my monthly residency at the Roxy. People are already familiar with the high energy of my sets in Boston, so they come prepared and bring their best vibe to the club. I have also played a couple of times at G.Bar in Tampa and love it!

PT: Where do you see the future of dance music headed?

Ranny: That is a tricky question... Electro refreshed Dance music in a new and exciting way, and it is very in right now. Every now and then a new producer comes out with a fresh new sound and revitalizes the genre over and over again, and we gotta be very thankful for that. I don't know what the future holds, really, but House Music has had its ups and downs throughout the years, and it has survived all the different trends of the industry, so I'm not really worried about that. It's NOT dead.

PT: Tell us about the process of creating and releasing "Epic".

Ranny: I had worked with Rachel on "It's Got to Be Love" and "Repeat Performance", and called her up and asked her if she would be interested in doing a club track. I was very happy when she agreed because I just love her voice. I also wanted people to hear the diva side of her. She definitely brought it big room anthem style, and vocals like that are a great instrument to any remixer.

We were also thinking outside the box, and wanted to bring some up-and-coming remixers to the table. I have some very talented friends in Latin and South America who I thought would compliment the project very well. They aren't very well know here in the States but it was all about the music, and their productions just speak for themselves. Oh, and I am also very grateful to have had Manny Lehman on board of this project. I love his mix!!!

PT: What are you currently working on?

Ranny: I recently did a mix of Britney's "Circus" and D.O.N.S's "You Used to Hold Me" (a remake of the Ralphi Rosario Classic), and just finished working on tracks for Ceevox, Jeanie Tracy, Denis Cialella/John Feelgood and Jipsta. I don't know when those will be released yet...

PT: Can't wait! Where can we see you DJ next in the upcoming months?

Ranny: I will be at the Roxy this Saturday, Jan. 31st and will get on a plane to Brazil the very next day (where I will be touring). Then I come back for the Carnival party at The Roxy on February 21st. I will also be at Town in DC on April 25th.

To purchase Ranny and Rachel Panay's hot single, EPIC, visit www.perfectbeat.com