From construction worker to the best-selling compilation DJ in the United States, Louie Devito's "golden ears" have made him a household name and brought dance music to new audiences. In addition to spinning clubs around the country, Louie has launched his own label, DeeVee Music, to release even more successful mixed CDs and has entered the singles game as well. Will the same ears that helped him find club hits like Melanie C's "I Turn to You" lead him to more success?
DJ Ron Slomowicz: How does a construction worker become a superstar DJ?

What inspired to you to get into DJing?
Louie Devito: I always used to listen to Scott Blackwell on the old Hot 103, and when I was old enough to get into clubs, I would go see Franco Iemmello. After watching him spin, I was like, "Wow, I would love to do that." I really still don't think I'm a superstar DJ...

RS:With Mantronix "How Did You Know," Yomanda's "You're Free," and Aubrey's "Willing and Able," you are starting to sign singles in addition to compilations. How do you choose the singles that you sign?
Louie: The singles that I've have signed are all songs that I love and music that I think could cross over into something more than just a great club hit.

RS:How do you choose songs for your compilations?
Louie: Choosing the songs is never easy; I try and pick what's hot in the clubs and on the radio, but it is never easy getting them...

RS:Is this different than the way you choose songs for your live DJ gigs? How do you decide which songs work well for a particular crowd?
Louie: It all depends on where I'm spinning.

When I do afterhours, I might not spin one song that is on my CDs. When I do a club like Mirage on Long Island, almost everything I spin is from my CDs. I pride myself on playing to the crowd.

RS:What's it like to hear your sets on the radio at KTU?
Louie: The first time I was on KTU, it was a dream come true. I had everyone that I know listening.

RS:How do you discover your new music?
Louie: I go import shopping every week.

RS:On a typical gig, how much vinyl and how much CD do you play?
Louie: Well, right now, after the airlines lost my whole CD collection, it's almost all vinyl.

RS:What's the difference between Dance Factory and NYC Underground series?
Louie: Dance Factory is a lot more commercial than the NYC underground party series.

RS:How did the Ultra compilation come about?
Louie: I always like the ultra brand. I thought it would be cool to just be able to pick and mix the music, instead of worrying about the licensing and marketing of the CD...

RS:How do you react to being called "the golden ear?"
Louie: I wish I had a golden ear. It's very tough to pick what's gonna be the next big song.

RS:What's the biggest crowd you've spun for?
Louie: Well, I've done several TV shows, but for a club, it would have to one of my nights at Avalon- over two thousand people.

RS:What are you biggest club records right now?
Louie: I would have to say "E-Samba" and "How did you know."

RS:What effect have mp3s had on dance music?
Louie: I think it has destroyed the singles market, but I also think it has helped some artists with name recognition.

RS:What do you think of the current state of dance music - artists, music, and remixers?
Louie: The current state of dance music is bad. No one is getting paid to do remixes, clubs are hurting, and everyone is trying to compete with hip-hop, which is a monster right now.

RS:What do you listen to when you are not spinning?
Louie: It usually depends on my mood or where I'm going. Before and after a gig, nothing. I sometimes listen to the radio just to see what they are playing.