Kevin Graves: The AntiTwink Q&A
Getting up close and personal with DJ Kevin Graves.
By Matty Slick-Haxx
It’s very easy for me to start dancing; in fact, there usually isn’t a day in my life that I am not told to stop dancing. Now, it is a completely different thing when I cannot control myself from dancing. When this happens, I know the master behind the track has my best intention in mind, the latest person to make such an impact? The one and only Kevin Graves!
Kevin Graves has played at some the hottest clubs and venues on the planet. He has remixed songs by Scissor Sisters, Natalia Kills, and NYC’s Xelle. His latest remix of Adele’s “Rolling In the Deep” is getting massive airplay in the UK, and his remix of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by Aubrey hit #4 on the Billboard charts. He is a force to be reckoned with. I literally gagged when I found out he was hand selected to DJ Madonna’s RE:Intervention after-party.
Now, what do you think happened when I found out I was getting the opportunity to interview the musical mastermind? Yup, I threw up a little bit. He was absolutely a pleasure to chat with and very laid back. It was nothing but an honor and a privilege. So, without further ado, here is what Kevin Graves had to say about—well, about a lot of things!
AntiTwink.com: What made you want to start DJing?
Kevin Graves: My older brother and I had always made mixtapes from the time we were very young. When he was 15 he started DJing teen clubs, and I went along with him to spin. It was a way for me as a young gay kid growing up in the Midwest to go out and meet people who didn’t go to my school.
You have been all over the world and are in high demand! What is your favorite place to spin?
Anyplace people are dancing and aren’t douchebags makes me happy. But I always love spinning at Social Club in Paris. The club is so raw and glam and it attracts a really mixed crowd that includes fashionistas and dirty straight boys who dance like mad all night long.
Whatever happened to your alter ego, DJ Tombstone?
He’s dead. Let’s not talk about him. His work will have to speak for itself.
I’m absolutely in love with your “Purple Monkey Panties” track! What inspired that?
Primates in mauve jockstraps. Actually, I was looking for a filthy follow-up to “Give ‘Em The Bizness.” My friend Paul came up with the title. He’s a sick fuck and inspires perversion.
You are stranded in the woods on the straightest part of Fire Island—Ocean Beach to be exact. What one food and one personal item could you not survive without?
Straight, eh? Does Rohypnol count as food or a personal item?
There are a lot of new DJs coming onto the scene right now. What words of musical wisdom do you wish to teach the children?
Don’t play crap. Only play good records. Know the difference.
Which character from The Breakfast Club would you most likely have been friends with in high school?
I don’t know about friends, but I wouldn’t have minded a chance secret fling in the detention bathroom with Judd Nelson. He looked dirty.
Your remix of “Rolling In The Deep” is killing it! Any hints as to the next remix you’re dropping?
Thanks! It’s been very well received, getting play on radio stations around the world. The original song is so good. It’s been #1 on iTunes for weeks, beating out Gaga, Britney and JLo. I just posted my club remixes of “Push It” by Jessie and the Toy Boys, and “Party Girl” by Mimi Imfurst’s group, Xelle. My remix of “Mirrors” by Natalia Kills will be out soon on Interscope. I’m also working with some of my other favorite bands.
Gaga vs. Madonna: What are your thoughts?
Let’s see where Gaga is 30 years into her career when Madonna is…82!
For those who just can’t seem to get enough of you, where can we satisfy our undying itch for more of your tunes? Furthermore, even see you in person?
To get my latest remixes, podcasts, Top 10s and gig info sign up for my mailing list on my fan page. In the NYC area you can catch me every Tuesday at Industry. And you can catch me in the Fire Island Pines all summer.
