10 Valley club-scene DJs to know

Joe DiPadova

Where did you get your start?
I didn't get serious about it until I was 18 or so. I was living in Boston and the scene was really vibrant at the time—lots of new faces, big crowds at great clubs, lots of media support and attention, even radio exposure, which we never get now because it's all corporate.

Top 5 favorite songs in your personal life right now.
“I'm Good, I'm Gone” by Lykke Li
“Friendly Fires” by Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
“Empire of the Sun” by Walking on a Dream
Obadiah Parker's remake of “Hey Ya” is incredible! Maybe old news for some, but I still love it.
“Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison

What songs are killing it in the clubs?
A few of the songs from DJ Romain's new album are just outstanding. Dennis Ferrer's remix of Dido's song is incredible. Carl Craig's remix of “Stoned Autopilot” is near mind-blowing.

A few of my own jams coming out on Gotsoul and Deeper Shades recordings have been working super well too, which I'm really happy about.

What is your biggest DJ pet peeve?
When people come up to me asking for things with a condescending attitude, like I'm their jukebox or I owe them something. I'll try my best to make someone happy as long as they're cool, otherwise I'm going to turn my back and keep doing what I do.

What is most important to you as a DJ?
The connection is directly between me and the dancer-listener—feeling their energy and using it to guide me forward. It's important to experience everything the crowd experiences from the moment they see the venue: the staff, the sound, the lighting, the upkeep and condition of the space inside and out…it's all so incredibly important. A good night when all is done right is a night you'll spend the rest of your life chasing, and loving every minute of it.

Where is your favorite place to go out in the Valley and why?
ONE events, anytime I have a party, anywhere.

Where can we catch you next, or weekly if you have a residence?
I'm doing a lot of lounge things with my friends Jonny Rogers and Mr. P-body right now. I'm at Hanny's downtown on Wednesdays, Merc Bar on Sundays and AZ88 now and then. I'm also working on some major weekly and monthly ONE events at some major clubs.

Hear more at one-az.com/joe.htm.