Dj Apaza, N.Y.C, Atlanta Georgia
Interviewed by: Angela Star

Indie: I am here today with a good friend of mine, El Poderoso Dj Apaza. How are you doing today?

I'm doing great Angie, even though I'm only sleeping like four hours a day.. lol

Indie: Oh wow. Why the lack of sleep?

Well, I'm working on many projects right now, starting with the Tito Puente Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award Benefit Concert which will happen next Summer, promoting some of Van Lester’s tour, setting up the interviews and mixes for my radio show La Vieja Guardia Show that’s on every Saturday night from 10pm to 12am on Sabordelacalle.com. I’m also recording, mixing and producing music for new artists at my recording studio here in Atlanta and representing Wu-Tang Latino Music Atlanta division in all the events here in Atlanta… ya tu sabes ..I'm all over the place...

Indie: lol... Yes I know

Indie: Tell us more about the Tito Puente thing. What is that about?

Well, it all started in Miami at a music industry event where I talked with Tito Puente Jr about booking him with my company (Apaza Entertainment Inc) to play some events in Atlanta. We met again in New York at the 116th Festival and that’s where Frankie Hollywood (who is a friend of the Puente Family) approach me about creating an event to bring awareness to the public about his crusade with N.A.R.A.S (The National Association of Arts and Science)
to create a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award named after the great Tito Puente.
Since then, I have created a LLC called United We Stand Foundation and formed a board of directors which includes
Gina Gentile (Sony, Tommy Mottola’s Cousin), Maria Morales and Jerry Vargas (Founders of Emeging Artist USA), Anthony Gonzales (VP of Wu-Latino Music in NYC) and Abe Quinones (Financial Advisor for Ralphy Mercado Jr.). These high profile individuals are helping me make this historic event one that will be talked about for years to come. This event will be one of the biggest in 2008. We have set the date for August of 2008 at the Historic Central Park stage which will be televised and telecast worldwide.

Indie: That's awesome. Who are some of the Artists who will be performing?

Well, Tito Puente Jr. will be headlining the event along with el maestro Eddie Figueroa, Gilberto Colon Jr. (El Pulpo), some of the original band members from the Tito Puente Orchestra and the Fiesta Folklorica Puertoriquena.
We are also going to have on stage some of the legends from La Fania All -Stars doing a tribute to Tito and the end of the show.

Indie: Oh wow. That's sounds like a big event. You have a lot of heavy hitters involved in this project.

That’s the only way I know how to do things..BIG.

Indie: Now, Tell me about the other artists you’ve been working with lately?

Well, I’ve been working with Tyna Q who is a 14 year old Latina sensation on her way to being the next Teen Idol. I’m also working with the great Salsa singer Van Lester who’s doing a tribute to the late Hector Lavoe. We have several tour dates around the country line up including a three day tour in N.Y.C. starting October 26th …and I’m working on my next International Mix CD which features La Sista from Machete Music and several other artist like, Bimbo, Master Joe, Genoside, Sito Oner Rock, La Seccion from Panama, Young Sosa, El Malian-T, C-Note, just to name a few.

Indie: That's awesome. So how did you get the name Dj Apaza?

My grandfather who was a World War II Hero was named Apaza. I have used his name during my whole career. He was a Navy Hero, so I honor him with everything I do.

Indie: Wow, that’s so admirable.

Thanks.

Indie: So Apaza, how did you get your start in this industry?

Funny you ask me that because I was just talking about that with some of my staff members here at Apaza studios.
I started back in the Bronx where I'm originally from carrying crates for different djs like Dj Bobby and the Latin Rascals. Then I got my first set of turntables and began doing basement parties charging a quarter at the door.. lol, then I started doing mix tapes...and I mean TAPES..way before we had cds.. lol, I got my first big gig at Devils Den which was a hot club in the Bronx and from there I've been either spinning, producing, mixing, promoting and performing all around the world.

Indie: When did you decide to leave NYC?

The was one of the hardest things I had to do, but I have a daughter here in Atlanta who was going to High School and she was about to start college so I bought a house in Atlanta to be with her and support her while she is in school and I'm proud to announce that she will be graduating next Year from Georgia State University..Yeah!!!! I miss N.Y.C but I was raised to put family first before anything and that’s what I've done.

Indie: Now I see why you only sleep 4 hours. lol.

Indie: You were at the Music Industry BBQ in Miami this year. I wonder if you could share with us what was the most positive thing that you got out of being there.

Well. beside meeting you after talking to you on the phone for a couple of months...I guess it was seeing all the new talent that’s out there which we all need to support and also being part of something that was positive. We need these events to network with all the Latino companies that are in the music business who support our music. I had a great time with all of you and will be back next year.

Indie: Awww. We had a great time with you too. Do you have anything else that you do in the industry that you would like to let people know about?

Yes, my company, Apaza Entertainment Inc just partnered with Emerging Artists USA, who is based in NY. This is an entertainment company that has been coordinating TV shows and major events for over 15 years and now with our merger, I have access to over 60 events in New York. This was a great move for my company. I'm also working with Latin Industry Connection (your company, Angie) who has created a package to help promote, market and expose artists by doing email blasts. With an email list of over 16 Million people I know this is going to be a total success.

Indie: That's great. I am very excited about working with you too. Do you have any shout outs that you would to give?

First, I would like to shout out the almighty GOD for giving me the gift of music. I would also like to shout out my hard working staff here at Apaza Entertainment Inc, my partners at Emerging Artist USA, Joseph Rivera from Tropical Productions, Ike Boogie from the World Famous SuperFriends, Miryam Valerio, The Puente Family, You (Angie) for being a good friend and for helping all the new artists that are out there who need people like you. A big shout out to all my Familia, you know who you are. My beautiful daughters, Brittany and Diamond and last but definitely not least, to all my devoted Fans from all over the world who have been with me from day one, downloading all my mixes, listening to my Radio show and supporting me in anything I do. I want to thank them for being there all these years and always keeping it real with me. Real knows real. Ya tu sabe ...You know how we do.

Indie: Well thank you very much Apaza for this great interview. I appreciate you taking time to do this.

For you Angie, anytime…you know we are familia. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this edition of IndieStreet Latino Magazine which will be in stores soon so everyone reading this right now needs to go a get copy. I which you lots of success and longevity. Peace.