As a child, his father who dabbled as a DJ in college; but also afterwards maintained his passion for music, influenced Joe. “I can only assume it was a real inspiration for me. The Columbia House Record & Tape Club was also crucial, with 12 selections for one penny allowing me to explore different artists and genres for the low low. Once I got to high school, I got heavily into rap and punk/alternative sounds. I got into dance music somewhere around 1990, leaning heavily on UK sounds like the Warp Records roster. I still love it all.”
Indeed, the Dirty South Joe moniker was established after the chap moved from The Big Apple to Philadelphia in 2002. “I took over the buying for Armand’s Records, which was the hip hop DJ mecca in Philly. The South was on the rise at that time and I was its biggest proponent in my area. There was another Joey (Blanco) working at Armand’s, so everyone started calling me Dirty South Joe.”
Admitting too that he was somewhat obsessed – he actually uses the word ‘possessed’ – with making sure that customers gave proper attention to explosion of Southern rap music. “Diplo claims that he dubbed me Dirty South Joe, but I’m pretty sure it was actually Low Budget – an amazing DJ and great friend who might have beaten him to the punch.”
Musically, he likes to describe his style as without limits. “I know right away if a tune is a hit and whether it will work on the dance floor, so I don’t wait to break records. There’s a very good chance that I’ll be playing music I downloaded the same day at a gig. I always ensure I never play the same set twice. And for me, trap music is everything right now. Some people are mad at the idea that the Trapstyle or the EDM Trap sound is somehow misappropriating rap culture, but the majority of producers and rappers from the hip hop side embrace it and are getting heavily involved with the scene. I’ve never seen more diverse and energetic crowds in all my years and I’ve been raving since 1989. It’s about time the US got to lead the way in dance music – and it only makes sense that hip hop would influence these new sounds.”
Outside of Luvstep though, Joe claims he’s also working on a mix and compilation of Chicago Bop music with his homie Gianni Lee of Babylon Cartel fame. “I’m really excited about that movement and would love to see it get as much shine as possible. My label, DELUXXX, (named because of my old DJ moniker) launches on Sunday April 20 with an EP by Philly Club wonder GETEM. That’s followed by a split EP from SKATEDUDETHRASH & Depressed Teenager. DELUXXX represents all kinds of exciting rap and dance music styles and will be all kinds of wavy.”
Musically as well, he is playing a fairly diverse range of music right now. “Lots and lots of Young Thug, Migos & Future in my sets. I’m really feeling Lil Silk & Que as well. I love the sound of Wave Racer these days and a kid from Cali named Awe. I’ll also be playing as much Sliink, Swizzymack and Nadus as possible because that’s my squad. Look out for Nadus’ debut EP on Pelican Fly this Spring too. It’s a monster. I guess the reason I mix up sounds so much is that it excites me. I think single genre DJing is boring and elitist. Finding connections between disparate sounds and making them fit together with ease is always a challenge, and when it’s done well, there’s nothing else like it.”
Finally, Joe provides some insights into what will be his third trip to Australia. “I’ll be performing at Melbourne’s Park Street Party for the second time. People should expect to hear the most exciting and dynamic club, trap and rap sounds on the planet. My sets are mixed with energy, integrity and authority, and I can’t wait to unleash the fury.”
BY RK
