INTERVIEW: DJ Lux heads on the road with the Backstreet Boys
Photo: DJ Lux performs with his frequent collaborator, AJ McLean. Together they make up All the Cool Kids. Photo courtesy of DJ Lux / Provided by TAG Collective with permission.
DJ Lux, the acclaimed producer, writer and remixer, is currently on tour with the Backstreet Boys. He is providing support for their DNA World Tour, with upcoming dates in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Canada, among other locations. All told, he’ll join the boys for 22 dates.
DJ Lux should be well known to the Backstreet Boys’ many fans. He is one half of the duo All the Cool Kids with AJ McLean of BSB fame. He also brings his many years of experience in the music industry to each performance — experience that includes gigs with Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé, according to press notes. His new single is called “Little Heartbreaker.”
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with DJ Lux about his support of the Backstreet Boys and what he has in store for the future. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from your opening set on the Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour?
When the fans come out to see my set on the road, they can expect to be taken on a musical journey through some of the biggest club records of the last three decades, performed with a live drummer and myself along with Aaron Space playing keys to give a fresh approach to legendary songs. To top it all off, my good friend Francesco Yates (singer of the worldwide hit “Sugar”) and Vara join us on stage to perform their singles and keep the party going.
What has it been like working with AJ McLean?
In my career, I’ve been very fortunate to work with some great and wildly successful artists. AJ is undoubtably one of my favorites. Such a fun experience not just being creative with him and performing in our group ATCK (All The Cool Kids). It didn’t take me long to understand why his fans are so fiercely loyal and passionate about supporting him.
What do you love about the single “Little Heartbreaker”?
First of all, this song has been in the works for quite some time, and to see it come to flourish is a really proud moment in my career. One of the things I love most is that I got to do this one with my buddy Aaron Space, one of my favorite singers.
Do you like being behind the scenes or on stage? You’ve done both with your career.
I honestly love both. I think I need them both equally. They’re two things that really go hand-in-hand for me. When I create music in the studio, behind the scenes it’s generally with some concept of what I want to express live. So as a DJ, I’m always looking for a sound or a hook or a moment that will make people feel a certain way when I perform live and all of that starts for me in the studio.
When did you first fall in love with music?
I grew up in a family that heavily embraced music. My grandmother was a professional pianist and vocalist. My dad was a singer at church, so I was always around [it]. But the first real age range for me that I remember understanding what music meant to me was when I was about 8 or 9 and started to learn to play music and put songs together.
What’s the future look like for you beyond this tour?
Well, for me as a reference to earlier in this conversation, being able to be behind the scenes and on stage, I hope to continue doing both of those things on a large scale. I’m excited about continuing to release music for myself and producing records for other artists both well-known and up-and-coming as well as other opportunities opening up on major tours and festivals.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
DJ Lux will support the Backstreet Boys through Sept. 14. Click here for more information.
