You began your music career up in Boston, but now reside down in Philly. Why did you make the move, and how do you like living there? The city has a great musical tradition.
Yes, Boston was where it all started, no doubt about it. It's been nine years, so Philly is home now, but I remember feeling frustrated in Boston musically. The clubs were geared towards all the college students at the time so the deep, soulful thing wasn’t really taking off. We had our deep house scene, but I would travel to places like Philly and Chicago and see how it really went down! I decided that rather than be one of those people who gets bitter and frustrated, I would just pick up my i can't read and move to Philly. I love living here and the city has proved to be a great move for me in retrospect . I may never leave!
Do you play regularly down there or are you more of an on-the-road kinda guy?
I did really fun weekly parties here for many years. These days, I don’t have the time so I’m doing a monthly party at this place Lounge 125. It’s a great time. I make the rounds here in Philly but I’ve always been that “on-the-road kinda guy” though.
You've been able to enjoy a pretty steady career in the DJ scene. What do you attribute your longevity and success too? What's your favorite part about life in the music scene?
Why thank ya. I would say it's because I always give it 100% when I play and when I make music. It's still my passion more than ever so it's easy for me to enjoy myself. I just love making people get their groove on in different cities. It never gets old
Any recent travels of particular note? What are some of your favorite spots to play in these days?
I have a couple residencies out west that I do: Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Those are very enjoyable for me. And I always love a good gig in NYC, Chicago, London, Paris, and I also love smaller spots like Burlington,Vermont,.and Portland, Oregon.
There haven't been too many Pete Moss mix CDs out there. Is that something you haven't really pursued in your career?
Yeah, I've only done a couple of them. No reason really. just not something I’ve pursued recently. I'm sure I'll get on it one of these days with a good project.
Musically, you were one of the earliest DJs/producers to push the deeper side while still keeping it techy. How did you develop that sound? What were the influences there?
That was a pretty natural progression. I started out listening to and playing straight up NYC style vocals and deep stuff when I was younger. Inspired by MAW, Todd Terry, K. Chandler, Charles Webster, Francois K. etc. After I started traveling, the influence of other places, DJs and producers simply helped me grow within my own style.
What's on tap for 2006? DJs haven't had too many Pete Moss productions in recent years. Is that going to change this year?
Glad you asked! There's a bunch of new stuff ready to roll out for WMC-time releases this year.
Speaking of productions, will Recline Records ever be making a comeback?
Yes!! I've just spent most of my energy working with other labels recently but Recline will be back, overhauled with a new Website and some good music hopefully!
Some of your tracks have been released on the German label Dessous. What do you think of the whole German/minimal/tech sound that's been making waves recently?
Honestly it's not really what I shoot for in the DJ sets but I can dig it. I get why people like it, it's just like a newer form of the deep stuff to me with more of a global influence. Dessous has always been one of my favorite labels just because they push the boundaries of house music and they have an incredible roster of artists.
Give us your predictions on dance music in 2006. What should the world be on the lookout for?
I see the older school sound coming back around. Real knockin’ drum programming with big bass lines and spacey pads. Just bringin' back the sound!
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