I've been a fan of Donald Glaude since I first caught one of his classic sets at Utopia years ago. Now, I generally judge how much I like a DJ based upon music selection and technical ability. But not when it comes to Donald Glaude. Sure, he's got bomb taste in music and his tech skills are polished like chrome, but what Glaude has got over every other DJ is presence.
Glaude's animated energy is legendary. World-renowned DJ and producer Dave Aude has called him the James Brown of DJs. His powerhouse sets have earned him the nickname "God" among the club kids. In person, though, Donald is warm, honest, humble, and even a bit shy. And he's just signed a deal with Ice to take the reins as the club's Friday night resident, considerably raising the bar in the Vegas club scene.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to everything. But right now, it's a lot of hip-hop and a lot of rock. You know, I'm always listening to dance music so I listen to other types of stuff just to get ideas and stay current.
What about this whole rock-hip-hop mash-up adventure that's so big now?
Some of it I like; some of it I don't. I'm kinda liking the raw rock stuff, you know what I mean? Like straightforward and no shit. I like the Killers, how it reminds me of the '80s genre of rock.
Where does all the energy and sense of fun in your live act come from?
[Laughing] Oh no, I don't know. I think if you asked my mother, she could tell you! I'm embarrassed, but I'll tell you. I always wanted to be in a band. I guess when I was younger, I would practice in my room and jump around like a crazy person—she probably thought I was a little weird. I guess it comes from that, and the fact that I was in a few bands—I played the electric bass. I like to make sure people are happy and a having a good time. I think they can have a better time when they are able to feed off that energy. Make it not just an experience of, "Oh, I'm the DJ and I play this and you must listen." There's nothing wrong with that; I'm just not that type of person. I'd rather everyone has a good time, and I can show you some new music that you haven't heard before.
I'm sure everybody in town has been trying to lock a residency with you. What made you finally decide to side with Ice?
They seemed to be the most serious one. What they can bring to the table for me, and what I can bring to the table for them, it seems like it can work out. It's not like I feel like I'm working for them, so to speak, and they're not working for me. I think we're working for each other.
I've talked with a lot of jocks and they all love playing at Ice. The sound system is great. They appreciate the fact that it's not in a casino—
That's the thing. That's the scary thing. On one hand, people have to make a trip to see me. But on the other hand, that's good because at least the people that are going to come see me aren't going to ask for ... [laughs] you know what I'm saying.
Um, crap?
[The average tourist] can be walking down from upstairs, "Oh, we're here. It's convenient. So, let's just go here."
How long are you going to be with Ice? What do you have planned?
We'll be going for a long time, hopefully. My idea is, I'm bringing in performance-art type things: musicians, guitars. I'm gonna bring my bass in a couple of weeks. You know, drummers, vocalists, rappers—whatever you want to call it. Spoken-word-type stuff. I want to do different things: getting other people involved, bringing some of my favorite DJs in, some producers in, maybe some no one's heard of. Get them some exposure.
Do you think the time is coming when you can do more stuff like this in clubs? Where it's OK to experiment?
I don't know if it is or not. I guess I'll find out. This is the first time I've had this kind of opportunity, so I need to take advantage of it. A lot of clubs don't give you that kind of opportunity. I like Las Vegas. It can beat you down a little bit. You know, I gotta learn to hide after I'm done, or I'll wind up at the strip club at 1:30 in the afternoon!
Donald Glaude wants your feedback! E-mail him at
[email protected].