Paige
After following PAIGE for over a year, knowing him before his releases on SPINNIN' & Armada we finally got a chance to chat with him.
1) Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how did you get into making electronic music?
A: My name is John, born and raised on Long Island, NY, about an hour outside of NYC. My dad was a disco DJ back in the day, so I was raised on Disco and Motown music. When I was around 12, my older cousin Mike played me Louie Devito’s NYC Underground CD and it was life changing. From that very first CD, house music became my passion.
2) Tell us something about yourself that your fans may not know about you.
A: I learned on and still have my dads Technique 1200s and vinyl records. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, and I strongly suggest that every DJ out there to learn vinyl. The skill and character you build from it is priceless.
3) How did you come up with your stage name 'Paige?'
A: My family name in Italy is Paige. When coming to America, at immigration they forgot to add the ‘I” so now it’s Page. Thought it was a great, simple, and meaningful name to represent my family. Also my grandmother was really happy about it, and she’s the most amazing women to walk this earth.
4) When did you know that producing music was what you wanted to do?
A: I don’t think there was ever a wow moment that it’s what I wanted to do. I started DJing first, and after locally spinning for years I realized to spin globally I’d have to produce. I was hooked once I started, but it came years after DJing.
5) When did you realize you had the talent to produce quality music?
A: There were two moments that really stood out to me. One of the first remixes I made (never released) was to Deputy Of Love. As I finished it, I remember my entire family loved it. Coming from a big Italian family, after a few glasses of wine they have NO problem telling you how they really feel. The second was a closing gig I did in Astoria. When I went on, my cousin Alex stood center of the dance floor and screamed play Deputy Of Love. After spinning that song, I continued playing my own music. Watching him and everyone else break it down, I knew I was on to something special.
6) As 2018 begins, what are some goals you've set out for yourself for the year?
A: Everyday I try to push myself both physically and mentally. I have many, but my main goal is to travel and gig more around the world. Making people dance is my passion and I won’t stop that till I’m dead.
7) What do you try to incorporate in your tracks when you produce? What is your goal at the end of each completed track?
A: I always try to incorporate something timeless into my productions. Following trends are important, but being able to love music years later is just as important too. My main goal for every single song completed song is for it to be fun. The songs, melodies, vocals all have to be fun. I got into the music because of the escape and how much fun it was dancing. Every song and DJ set has to be fun.
8) When you have days off, what do you like to do to keep your mind fresh with new ideas for songs?
A: My favorite thing to do is go for a long intense bike ride while blasting my favorite DJ’s live mixes. No social media, no texting. Just me, my bike and great music. It allows me to be a fan of the music and hear what everyone hears. Sitting in a chair, locked in the studio staring at a waveform while listening to a track will give you grey hair.
9) In this day and age, it's at an all-time high competition wise when getting into the music industry. When did you know you broke through & how hard was it for yourself?
A: I think my break-though started with the released of Land Down Under. It was a free download on Soundcloud released with my friend Chachi, and almost overnight it hit #1 on HypeM. We received an email from Spinnin Records looking to release it officially. From there, I began releasing regularly with Spinnin’ and also Armada Music, who now treat me like family and I’m in the middle of a 10 track deal with them. But what may seem like rapid success, has actually taken over 10 years of hard work and dedication, and most of all, being told “no” a million times (which I still get from time to time!)
10) What advice would you give other producers who are trying to get into the music industry?
A: Stay healthy and focused. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. A healthy diet and good hobbies will help your production out SO much. For me it’s surfing, snowboarding, cycling, running and yoga. Push yourself mentally and physically, just like you push your music.
Follow PAIGE:
Facebook: @realDJPaige
Twitter: @realDJPaige
Instagram: @realDJPaige
Soundcloud: @realDJPaige
