#MusicExchange: Shooting into the stars with DJ Joe Bermudez
Based in Boston, Bermudez has toured the world sharing the stage with DJ's such as David Guetta and Avicii, worked with Grammy award-winning artists such as Britney Spears and Rihanna and has DJ'd everything from the Ultra Music Festival in Miami to being one the opening acts for Madonna's hugely successful MDMA tour.
Bermudez also has close ties to South Africa via much-loved singer-songwriter, Louise Carver, with whom he topped the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart in 2016 with their first single Sunrise and again reached #1 in 2018 for their next single, Crazy Enough.
“I first heard of Louise Carver when I was on tour in South Africa with David Guetta. I loved her voice, reached out and am glad I did since our collaborations have resulted in two #1 singles on the Billboard Chart,” he recalls.
Since then, they’ve collaborated on a third single entitled Lose my Number, the music video for the single is already closing in on almost half a million views after only being released this year.
For his latest single, Bermudez collaborates with Dana McKeon, a chart-topping singer-songwriter from Malta.
I caught up with him last week…
What is your job description?
To make people feel good
What does music mean to you?
Everything
My music is about…
Real issues over happy dance grooves to help people deal with them
What is your motto?
"Throwin' that money like you just won the lotto". No wait, that's Tiesto's. Mine would be "Don't sweat the small stuff”.
Fame is…
Not important
Retirement will happen when…
I physically can't get out of bed
I don't do…
Seafood
I would love to co-write with…
Shane McAnally
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
For a run
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Not being trapped in a cubicle from nine to five.
The song you must do during every show?
Sunrise
Any funny moments on stage?
I'm just surprised no one's throwing tomatoes at me
My heroes are…
Spiderman, Captain Marvel, Daredevil… Just kidding. It's my parents
My style icon is…
Adam Sandler. Nothing beats a good t-shirt
What is your most treasured possession?
A text from Madonna saying I rocked it
It's your round; what are you drinking?
Smoothies for everyone!!!
Dream gig to do?
Coachella
What makes you stand out?
I like to incorporate rock and country influences into dance music
Any nicknames?
Normally I'm Joe, but I somehow become Joseph when I'm in trouble
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I wanted to be a lawyer when I was younger
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Passionate, determined, adventurous, easygoing, fun
What are you streaming?
Stranger Things
Greatest movie ever made?
Spaceballs
What book are you reading?
The Music Never Stops by Peter Shapiro
What song changed your life?
Livin' Joy - Dreamer
Who do you love?
Angela
What is your favourite word?
Asparagus
Top of your bucket list?
To be a voice in a Pixar animated movie
Your greatest achievement?
Still getting to do music for a living
What do you complain about most often?
That there's pickle juice all over my food
What is your biggest fear?
Clowns
Happiness is…
Not caring what others think
On stage, I tend to…
Push buttons
The best life lesson you've learned?
It takes a good 10 years to become an overnight success
What has been your favourite journey so far?
Hiking the Great Wall of China
Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?
I help fundraise for Samaritans and the Alzheimer's Association
Wishes and dreams?
To record a song with Sarah McLachlan