CalienteBoston.Com - Online Magazine - March 2003 - djwilliedboston

DJ Willie D! calienteboston.com Online Magazine | March 2003 Issue By Rey Ricardo

One of Caliente Boston's focuses is to shine the limelight on some of the talent in the Latino community. One such talent is DJ Willie D. Recently, Caliente Boston caught up with Willie D and asked him a few questions on how he got started and what he sees for himself in the future. Born in Arroyo, a small town on the South side of Puerto Rico, Willie and his family came to Boston in October of 1978. Since 1987, Willie D has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music. Willie talks about when he got started, " I played at family parties and house gigs, I guess that's where everybody starts.

"In 1991, with the help of Felix Cutillo, the owner of Boston Beat at the time, Willie was given his first real club gig at Las Brisas, a Colombian Sunday Night. Willie mentions, "You might say that Felix is the one person responsible for getting my career off the ground." When asked what was the single most memorable gig Willie had ever played at, Willie said, " My whole career as a DJ has been really exciting. But if I have to recall one of the most memorable gigs, I'd have to say it was a couple of years ago. During a Labor Day weekend, I was spinning at the Roxy nightclub during a performance of Grupo Mania and Los Hermanos Rosario. It was memorable not because of me DJing, but because of the whole atmosphere. Everything seemed to come together just right, it was incredible. If you were there that night, you would know what I'm talking about.

"Willie D acknowledges a few people who have impacted his career: Martin Vasquez "El Hombre Crusero", JJ Boston, German Velásquez, Gustavo Tamayo, Ray Torres, D- Nice, Luis Medina and DJ Rip Hernandez, who he calls his partner in crime. Willie says, " I really need to thank my mom, younger brothers and older sister. They've supported me in my career decision. Who knew it was going to last this long? "Willie has a myriad of clubs he has performed at. Most notably are: M-80, Europa, Latin Quarter @ the Roxy and Noches Colombianas to name a few. Willie adds, " Trust me, we'd be here for hours if I were to mention every club I've had the pleasure of working at." A lot of Willie's career has been influenced by the Boston’s Colombian scene. Willie says "My longest stay at a club has been a Colombian Club. I have DJ’s at La Makina in Revere for 7 years. I've also worked at Cali Pachangero and did radio work on a show called Colombia En Vivo." The veteran DJ believes in trying new things. He says, "A DJ isn't a DJ if he doesn't change with the times. You can't be stuck doing the same routine over & over again. You have to improvise and keep it fresh.