A Q&A with Egyptian Lover…
February 2nd, 2010 by sparky
Flying in from LA for a London exclusive, Egyptian Lover (AKA Greg James Broussard) touches down for a very special party on the 12th February, with Ali Renault (Heartbreak) and Cocadisco DJ’s supporting. A true electro legend, the ‘lover’ had big hits with ‘Yes, Yes Yes’, ‘Dial-A-Freak’, and ‘Egypt, Egypt’ and still is a biggy in the scene today getting massive props for his Jamie Jones collaboration. We get the low-down from the man himself before the big night…
Hi Greg! How are you today? Firstly, where did the name Egyptian Lover come from?
I made the name up when I was a young man by mixing King Tut (a young Egyptian King) and Rudolph Valentino (an actor who often played a Lover on Film).
You started out DJing for Uncle Jamm’s Army - how did you originally hook up?
I tried to do dances to rival Uncle Jam’s Army but could not compete. One day “Snake Puppy” told Rodger Clayton from “Uncle Jamm’s Army” that I was the baddest D.J. ever! That weekend I played for Uncle Jam’s Army and rocked the house. I landed the job on the spot.
Any memorable / funny stories from the Uncle Jam’s Army parties back then?
Too many to list… I am writing a book that I want to make into a movie. But it was just so freaky back then, with music from Prince and Rick James and all the freaky party people at the parties, it was like a freak-fest every week.
How did you progress from the Uncle Jam’s Army to the Egyptian Lover rank?
When I D.J.’d for Uncle Jam’s Army I did many tricks on the turntables and unique mixes that were new to the eager ears of the party people. My style of mixing started a new trend in L.A. I became really popular and brought an 808 drum machine to the dances and people use to ask what record was I playing. So right then I knew I had to make a record.
Your last album ‘Platinum Pyramids’ came out in 2006, can we expect another one any time soon?
Yes, Electro Pharaoh, Scandinavian Summer, and Freaky D.J. are already on iTunes and a whole new album is coming in 2010. With songs entitled “U.F.O.”, “Dance 2 My Beat”, “Do U wanna get Down?”, “Belly Dance”, and many more. It will be a full electro album. All dance songs. For my old school fans.
You did the vocals for Jamie Jones’ track ‘Egyptian Lover’. How did this happen and is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?
Jamie Jones hit me up on MySpace and asked if I would work with him, after I checked him out and saw what he was doing, I decided to work with him to make “Galactic Space Bar”. We also shot a video. It was fun and he is a really talented guy. I will probably do more songs with him. I also like Clone records artist, Aux 88, Jimmy Edgar, and many many more. It would be a dream to work with Kraftwerk.
You’re playing a London exclusive for us at The Big Chill House in February. Can you tell what’s in store for The Big Chill crew?
Pure old school D.J.ing and some 808 beats to keep the party boomin’ with some live P.A. to sing my songs as I play them. Don’t miss me mix “Planet Rock” backwards!
You currently live in LA, What’s the party and club scene like there?
It’s so many clubs and styles down here that I can play at pretty much any club. No matter what they play… electro, hip-hop, rave, disco, house, R&B, old school, freestyle, techno, funk, I’m considered old school so all of L.A. knows my stuff. It’s still being played on the radio.
Where do your ideas for songs come from?
All my songs come from experiences. I have been writing for so long that I have over 5,000 songs written. I go through them and take out about 4 or 5 and combined them to make a new one. It seems that many trips to Europe inspire me to write and make beats because of their love of my music.
If you could choose anyone in the world (dead or alive) as a mentor who would it be and why?
Prince, He has been my mentor since day one.
What’s next on the agenda for Egyptian Lover?
New album, new web site, and concerts all over the world.
Any messages for those coming down to see you play on the 12th?
Come enjoy the music and the style of D.J.ing that I created back in the early 80’s. Tricks on the turntables, using vinyl! Rocking the TR-808, boomin’ the bass and the Egyptian Sexy Style only I can give you. Don’t miss this!
Thank you for your time! We can’t wait to see you!
The Egyptian Lover is playing at The Big Chill House on Friday 12th February, with support from Ali Renault (Heartbreak), Cocadisco DJs and How’s My Raving? VIP Crew DJ. The event will be FREE before midnight, £5 after, make sure you get there early! Find out more here.
