DJ Chris Cox

DJ SPOTLIGHT with CHRIS COX

By Steve Tsepelis

You have a long history with the gay community. You are straight man with 2 children.  How did your relationship with the gay community begin?

I used to DJ in straight clubs playing the usual Top 40 hits and hip hop music. I had the opportunity to go to a gay club only to discover a vibe that I had not experienced – just fun nice people with a positive energy. I loved the up-tempo music that they played and knew that’s the crowd I wanted to be playing for.

You have traveled the world playing for gay clubs and festivals in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Ibiza, Mykonos, Paris and Sidney to name a few.  Is there a difference in music style when you play in other countries?

Yes, the music is slightly different depending on the part of the world. Places like London and Australia for instance, the music is faster and more energetic House music.  Central and Eastern Europe, like Prague for example, is a bit harder and more of a Trance progressive sound. The United States is very Tribal House.

What has changed over the years in the world of DJing and what inspires you keep doing it?

DJs have evolved from not being visible, hidden in the back corner of a bar or club to now being the “rock star” if you will. We are now being recognized as the one that entertains by creating the fun on the dance floor. We are now right in front of the crowd. Also technology has made it much easier and creatively more fun. I see a big change now also in generations and music tastes… more mature audience likes a steady stream of up-tempo dance music as opposed to the younger gay crowd who likes to hear more commercial hits of many genres. There was a time you would never hear a hip hop song in a gay club.

Let’s talk about the Drag Show scene. You have DJ’d for many but you are working on a venture called “Dragapollooza” as well as “Queens With Cox” Tell us what those are about? 

Dragapollooza is a show for the new age of Drag Queens who are talented beyond lip synching. These are full on performances, with the queens singing live. Some even with their own original material. We have done three very successful shows so far and will be expanding to different markets. Queens With Cox is more traditional drag queens who imitate Pop Stars. This is fun for me because I have can use many of my own exclusive remixes to these songs that I have produced.

You have remixed and produced many major artists such as Katy Perry, Rihanna, Madonna, Britney Spears,  Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Osbourne, Crystal Waters, Donna Summer and Cher to name a few. Your remix of Whitney Houston’s “It’s Not Right But It’s OK” is on the Whitney Houston “I Learned From The Best” Remix Album and has been listed as one of the top all-time gay anthems. You produced the Hannah Montana album for Disney. You have worked on over 600 songs in your career. This is pretty amazing. What are you working on now?  

I am still doing remixes as I recently did a new mix for Diana Ross of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” which went to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. I have a new song being released on Carrillo Music . This is collaboration with Lee Dagger/Bimbo Jones titled “Messin With My Mind”.  I am also very excited about a brand new label imprint with DJ Warren Peace that will focus on downtempo “chill out” and “funk” grooves as opposed to the traditional “hands in the air” style I am known for.

So what’s left for you? What do you want to accomplish at this stage in your career that you have not done?

Releasing a lot of different styles of music and being recognized as a versatile producer of music along with some great new remixes of current popular artists.

Where people can come hear you right now? 

I am doing regular guests appearances at The Abbey and The Chapel in West Hollywood and at Chill Bar in Palm Springs, as well  as some upcoming Pride Festivals. 

Follow Chris on Facebook @ chriscoxoffical, Twitter @ djchriscox, and listen on SoundCloud.com/chriscox.