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BROTHER’S VIBE:
SALSA HOUSE
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No that much I gotta say if not almost nothing mediawise have been for much on the mystery around Brother’s Vibe and its mastermind – Tony Rodriguez – among the most underrated acts in the house scene despite more than 20 years of activity and a couple of tunes which are a part of the History. No need to say how sein’ him movin’ from our want list to our centerstage this week is a like a dream come true…
Words : MFSB
Hola Tony. Bienvenido con nos otros. Straight to the point then if you don’t mind. I can’t remember so far of any media exposure in regards to what you’ve accomplished so far. How come? Would this be to say that you’ve prefered sort of remaining away from the spotlights?
Well, to be quite honest, I’ve never really exposed myself. I mean, yes I have worked on quite a bit of music, but I never sought the exposure. I have been fortunate to have a loyal following all these years and that is reward on itself. However, I am thrilled to have gotten this new wave of interest thanks to Ricardo Villalobos and Sascha Dive. Forgive me if I just point these two out; there are so many, many, many people I am grateful to. These two just happen to involve me in their projects at just the ‘right’ time.
On the same vein, looks like you’ve mainly done your thing on your own. I mean, I have been quite often in NYC and never had the chance to see you anywhere. Could it be that you’re mainly a solitary people???
Solitary? Well it all depends... I started this game young. While I was in high school I had already several years working retail in the record stores and had played at many local events.At one point, I was working the clubs five nights a week during my senior year of high school. I experienced The Garage at an early age, had the pleasure of meeting or working with extremely talented people but also spinning or performing at some of New York’s most legendary night clubs. I was a Billboard reporter, besides other magazines at that time and did the whole networking thing. I guess as I got older, I stayed to myself. I guess looking back and where I am now ; solitary may just describe it. However, I really enjoy meeting new people. Let me re-phrase that ; REAL people! I consider myself a loyal friend, to those who are loyal to me, of course!
Never felt like you’ve embarked on a marathon at times?
Yes, an endless one. It’s all worth it though!
Hard to believe you’ve been around for more than 2 decades. How did it all started? Let us know about your early influences. Your surroundings back then. The things which brought you to music…It’s a long story; I’ll give you the edited version (hahaha). Born in Newark, NJ 1966 to 100% Puerto Rican parents straight from the Island. Spent my first 16 years living in a tenament building in a not so very friendly neighborhood ; my siblings and I were not allowed to play outside. All and all life was good, we had each other. My dad collected records, as many did during that time did. My older brother and sister collected the now almost extinct 7 inch 45rpm vinyl records. I as well started my own collection. Thinking back I reminisce of those joyous times sitting in front of the 10 foot record player (haha) listening to each record and anticipating the next as each fell from the stack of the record holder on the turntable... Aaahhh, good times! Anyhow, lots of SOUL and lots of SALSA!! Family parties all the time; music was everywhere! Man, I remember being like 6-7 years old listening to Terry Jacks ‘Seasons In The Sun’ and balling. Groovin’ to some Barry White, Rufus, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Celia Cruz and Willie Colon. The thing is I wasn’t just a spectator; I was on it ! 100% emotionaly, spiritually and mentally. Sure evrybody loves music, but I knew then, I LOVED music...
Judging by your bio, looks like you’ve come to cross the path of many key people at what have to be considered as the pre hours of house… Would you tend to say that such a revolution was predictable back then??? Still in touch with those peeps?
I don’t think anyone saw where this was all going. After all, Disco was dead right?!
You know, I haven’t been in touch with any of the old school folks. Partially my fault though, I went my ways and really didn’t reach out. However, I have been thinking about getting together with a few of the peeps...
You’re the one responsible for the emblematic ‘Pinga Loco’ under the Jose Cheena guise speakin’ of which The Latin Age’s famous ‘Esta Loca’ and its countless cover versions would heavily find their influences in. How have you lived this experience? Never felt like you’ve paved the way for a whole bunch of opportunists without bein’ paid justice???
LOL!! You my friend are quite the knowledgable one.... BUT did you know that the original Latin freestyle ‘bomb’ to hit of that nature was ‘Fly Ttetas’? Did you also know that not only did I co-produce these records under the Chinga/Cheena guise, but I was the vocalist and performing artist??? Booyah!
How have I lived with this experience you ask? Hmm well, let me just say to this day people still refer to me as Jose ; not Tony! Oh, funny thing is people get disappointed when I don’t do the ‘voice’ for them...Hahaha
You know, I really didn’t care much about the Jose Chinga thing. It was a fluke and that was that. Yes, I did pave the way, but not really an issue for me.
Let us know about ‘Pinga Loco’s concept back then. I mean was it conceived with the idea of makin’ a hit or did it come by accident like most likely on such circumstances?
Like I mentioned, just a fluke! Me and one of the guys from Bassment Records was driving through the Holland Tunnel on our way back from NYC to Jersey and we were joking around. The guy was always into big breasted women and I started making jokes in a Tony Montana kinda voice. He was hysterical with laughter. We went straight to the studio, made a few beats and started writing concepts to talk about. Well, Bam, ‘Fly Tetas’ was born! Funny thing is when I performed I could never remember the lyrics/words. I did it all off the top of my head ! The people knew the whole thing and I was clueless at times... Hahahaha
Never tempted to try to renew the experience???
I thought about doing a house joint for Latin radio ; still thinking...
As written of our recent Vintage Of The Week review, it’s quite surprising not havin’ seen that many Spanish songs welcomed as classics to the exception of borica despite the presence of a big Hispanic community in NYC, not to mention its contribution productionwise. One specific reason? Sort of protectionism maybe?
Man, I couldn’t even begin to tell you why. Maybe because we seem divided and the lack of unity oppresses our successes. Maybe that lack of togtherness keeps us from focusing and targeting those important areas in our culture. Eurgh, now that I think about it... What have I done for my peeps lately? Thanks for that hit to the head!
This brings us to the 2000 released ‘El Baile’ which to me stands as a true unsung classic. Let us know about its concept? Never tempted to go further and eventually sort of respond to Louie Vega & Kenny Dope’s Nyorican Soul album??? ‘El Baile’ was just one of those ‘Chinga’ type of concepts. My percussionist, Eddie Cruz and I were in the studio and I wanted vocal for the track. I explained what I wanted him to say and we did it ; one take. The track was plain, no piano solo or nothing like that ; just a loop. It ended up to be something really nice ; that’s one of my favorite tracks.
Yeah, so gettin’ back to the concept. Well, back in the day there used to be Latin dances that were held in various hotel ballrooms in Newark. Well, I went to several of the events because the record store I worked at sponsored some. In any case, I was not of age to drink or even be there, so I would sit at the record store owner’s table while the action was in full swing! Meaning, the guys working their way to asking girls to dance. Funny as hell! They would work one side of the room and then work the other side; just hilarious !!! So, ‘El Baile’ was a spoof of a night in that certain type of event. That’s the guy talkin’ his jive to get the girl to dance and bein’ called out by the girl if she felt he was with someone else. Like I said, just hilarious !
You know, I want to put together a latin album; just need the time. Also, the funds.. .can’t forget the funds !!
Let us know about your spiritual family, your posse nowadays…
Well, I am one of Christ’s children and a devoted family man.
My daughter Juliana is the beat of my heart, the blood in my veins and the air that I breathe. Let me tell you, I would not change one thing in my life ; my experiences have made me the father I am. I thank God for the life I have been given to care for. There’s nothing I can add here, the joy is beyond description.
As far as posse, my wife and child inspire and motivate me the most, but there are many people I enjoy talking to and spending time with. As I mentioned, I have gotten so much love from peeps worlwide and every individual has been so respectful and inviting. I’ll just shout out a few, if you don’t mind... Jan & Sarah (Eardear), IKE (Tape), Philip (my brotha from anotha motha), Sascha Dive, Willie Graffe, Kaspar (watch out with Dona Maria), Marc Schneider (WAS), J Reyes, Todd Gardner (Brotha Todd, that is), Bengoa (Blind Stitch), Tony Hewitt (Tango), Anthony Collins and all my peeps in Berlin!! Honestly, there are so many great people; old and new friends!! Ah, but I have not forgotten mi buen amigo Frederic (Indamix)!! I thank you for your interest and friendship above all...
Havin’ a listen to your consistent repertoire along the years seems like revealing a part of the history of your life from a place to another. How would you consider the importance of the environment as far as creation is concerned?
I would say where I am now in my life spiritially and physically has allowed me to elevate my God given gifts a notch. I have been weighed down many times in my past and the past few years I have been able to break free quite a bit. I look forward to great accomplishments, God willing. So, location, location, location is important ; spiritually, physically and mentally!
Looks like your recent works are more and more atmospheric, not to say somehow chillin’ with you now livin’ by the sea. Hard to believe there’s no coincidence. Like the depth of the Ocean… One comment?
I have found my peace in the beauty of creation, the ocean is my paradise; it inspires me....
Let us know about a typical workin’ day, if ever there is in the life of a reputedly creator…
I’ll make this quick. You mind if I list ? (haha)
This is my M-F grind...
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7am - kiss daughter and off she goes to 1st grade
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9am - drive 1 hour 2o minutes to work (North Jersey)
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10:30am – 8:30pm - The GM at a metal stamping company
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10pm – home ; family time
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12:30am – up to my studio in the attic
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4am – sleep
My weekends I usually work around the clock in the studio. However, I set aside at least one Saturday a month for daddy/daughter day.
It’s not bad though, I get to do my label/music biz from the job and I get days off when I need them and days off to tour.
The usual fuss has been made like each year around the WMC. What does it represent to you?
Next question... Really, not what it was; just vacation time!
That brings us to that whole thing called house music and its countless deviations which have brought it to what it is nowadays. How do you perceive it???
I’m not against the deviations, I mean it’s all in expression, right !?
Quite strange as it looks like the genre is firmly divided into two distinct categories. The mainstream for the masses who don’t give real attention to music and could they as a matter of fact ? Then the underground with an audience made of purists much reminding of the jazz scene. One reaction?
I love it! Keep the ‘candy critters’ to themselves! Call me a house snob ; so what!
As a matter of fact, would even be tempted to say that what may be taken as genuine house is firmly geared towards jazz and could be considered for a part of it as lectrojazz, bringing us back to the souvenir of Chicago pioneer Larry Heard, not to mention your own piece of art called ‘Like It Used 2 B Remix’…
Lectrojazz, I have always liked that term... Yeah man, what is music if it doesn’t have that soul? I was feelin’ that ‘Like It Used 2 B’ track from day one. I really didn’t think people would get into it, but I didn’t care...I was feelin’ it. Oh, but I do appreciate the love it’s gotten ! J
Was the latest a tribute to him by the way???
Yes Sir, the man is dope. He does nice work ; classic joints! That sound alone is timeless. I know it’s not the first time I used it, but come on ; it’s infectious...
Nearly time to leave with as usual on such circumstances a word about your forthcomin’ projects… Well, I’ve got a series of productions comin’ through where friends and I share the spotlight, ‘The Luv House Sessions’. Brothers’ Vibe produces side A and a fellow house lover produces the B side. I have the first 5 singles signed... and that my friend is my ‘baby’ right now. Besides that, SOM will release a double LP featuring some of the most sought after tracks and all new material to follow. In addition, new releases on Mixx and Jersey Underground. Oh, I am working on a minimal album, but not the usual minimal; so I hope! Don’t want to give up my ideas, hahaha... Ooops, one more thing! I will be in Germany at the end of July for about 10 days, so any of you out there can get at me so we can meet up!!
Thanks for everything. A true pleasure havin’ you on board. Paz,
It’s been my pleasure and I thank you for allowing me to share myself with you and your audience! Paz mi hermano, paz!
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