SPIN CONTROL

Manhattan's
Dance Music Mogul

DJ Jonathan Peters Makes Work Out Of Play

    Since 1988, DJ Jonathan Peters has been creating Progressive Dance music all over New York City, and at age 36, he’s sage with advice from his past and plans for his future.
    Most great DJs start young, and this is especially true for Peters, who began his ultra-successful career at age 16.

Multiple Influences 
    “I started playing this place called Café Iguana,” Peters says, “The vibe there was mostly a Rock ‘n’ Roll thing, and I went in there playing some Disco and House music.” Patrons at the little-known Iguana loved the new late-night sound. After three years there, Peters jumped around, building his resume by working various venues including Café Society, Le Bar Bat, Roxy and Save The Robots. And although these clubs provided great experience, Peters’ big break came with his 8-year gig at Manhattan’s famous Sound Factory. Of his time there, he says, “You know, it was such an incredible nightclub –– the sound system and everything was just so incredible.”
    Looking back on such an incredibly long-lasting career, Peters credits his success to a variety of factors.
“I am one of the few lucky ones that I know, and I say lucky because it had a lot to do with luck, being born and raised in the city had a lot to do with the luck,” he says.
    Good fortune aside, originality seems to be another key to Peters’ success. The Billboard-topping DJ does not allow himself to be restricted to one major movement or trend in music. “I play all styles of Dance music,” he explains, “so I think that’s one of the reasons that I have been having successful parties over the last 25 years in New York. I’m not really caught up in a style; if it's a great record, (then) it’s a great record.” Peters does admit to having a few favorites however. “I love Chaka Khan; I love Stevie Wonder. I like big songwriters.”


Less Has Been More 
    While he’s working predominantly at high-profile clubs around the country these days, Peters seems to be a nightclub owner’s dream. He travels with his own equipment made up of a technologically superior traveling DJ booth he calls, “a very happy place.”
    In terms of an entourage, Peters chooses to travel without one. Other than his booth, Peters shows up with his lighting guy and a couple of people to carry his equipment. But, what Peters does bring in bulk is a large following.
    “It all comes down to the numbers,” Peters says. “Someone can pay you a large amount of money, but if you don’t do numbers; you’re done. You’re never going to be good. I don't really have many issues, because luckily I do numbers when I play.”
    Currently, Peters is working to balance studio time with club time. “I’m doing fewer parties in New York and just really focusing on making them good,” he says.
    Between his parties and recording sessions, Peters also now has found time to put together a band he will play with live at his upcoming parties. This new element to Peters’ already-sold-out shows should only increase his reputation as one of this planet’s most cutting-edge DJs.
    Still, when it comes down to it, Peters’ philosophy on playing a successful show has nothing to do with all the bells and whistles. In fact, for a DJ who’s made an impressive career out of mixing some of the most complicated music on the market, Peters is short and sweet with his advice to others who may be following in his footsteps. “Go in there,” he says, “and rock the house.” NCB