“DJ’s and producers make and play music to deliver a message to their audience, or take the audience on a hypothetical journey. Because I don’t produce or DJ, I can’t emulate or deliver those messages myself. Being an agent and a club manager allows me to help set up and prepare the show, so that the artist can successfully deliver their message. I see the look of the happy faces in the crowd, and I love that I had a part of creating that happiness”.
Steve you’re one of the youngest talent buyers and agents in the Americas, what do you think of that?
SC: Quite frankly it’s amazing. Being able to cover both ends of the spectrum allows me to be a seasoned professional, and to put myself in positions a lone agent or buyer might not be able to. However, being a young professional is hard at times because when you are surrounded by people much older than you, they might have a tendency to not believe in you. That scenario just makes me work as hard as possible and they quickly see how dedicated I am. My goal is to work hard enough to inspire more young people to get involved in the business, and not be intimidated by age. Age is only a number.
Did you always want to be an agent, and what made you want to go into this business?
SC: I first thought I wanted to be an agent after seeing the television show Entourage. Jeremy Piven’s character, Ari Gold, was a direct inspiration to me. So I looked into the industry more closely and saw a direct alignment with my passion for dance music, it was a perfect fit.
What is your favorite genre of Electronic Dance Music?
SC: At the moment I’m a big fan of electro and progressive House, but I am also a sucker for some good funky and deep house as well. Who is your favorite DJ at the moment?
SC: Although I’m not big on trance, I would have to say Above and Beyond. I first saw them at Pacha NYC in 2009 and they absolutely blew me away. I’ve made a point to see them once or twice a year since then.
What is your favorite club?
SC: In the States it’s a tie between Pacha NYC and LIV in Miami. Both clubs are outstanding in their own ways. Steve, how did you get involved in this business?
SC: I began promoting for Pacha NYC at 19. IDMA mega promoter Rob Fernandez gave me an opportunity I’ll never forget. Since then it’s just been about seizing the opportunities that have come before me, always being prepared to jump at a challenge.
Do you have a mentor or inspirations to credit your some of your success?
SC: My first client, Marcos Carnaval, is very much like a big brother to me. He has shown me the ropes and the ins and outs of the business, and I am forever grateful to him. Eddie Dean and Rob Fernandez from Pacha NYC helped me a lot as well. They allowed and pushed me to work hard to get where I am. Manny Rodriguez from Guitar Bar gave me my first ever booked gig and has been a great mentor as well. Gray Ballinger and Kenny Schrater from Webster Hall have helped me tremendously over the years. By enabling me to throw many events at Webster, they really helped get my feet wet. Glen Franco at BLISS for allowing me to come in and sail my proverbial ship the way I envisioned, and never stopping me from working hard to accomplish our goals here at the club. And Drew Barton for being the great guy he is, and letting people see my story with DJ Mag which will help me advance as a young professional in this incredible business.
Tell us what you do for Marcos Carnaval?
I handle all of Marcos’ bookings in North America, where his sound is really starting to take hold. It’s an amazing feeling being able to spread the music of my good friend and introduce his style to new people … I love the agent role.
Have anything good coming up for Marcos Carnaval?
SC: Marcos has been on tour all winter long in Brazil (while I’ve been freezing here in NY). He headlined the famous Cielo NYC on February 15 and he just played at Bliss on Friday. Now we’re looking at the summer months, which will see Marcos play gigs in Denver, Austin, some California stops and a Canadian tour … we will be busy!
www.djmag.ca 057
What would you say to another young & aspiring professional trying to make it in the nightlife business?
I would tell them that networking is the most important thing they can do to advance. Being smart and intuitive is great, but like in every business “Who you know” makes all the difference. That, and working your ass off, is the key to success.
What are some of your future goals and aspirations?
I would really love to plan my own festival in the next year or two. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but with hard work and a great crew, the sky’s the limit. Who are some of the DJ’s you’ve booked?
SC: Just to name a few, most recently I’ve booked: Tim Mason, Tristan Garner, Feenix- pawl, Thomas Gold, Nicky Romero, Cosmic Gate, Marcos Carnaval, Zedd, TJR, Digital Lab, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano.
Was there a good or bad experience with any particular act?
SC: Thank God there has been nothing bad so far. I had an amazing time with Tristan Garner and Feenixpawl. Those guys were an absolute blast! I was also Feenixpawl’s first USA-based booking, and because of that and the great guys they are, we’re really good friends now.
Who would you like to book in the future?
SC: Above and Beyond, Hardwell, Mark Knight, Mat Zo, Laidback Luke, and of course ... Daft Punk. Those are the first names that popped into my head. Of course I’d like to book EVERYONE!
At only 24 years old with this much experience under his belt and the drive to keep advancing in the industry, Steve Calogero is an inspiration to the next generation of business people getting into dance music, and proof that age really is just a number. We wish Steven the best of luck in his new role, and we will bring you the details first when they are public!
WORDS BY MICHAEL NERLINO
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