We’ve reached the last Wednesday in 2012, and to continue with our weekly artist interviews this week we have Donald Glaude ‘walking the plank’…
Confident. Exuberant. Raw. Innovative. These are just a few of the words industry insiders and fans have used to describe the talent behind one of America’s favorite house DJs, Donald Glaude. Ranked 68 on DJMag.com’s Top 100 DJs List in 2005, Donald skyrocketed to 48 the following year and has become a steady feature amongst America’s elite DJs!
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Donald’s love for music began at an early age. Originally a disciplined student of classical music, he was well-versed in the upright bass and violin. Any aspirations Donald had to continue in the classical vein vanished once he heard his first house record. With an ear for blending music already under his belt, and a love for the energy and soul of musical prodigies like George Clinton and Funkadelic, Donald began to amass a collection of house records which he taught himself to mix with a pair of mismatched turntables and a Radio Shack mixer.Before Donald few DJs had attempted to spin house records. Donald’s fine ear helped him give birth to a new style. After mastering his craft, Donald began DJing in various clubs around Tacoma and Seattle. During that time he made several important connections which would launch his music to the forefront of what was quickly becoming one of the largest underground movements since New Wave in the late-70s. Perhaps the greatest connection Donald made was with another aspiring DJ and friend, DJ Dan.
Together Donald & DJ Dan sparked the rave scene in Seattle and developed large followings. Knowing that Donald possessed an energy and ability to work the crowd that was unparalleled to anyone else on the circuit, Dan convinced San Francisco’s legendary Funky Tekno Tribe to bring down his good friend Donald to play at one of their parties. Donald’s talents quickly made him a permanent fixture on F.T.T.’s roster.Some DJs seek commercial acceptance. Donald, on the other hand, has always preferred an emotional connection with his audience. For Donald, house music is not simply a mixed bag of sound, but rather an experience that provokes the soul. Apart from his mastery on the decks, Donald is best known for his dynamic showmanship. He enjoys his music as much as his audience does. Embracing their energy, it is not uncommon to find Donald pumping his hands in the air, jumping up and down and shouting back his love to the crowd. It is this powerful signature style which has led fellow DJ and musical producer, Dave Aude, to call Donald the “James Brown of DJs.” Donald also caused some stir in 2005 and 2006 with his residency at ICE Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Check out our full interview with Donald Glaude below…
Have you ever been on a cruise before?
Yes I have a few but this last year was my first time on the Miami one WOW i have never experienced anything like it before if you haven’t gone you need to go.
Besides the Groove Cruise, what’s the most memorable party you’ve ever attended?I don’t have just one there are actually mire then a few from Together as ones to EDC’s , USC parties in Seattle, Starscapes, events , parties in Colombia & other parts of South america the liat goes on & on i have been lucky
What comes to mind when you think of a ‘Groove Cruise’?
A Big smile on my face thats what comes to me when i think of the Groove Cruise!!!
What’s your ‘Go-To’ track that we’ll find in all of your sets?
Well right now its my new put a smile on your face party Rocker EDM out now on Beatport it just came out this past monday nov 23rd & luckily its doing pretty well, if u haven’t heard it you should check it out she’s cute.
What’s on your rider?
Not much just a good time & Vodka haaa
What are you packing for The Groove Cruise? Any special packing tricks we should be aware of? Anything you NEVER leave home without?
Hmmm Music, !!!
When traveling, what bugs you the most? What’s been your worst travel nightmare so far? Worst airline?
Well sitting in the middle seat ;-( makes me sad ;-( , i laugh @ it now but it was one time i came home Colombia with my Friend & at the time my old road manager Josh he came on the flight Drunk as F@$K singing the Beach Boys and right when we sat down in our sears we were asked to get off the flight, WTF right ? Anyway that one was ruff we had been up all night and it took us i think an extra day to get hm SUCKED!!!
Window or Aisle?
Window so I can sleep 
Where’s your favorite place to travel in the world? Favorite hotel you’ve stayed in?
I love South America but then I also like going to Seattle, Denver, Vegas , Cali(Yeah I know I live there now) I like to travel I don’t have just one favorite Hotel ,usually I have one or two per city.
What do you do when stuck on a plane all day? Any go-to movies?
I sleep or work on Tracks
What artist would you LOVE to collaborate with in the near future? Why?
At the moment who ever is down
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be doing RIGHT NOW?
I don’t know .
What’s something weird that most of your fans probably don’t know about you? Any pet peeves or superstitions?
Yes there is and non ya’s , Haaaa
If you produced a track with a nautical theme, what would you call it and why?
The Love Boat or Black Atlantis
Thanks for the time, Donald. We look forward to partying with you in a months time! For the time being, you can tweet us (@groovecruise) and Donald (@donaldglaude) using the #WTPW to let us know what you think of the interview!
Hope you all had a very merry christmas!
- Groove Cruise Fam
