Erick Morillo Interview

We catch up with New York star to talk radio shows, pre-set routines and playing all night at the Egg Birthday Weekend...

Friday May 5th opens the Egg London’s Birthday Weekend Part 1 with Erick Morillo All Night Long.

Welcoming back the Subliminal Records boss and Strictly Rhythm legend, Erick Morillo, he'll taking charge for the entire duration of the club's opening – repeating his energetic appearance last November. The man behind such acts as Ministers De La Funk, The Dronez (alongside Harry ‘Choo Choo’ Romero and Jose Nunez) and Li’l Mo Ying Yang, he'll no doubt display the kind of party starting spirit behind the decks that has kept him at the top of the game for over twenty years. 

With the birthday now just three weekends away, we caught up with New York star to talk radio shows, re-appraisals and pre-set routines...

We're looking forward to you repeating an all-night performance at Egg for our birthday. How was the last party in November? It looked like you were enjoying yourself.

The last party was absolutely amazing! It definitely ranks as one of the best parties I’ve had in London. The energy in the room and the vibe all night was just mental!  I can’t wait to celebrate EGG’s birthday on Friday May 5th and have the place rocking all night long!

How do you prepare for an all-night set? Do you do anything different to normal? We imagine you need some long tracks in case you need a toilet break. 

I have the same routine before every show. I basically get a bite to eat in the afternoon, listen to some promos, take a nap and then show time! I don’t plan my sets. I like to start playing, get a feel for the crowd and then go on a musical journey and see where we end up.  It’s usually a fun ride! Toilet break, I’m usually pretty good about keeping it in but if I really have to go, empty bucket in the booth works. 

Is it true that you've just had a birthday of your own? How does someone who already goes to parties for a living celebrate?

I love to celebrate my birthday with my close friends and my fans. It so happens that my birthday is during Miami Music Week so I get to see friends who fly in from all over the world to party in Miami. This year I celebrated my birthday at Wall Lounge.  The party was amazing and it was such a great vibe.  The following day, we celebrated 20 Years of Subliminal at the National hotel pool. I was really happy to see how many people came out to celebrate Subliminal Records. It was definitely a Miami Music Week pool party to remember!  

You had some time away from DJing to deal with some well publicised personal problems. Did you ever consider doing something else? What did you learn in that time away that's helping you not go down the same path?

I did consider leaving the industry but once I got my head cleared, I realised that I have too much love for what I do. The biggest thing I’ve learned that will help me not go down the same path is to not put certain pressures on myself.  Also, to speak to my therapist if there is something bothering me and most importantly not let my ego control who I am. 

Subliminal Records was reborn shortly after you came back. Did it feel like the label seamlessly slotted back where you'd left off? What has changed?

The re-launch of the label has been quite amazing.  We’ve received such a great response from all of the radio outlets and DJs. This year we plan to release a track every other week and continue releasing Subliminal Classic remixes. I’m also re-launching SONDOS and Subliminal Soul.  SONDOS is going to focus on the tribal sound and Subliminal Soul will be geared towards a deeper house sound.   

How is your relationship with Harry and Jose after all these years? Do you still get to hang out much?

We’re still very good friends. Harry just released 'Paradise' on Subliminal records. It’s a dirty, filthy house track that has been getting lots of love from a lot of DJs.  Jose Nunez is working on several projects as well. We see each other from time to time, especially when I travel to New York to do shows. Early March I placed in New York and the whole crew was there – Harry Romero, Jose Nunez and Shawnee Taylor. We had a great time! 

March saw you launch your first ever radio show on SiriusXM Radio. What made you decided to commit to this now?

I just felt it was time for me to start  and SiriusXM Radio is a great station to be a part of. Erick Morillo Presents Subliminal Sessions airs every Tuesday at 8pm ET and rebroadcasts Thursday 9am ET and Saturday at 6pm ET. I’m really excited to showcase some of the best underground music as well as interview some of today’s greatest talents. 

What's next on the horizon?

Label wise, there is so much music in the Subliminal Records pipeline.  I’m really excited about all of the upcoming releases.  I’m also excited about the SONDOS and Subliminal Soul relaunch. I'm looking forward to having these other two labels releasing great music, focusing on the deep and tribal house genres. Personally, I have a lot of new production that I’m looking forward to releasing this year. I’m also going to be on the road a lot doing shows, promoting all of the Subliminal releases. 

Tell us three tracks that you'll definitely play at Egg...

At the moment, I’m not sure which tracks I’m going to play at Egg to be honest.  I don’t plan my sets so it’s difficult for me to confirm three tracks but I can guarantee is going to be a fun night full of great energy!  Don’t miss it!