BOSTON PRIDE: Sunday’s High Tide Pride 6 boat cruise sets sail with DJ Warren Gluck
Tracking Warren Gluck's career as a DJ is like making an evolutionary chart of the circuit. At every stage of its history, Gluck has been there providing beautiful music for beautiful people. With 30 years DJing behind him, Warren Gluck initially made a name for himself as the resident DJ for The Saint, and then the Saint-At-Large parties that continue at New York's Roseland.
Name a circuit event - he's played it. From Winter Party to Gay Day to Cherry, even the main dance event for the Millennium March on Washington, Gluck has left a palpable imprint on gay party life.
This Sunday, he returns to Boston to steer High Tide Pride 6, an afternoon boat cruise benefitting The Boston Living Center.
How has DJing evolved over the last 20 years - both in terms of public perception and craft?
"It has become more of a mainstream performance thing, with the DJs becoming very well-known nationally due to the amount of traveling for gigs. As a craft, it has become more stylized, with many unique styles of music out there, and more technically orientated with the advent of CDs and all the digital tricks that come with them."
What have you been most proud of in your work over the course of your career?
"I am most proud of my consistency and reliability through the last 30 years in providing fun dance events. Party-wise, I have to say it would be the Sunset Party in Sydney for the last Gay Games, and outdoor party for 6,000 people on the Sydney Harbor across from the Sydney Opera House. It was a thrilling event for me."
What's a signature characteristic of a Warren Gluck set?
"It would have to be pulling some surprises out of my bag of tricks. Some songs that no one expected, but were thrilled to hear."
You've played at basically every major gay dance event on the planet, but you are closely associated with The Saint, and now The Saint-at-Large parties. What makes those special for you?
"The Saint and then the Saint-At-Large was one of the places where the dancers were there for the complete musical journey - the seduction, the climbing, the peak, the coming down into the morning music and then the sleaze music into a soft but very sexy landing."
What do you think the current state of the circuit is? Many are saying it's on the decline, some say new talent might be reviving it.
"It is in a constant state of flux. The ticket prices have gone through the roof, which turns away some people. Many of the events have been played by the same DJs too, which brings a sameness to them. But, the influx on new talent does help to raise the energy level of the events."
How do we balance tradition, yet stay fresh and exciting?
"I try to play lots of current, exciting music and still include some older wonderful songs to balance things out."
What new DJs out there do you like? Have you ever taken on an apprentice?
"I particularly like Dan DeLeon. He has a distinct, sexy tribal sound. Yes, I have had one proteges. Carlos Pedraza is one, as well as Keana."
Considering your time in the booth, what's the funniest, oddest or most unbelievable thing you've seen?
"In 30 years, there have been to many of each to remember in particular!"
What still makes DJing exciting for you?
"I love to entertain people. I want them to leave every one of my parties a little happier than when they came in."