In our recently launched Last DJ Set series, we’re talking to DJs about the last set they played before lockdowns and travel bans went into effect.
After chatting with NYC house music icon David Morales, Berlin-based technocrat Alan Oldham and house-techno maestro Man Power, we connected with Brooklyn homie Alex Gimeno (a.k.a Ursula 1000), a DJ/producer we’ve covered many times over the years.
Read on to find out what transpired during the set and how he’s been keeping busy during the pandemic.
When and where was your last DJ gig?
Alex Gimeno: It was at Tellus360 in Lancaster, PA. I had never been there but my friend Bill from the band Second Sky does the booking there so I knew it’d be fun.
How did it go?
It was amazing. Packed with a very young but super open-minded crowd. I had a blast!
What was your mindset going into it? Where had you played previously?
I’ve played so many small towns where you kind of go in thinking what the night’s going to be like and then be totally surprised. This was that.
Before that was a show in my hometown of Brooklyn. A roller disco party called Dreamland. Also, ridiculously fun!
Did any tracks, in particular, go over especially well during that gig?
Hmmm…maybe this remix done a few years ago by Cassian of Late Nite Tuff Guy’s “I Get Deeper” which I tweaked with some added “Deep Inside” from Hardwire.
What is your best memory from that gig?
Just the fresh faces getting down! And the lovely company of the booking people from the club.
Everyone can’t wait for clubs and festivals to begin again. What do you miss most about DJing? How are you keeping your skills sharp?
I do two radio shows every week. On Thursday I do one called Sounds Spectacular for WFMU’s Sheena’s Jungle Room which is more eclectic and another one on Saturdays for Barcelona City FM called Radio Kaboom which is more electronic dance-centric. Both of those keep me on my toes. But the energy of a live crowd can’t be duplicated.
A lot of DJs have been doing live streams and working on tracks. What have you been working on during the lockdown? How can fans support you right now?
Aside from my two radio shows, I’ve been plugging away on new material. As depressing our current situation is, I’ve shockingly managed to stay alert, focused and inspired. My Bandcamp page is fully loaded with goodies too if anyone’s missing any oddball remixes or releases.
Any last words on your last gig?
Just that I miss the live energy vibe you get from the human pulses on the dancefloor but as long as we keep it smart and knock this virus out, we’ll be back there living it up!
Thank you for your time. Stay safe and be well.
You too! Big love.