Dance Addicts

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to discover a podcast on iTunes, which I think is something new, fresh and very nice to hear. I really wanted to share it with you and I got lucky, because its host Zalman Lekach took some of his time to give me this interview. I’ll keep the introduction short and will let the man speak for himself…




E: Zalman, you are hosting the weekly podcast "Dance Addicts". Tell us something more about your show?

Z: Doing the show is the easy part. Getting the talent is more than half the battle, of course if I was dedicated full time it would be easier, but I cant lose my main job which is co-hosting and producing the super fun and very entertaining action sports show “Adrenalina” which can be seen on SiTV and in october on Discovery HD Theatre.


E: How is "Dance Addicts" different from other shows?

Z: Besides playing tracks that are no more than 2 weeks ripe, we really focus on the guest mix. We like to give a full hour really giving the dj / producer enough time to showcase his skills, and we never interrupt with 68 annoying sound bites. (maybe just 1 to start it off (laughing)


E: Your guests are huge names in the house scene like Cicada, David Tort, Michael Woods and many more. Who is THE one dj you haven't worked with yet, but you wish to have on your show?

Z: It’s a funny question, because there are many I’d love to have on the show. The reason I say it’s funny is usually when someone says “no”, they say “oh we have prior engagements, not enough time, too busy touring”. However, Sasha, the one guy I’d really love to have on just flat out said no. It obviously wasn’t him, it was his management. And the other times the talent has so many layers of booking agents, publicists, and manager,s it’s almost impossible to find out who to talk to, let alone get a mix out of them like Erick Morillo or Nic Fanciulli

E: You are a regular performer at the Winter Music Conference. How do you prepare for such a big event?

Z: I normally treat it like any other gig but I keep an extra ear out for tracks that I feel are getting more played than others and try to avoid playing those, unless it’s a completely amazing banger like Riva Starr's remix of “Hey Hey” (which was definitely this past WMC's top track). Than it’s almost a sin if you don’t drop it.

E: When did you realize your love for house music?

Z: It’s hard to put an exact date on that, but I would guess around the mid to late 90's. I was born and raised in Miami and when the 1st wave of dance music came through during the Amnesia, and Shadow lounge days, I was there. Guys like Oakey, Paul van Dyk and George Acosta were staples at those places and it was great hearing them but I really love what Oscar G has done and is continuing to do for the house scene in Miami, it’s just terrific.

E: Who are your musical influences?

Z: No matter what genre I listen to, it always starts with Pink Floyd for me. As far as dj / producers I would say Sander Kleinenberg, Erick Morillo, Chris Lake, Sebastien Leger, Paul van Dyk, Sasha, Deep Dish, Tiesto, Pryda, Markus Schulz, Daft Punk, ooooh geeez, I can go forever (laughing). Right now I’m really into Joris Voorn, Deadmau5, Marco Carola, Soul Clap, Paul Ritch, SHM, Kaiserdisco and Luciano.

E: What are your plans for the future?

Z: I don’t see too many changes as far as my career in the television world. As for my djiing career, I would love to do the podcast for as long as I possibly can and I guess, when between seasons of the tv show, I’d like to land a residency at my favorite club Space Miami (Space Ibiza would be nice too!) hint hint Louis Puig!! Oh yeah, I’d also like a lot more airtime. I’ve been sooo busy lately though (Did I tell you, I fly airplanes as well as jump out of them?) Thanks for the interview Elly, I’d love to hear from you again very soon!!

And thank you, Zalman, for your time!
The new episode is now online with special guest mix by Trafik. Enjoy here!

With the lovingly support of Mark Kubiliun:)