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Interview with DJ Johnny Iovino: Disco music and future plans (Includes interview)

He is drawn to disco music due to its energy, as well as the beat and its unity. “I love how it brings a lot of people together. No matter where and when disco Music is playing, it makes you feel good! At a club, a party, in the supermarket, even in your car – and you just want to move and dance,” he said.

Iovino played at Mulcahy’s twice over the last two weeks and praised it for being “an amazing venue.” “Mulcahy’s has a lot of positive energy. The staff is very attentive to its performers and patrons. The second you enter Mulcahy’s, you just know it’s going to be an awesome night!” he exclaimed.

At Mulcahy’s, he had the good fortune to share the stage with disco queen France Joli and tribute act Disco Unlimited. “Sharing the stage with France Joli and Disco Unlimited was my privilege. France is a disco icon, what more can be said. Disco Unlimited keeps disco music very much alive. I have worked many events with Disco Unlimited and I love them,” he said.

On his daily motivations, he said, “Knowing that I have an upcoming event and that people are depending on me to provide an experience they can enjoy to the fullest and talk about after the night is over, motivates me. I just don’t stand up-there and go through the motions. I spend a couple of hours every day preparing for an upcoming event because I have to be perfect. It’s been that way since I began DJ-ing in 1981 in roller-rinks and nightclubs across the NY Tri-State Area. I just can’t get enough of the music and the people. If the crowd doesn’t scream each time I spin a song, I am letting them down.”

He noted that 2017 will be a busy year for Iovino. “My manager and promoter, Michelle Licata, has me booked at some great venues such as Mulcahy’s, Melrose Ballroom, Copacabana and The Mouse Trap Café in Amityville.”

Regarding his biggest musical inspirations, he said, “One of my first records was the Jackson 5’s Anthology Album (1976). I listened to that whole album every chance I had. I loved listening to Tavaras, T-Connection, Brothers Johnson, Thelma Houston, etc. I liked some rock and roll too such as Elton John, Chicago and Boston. All that music from the late 70’s just made me feel good, I couldn’t get enough of that music. I knew early on that I wanted to be DJ in some way, mainly on a radio station.”

For aspiring DJs and musicians, he said, “As with anything you do in life, to do well, you have to love what you do and make it your own, otherwise it’s just work. And the people will feel what you feel through your performance, whether a DJ or live act. Always love it!”

Iovino concluded, “Over these many years I have so many people to thank for helping to continue to do what I love… DJ-ing and making people dance! Many thanks to my family, my friends and my fans. And as of late, I owe a huge thank you to Michelle Licata (MLicataEntertainment). We met several years ago but hadn’t worked together, mainly because MLE represented and managed live acts. But as of last summer, she took a chance on me and we began doing some events, and now, I am the Exclusive DJ for MLicataEntertainment. Such a privilege to be a part of a great team! Thank you Michelle!”

To learn more about DJ Johnny Iovino, check out his official website.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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