Nov 21, 2003   | COMMENTS     

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Peter Rauhofer is one of the most influential superstar DJs in the country. His long list of credentials includes weekly stints at New York’s Roxy and his remix work for Madonna, Britney Spears, Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Donna Summer and many others.

Besides his larger-than-life spins at Manhattan nightclubs and circuit events nationwide, Rauhofer is also the owner of Star 69 Records. He founded the indie dance label in 1999 to develop his own brand of quality house music that was appealing to both his devoted gay fan base and mainstream dance listeners.

“Addictive Beats” by DJ/remix/production duo Saeed & Palash is one of Star 69’s latest projects. The double remix record is a fresh blend of tribal-infused dance beats that introduces Saeed Younan and Palash Ahmed’s unique take on house music, incorporating their Middle Eastern and South Asian backgrounds.

The duo met in 1994 before they entered their first semester at Virginia Commonwealth University. They had only lived in the United States for a short time. Younan is from Iraq; Ahmed is from Bangladesh.

With their common vision on electronic music, the two were quickly absorbed in D.C.’s emerging club scene. Washington’s club culture proved to be a breeding ground for many other house DJs as well, including house legend Deep Dish.

Saeed and Palash say their immigrant status never affected their DJ careers in a negative way. “Washington D.C. is a very international town so I never felt like an outsider,” Palash says.

Saeed agrees, adding, “Nobody judges you in the dance scene. It is all about the music.”

IF ANYTHING, THEIR different ethnic backgrounds have given them a distinct edge. Saeed & Palash have a unique perspective on dance music with a different set of vibes, moods and sounds.

Palash said he developed the album as if it was a mind-expanding trip through exotic places.

“I wanted the CD to make the listener feel like they are on a journey, which starts out in a warm moonlit night in Egypt and continues through the Mediterranean,” says Palash.

“That’s right,” Saeed says. “It makes it all more interesting when you show people how diverse you can be.”

The two are hoping the ethnic influence in their remixes is a taste of future dance music in the United States.

“I think South Asian music is getting more recognition these days ever since Madonna featured it,” says Palash. “That music is very percussive and makes you want to move. It’s already mainstream in England and America will be next.”

Saeed and Palash are very grateful for their gay fan base. They frequently played Twilo and other gay nightclubs in New York, and a couple of years ago they performed at Montreal’s annual Black & Blue event.

“Back in the day, gay people responded really well to house music, but today I think both gay and straight people enjoy the sound,” Saeed says. “It often depends on the culture of the particular city we’re in.”

Saeed explains that feeling out the crowd is essential in preparation for a gig.

“I pack enough records to make sure I have a good selection of music to work with,” he says. “I like to get to the club at least one hour early to feel out the crowd. Every place we go to has a different vibe, so it’s always good to know what people are into before you drop your first record.”