Denver’s DJ and Drummer Boogie Lights Discusses His Debut Album, DISCO DANCE THERAPY
Boogie Lights embodies the philosophy that “music heals souls.” This talented DJ, producer, and drummer from Denver has spent the last decade embracing this belief, releasing vibrant tracks that blend house, disco, funk, bass, soul, and beyond. With electrifying performances at Decadence NYE, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, The Black Box, and more, Boogie Lights has made a lasting impact on the music scene that continues to flourish year after year.
This year is particularly significant for Boogie Lights as he prepares to unveil his debut album, DISCO DANCE THERAPY. This album features contributions from The Boogie Bunch, a collective of musicians who perform alongside him. At its core, this project celebrates collaboration and Boogie Lights’ dedication to providing transformative music experiences.
With the album’s release just around the corner, we had the perfect opportunity to chat with Boogie Lights. Read on for insights into his musical roots, the upcoming album, and what lies ahead, along with an exclusive guest mix!
Listen to EDMID Guest Mix 447 || Boogie Lights on SoundCloud:
Hi Boogie Lights, thanks for joining us today. Your influences range from hip-hop and funk to bass and house. Can you share how your musical roots have shaped your diverse interests in the music scene?
My eclectic taste in music largely stems from my big, quirky family. As the youngest of eight, I was introduced to music early on through my older siblings. Although no one else pursued music beyond high school chorus, my love for various styles grew from the wide array of cassettes, CDs, and vinyl I discovered in their collections. I’ve always described my style as “anything funky” because there are too many amazing genres to limit myself to just one.
Your style is defined by its vibrant, feel-good energy. What principles guide the Boogie Lights project? Did you intend to spread positivity from the start?
When I embarked on my musical journey—first with my college band Soul Junction and now with Boogie Lights—my primary goal has always been to contribute positively to the world. I believe that positivity and perspective are essential tools for creating a better environment, whether for one listener or a packed venue. The album’s title truly reflects the essence of this project: feel-good therapeutic energy driven by music and movement.
As you prepare to release DISCO DANCE THERAPY on December 6, can you discuss the production journey for this album, especially the collaborations with The Boogie Bunch?
The entire album was produced and recorded in my home studio in Denver, with each track’s production process varying based on the contributors involved. We often started with a simple lyric, a funky bassline, or just a concept to kick things off. The development of many songs felt serendipitous, especially while collaborating with members of The Boogie Bunch.
Most tracks feature guitarist/producer Ricky Feria (Rix), who played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Our sessions typically began with guitar ideas, and we’d explore different styles together, communicating and collaborating in real-time. Other sessions with vocalists Deezy Le Phunk, DZIRAE GOLD, and Hereami balanced planned parts with improvised moments. One of my favorite verses on the album came from Deezy during a brainstorming session for “Universal Language”—it was one of those magical, spontaneous moments. I believe in capturing a variety of takes during recordings to sift through later, as some of my favorite moments often arise from small mistakes or repeated rhythms that transform into something special.
Listeners have already enjoyed singles like “RISE UP” and “Keep The Funk,” showcasing your versatility in house music. What inspired the messages behind these tracks?
“RISE UP” began as a collaboration with Mocha Music, aiming to blend house and bass with a funky twist. Once we established the uplifting beat, I felt a powerful voice was needed. The phrase “rise up” came to mind, inspired by current global and U.S. events—a call to unite for peace, justice, and community. Deezy Le Phunk’s closing verse encapsulated the message perfectly.
“Keep The Funk” emerged soon after, driven by a simpler concept: defining what funk music truly is. I started with a funky tech-house beat and dove into YouTube to find interviews that explored the essence of funk. I stumbled upon a fantastic sample from Prince’s Friend’s channel, where the author articulately described funk and its connection to various genres. That dirty, indescribable funk feeling resonated with me.
What do you hope listeners take away when experiencing the soundscapes on DISCO DANCE THERAPY?
I hope they find their own form of ‘DISCO DANCE THERAPY.’ My wish is for them to embark on a journey through funk, vibes, and emotions, nurturing a little extra love for themselves and the universe. I want it to inspire dancing and feeling. The flow of the album is intentional and probably best suited for mornings or the start of a road trip.
After the album release, you’ll perform at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom with The Boogie Bunch. What does your preparation process look like for live shows?
It involves a lot of coordination and rehearsal! We already had our first full band rehearsal last week, with three more to go before the big night. Coordinating over 10 musicians is always a challenge, especially with some special guests. Thankfully, the excitement and dedication from The Boogie Bunch have been incredible. We’re all looking forward to headlining this historic venue in Denver. Now it’s crunch time for me to finalize custom edits for our set, which will feature all originals and special Boogie edits, with a few surprises for the audience.
What do you appreciate most about the Denver music scene? Is there anything you would change?
The sense of community stands out to me in Denver’s music scene. It’s incredibly welcoming once you find your way in. With a diverse range of styles and electronic music, the local artists come together to support one another. The talent pool includes local musicians, those who have relocated, and established acts drawn to Colorado’s beauty and strong artist community. While it can take some time to find your niche, the city is open to good music and positive energy. If you project both, the Denver music scene will embrace you.
If you could offer one piece of advice to fellow artists feeling discouraged, what would it be?
KEEP PUSHING. Continue to embrace your uniqueness. Be kind. KEEP BEING YOU. Comparison can be a dangerous trap for artists, and it often overwhelms us. In moments of clarity, focus on yourself—your music and your voice. Create the music you believe in without succumbing to the comparison game. Keep evolving, but don’t change for the sake of others.
Lastly, what can you share about your plans for 2025? Any specific goals you’re aiming to achieve?
2025 sounds surreal to me; that number feels wild! I’m excited to keep growing artistically, discovering my sound, and sharing my messages with the world. I hope to perform at several major festivals and expand the Boogie network across the U.S. and beyond. Early next year, I plan to release a few singles that didn’t make it onto the album but are very dear to me. I’m eager to write more music and amplify my voice to address ideas that resonate with many. I believe the next few years will bring powerful music that the world urgently needs to hear, especially in light of recent events. That’s what’s on my mind post-election. The art will be beautiful.
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