Papa Joe Aviance is a dance music performer best known for performance with Lulu on the track “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. His current song is working its way up Billboard Dance charts. Media Mikes had a chance recently to speak with Papa Joe about his music and future plans.
Adam Lawton: What made you first want to get into music?
Papa Joe Aviance: I have been passionate about music all of my life. I grew up playing the violin and I was also in the marching band. Music is something I have been around all of my life. When I first experienced club music it was like church for me. Feeling the grooves and beats was very magical and I fell in love with it. Music in general is something that I just really love!
AL: How was it getting to work with Lulu on “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”?
PJA: Amazing! I had danced to her tracks many times in the clubs and to have the opportunity to work with her was a blessing in disguise. My demo had been sent to Kult records and that day was the same day the originally rapper on the track was fired. They liked my voice and if would mind doing the rap on the track. Next thing I know its number 6 on the Billboard dance charts.
AL: When you were working on the track did you think it was going to be as big as it turned out?
PJA: Not at all. When it did get as big as it did I saw myself on the video and I knew I had to change my appearance. I knew I just couldn’t look like I did. I remember going to a local sports bar and hearing that song on the juke box. I just couldn’t believe it. From there I really got the motivation to lose a bunch of weight and was the next big thing to happen to me after that song was released.
AL: Can you tell us about your new track titled “Live For Life”?
PJA: I had Willy Sanjuan at a music conference about a year and a half ago. I was there promoting “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. He and I had been communicating 
through email and through the process of my weight loss I started writing this track. We recorded and submitted it and now it’s being promoted everywhere. I am really happy and proud of the track. This really is my very first solo track.
AL: How was it going into the studio by yourself for the first time?
PJA: It was fun and exciting. I love being in the studio and getting to brainstorm material. This new track is kind of about being passionate and doing what you love.
AL: Can you tell us about Papa Joe Network Productions?
PJA: That sort of came into play about 2 years ago. I had helped with some things on the “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” video. During my weight loss journey I decided to document it. From there I started working on other projects besides my own. I like trying to help people get their message out.
AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
PJA: I am currently working with a few charities right now filming their events. Besides filming for those groups I am also involved heavily as a member. Next year I am planning to do a Walk Across America tour. I am planning to visit 10-15 cities to promote not only my new song but a healthy and active lifestyle. I plan to document the whole thing and submit it to festivals when it’s all done.
For more info on Papa Joe Aviance you can go to his website @ www.joejoenow.com and you can view some of his production work at www.youtube.com/papajoeaviance