by Amy Wooten
NS: When did you first realize this is what you wanted to do with your life and your career?
JV: It was back in around 1983. I wanted to be a fashion designer. I sort of picked it up as a hobby out of frustration with the design business. I used to work at a design place, and they used to send me to the record store. That's how I got addicted to vinyl.
NS: How has the club scene changed?
JV: I think it's gotten over-saturated. I don't think that there's that one club that's exclusive or different or underground. I think there's just too much of everything now. Plus, I think the drug scene has changed it a lot. I think people are just too messy and they just don't get it. I think people are changing. It's too electronic, too robotic, with iPods and computers. I'm still pretty much old school.
NS: You publicly announced a six-year addiction to meth last summer. It's really changed not only the club scene, but the gay community. Do you think the music industry really needs a lot more people to come forward?
JV: Yes, it's quite an addiction. It's an amazing drug, but it's a devil and it's in disguise. I just didn't find a purpose for it anymore. I have no regrets about the six years. It served its purpose. It helped me focus and I did it for a lot of different reasons, but I think I can't stop it, so I won't continue to do it. But it is, pretty much, an epidemic. It leads to other things: promiscuity, HIV and other stuff. It's a demon, but it's just a drug that's very prevalent.
NS: It's a very seductive drug.
JV: That's why I don't understand the drug anymore. It's pointless to come home and stare at the walls. For me it was a personal choice not to do it. It just wasn't cool anymore.
NS: So what are you working on right now?
JV: I'm working on three songs for Dream Girls for Beyonce. I'm working on Justin Timberlake. I just finished Janet Jackson.
NS: When you're not in the studio and you're not controlling a dance floor, what do you do to relax?
JV: I watch TV. I do a little drawing or painting. I like making things like jewelry and chain belts. I just try to keep busy hobby-wise.
NS: Which is your favorite reality show?
JV: Project Runway. [ Laughs. ]
Check out the legendary Junior Vasquez when he comes to Circuit Nightclub Saturday, Sept. 23.