Randy’s days are getting more gay

He’s sexy, slick and is considered one of the best DJs in the world. Better still, he loves his music loud, proud and gay.

DJ and producer Randy Bettis has played some of the world’s biggest and gayest parties. From mega-events of thousands to intimate house parties, he is among the most sought-after mixmasters in the dance-music industry.

Since he was recently voted DJ of the Year by JustCircuit subscribers, the buzz about his dance-centred style continues to grow.

Bettis broke through the clutter in 2005 with back-to-back acclaimed performances at three of the largest dance parties in the world: Saint-at-Large New Year’s Day Event, The Black Party and the Heritage of Pride Pier Dance in New York City.

Now, for the fifth consecutive year he has produced the official CD for the internationally acclaimed week-long celebration known as Gay Days.

Since Gay Days has such a diverse demographic, I chose tracks for the playlist by researching a wide range of music, from remakes of classic disco to some of the most current dance tracks on the market, Bettis told the Sydney Star Observer.

I work to create a journey of music that I feel will represent what it’s like to be a part of the Gay Days experience.

Party Groove: GayDays Vol. 5 includes some of the biggest songs of the year and new remixes of many classics, creating the perfect fun-filled, feel-good summer mix. The dance remixes selected maintain a great energy and familiarity throughout including Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow from American Idol‘s Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and Ari Gold’s newest single Where The Music Takes You.

Remakes of classic radio hits include the year’s biggest international hit Bleeding Love, the Donna Summer classic Hot Stuff, Ride On Time, Could This Be Love, and Broken Wings.

Track two, Where The Music Takes You by Ari Gold, is actually my production, along with my music partner David Boyd, Bettis said.

We are really proud to have had the opportunity to do a remix of this song for a couple of reasons: first we love the lyrics and think it is a perfect kick-off to any compilation or event, and second, Ari Gold is a good friend who is a very talented and hard-working artist who has done a lot through his music to advance and bring focus to the LGBT community.

We are extremely proud that this is our first remix to make it on to the US Billboard Chart; and it’s still climbing up the chart.

Bettis said becoming a DJ required skill, passion and commitment.

First, you have to love the music. Second, you have to pay attention to your audience -” not pander to them, but be aware that you are creating the right vibe for that particular club or event, he said.

Third, you have to understand that there is more to DJing than just playing records or CDs: it’s a business and there is a lot that comes with sustaining a good healthy relationship with promoters, producers, club owners and other artists.

So are we likely to see the darling of America’s gay club circuit in Sydney any time soon? Bettis said he is keen to visit and would love to get a call from Mardi Gras.

My first visit to Australia was when I was performing on a cruise ship and I fell in love with the country, he said.

I’ve met so many wonderful Aussies with such wonderful energy and outlooks on life. Also, my manager, Erin Stacey, volunteered at Mardi Gras a couple of years ago and she said that it was an amazing experience and that she definitely felt that Mardi Gras and I would be a great match.

Party Groove: GayDays Vol. 5 can be ordered from www.centaurmusic.com.