Lee Dagger, along with Marc JB, is one half of the dance supergroup Bimbo Jones. They are responsible for over 70 dance hits over the years. Some artists they have remixed include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Pink, and Kylie Minogue.
Dagger has performed on the same stage as Kelly Rowland, David Guetta, and Adam Lambert. He is a Grammy producer and Billboard number one artist.
He has traveled all over the world DJing and that now brings him to Roscoe’s in Chicago. We had a few questions for him before his arrival.
Jerry: (Jerry Nunn) Hi, Lee. First off, have you been to Chicago before?
Lee: (Lee Dagger) Hi, Jerry. Yes, once. I had heard so much about Chicago on TV and didn’t know what to expect. I loved it and can’t wait to come back. I am blessed to of DJed all around the world and to discover a new city that you love is a real bonus. The city has a charm, character and instant buzz about it!
Jerry: What have you and Marc JB been up to?
Lee: I decided to move away from 20 years of living in London and wanted to take my music to the next level so I moved to the USA in September this year.
Marc is doing great and we are still working together over the Internet across the pond.
Jerry: Favorite place you have traveled to?
Lee: Djing for Sydney Mardi Gras Harbour Party is divine. You are in the botanical gardens facing the opera house and bridge. I headlined this year with Kiesza. Also, playing mad places like deepest Siberia is an experience!
Jerry: Who is an artist you are really into currently?
Lee: Sigala have a hit new tune called “Sweet Lovin’.” Check it out!
Jerry: How is DJing for the gay community as opposed to the straight community?
Lee: A lot of the times a whole lot more fun!!! I am blessed to have a following Worldwide in the LGBT community who are not only fans but also dear friends. They sure know how to let their hair down!
Jerry: Explain turning down a gig with Annie Lennox in the past.
Lee: It was my 40th and I had a joint party booked with friends flying in from Australia, New Zealand, Prague, Sweden, Ireland and got offered a last minute gig for her. I was absolutely gutted! But you can’t put a value on your true friends in this world.
Jerry: What do you think of Kylie Minogue’s new Christmas album?
Lee: I love Kylie and have worked with her many times and even performed on the same stage as her at another Sydney Mardi Gras to 20,000 people. She is so sweet and friendly. But I am yet to hear the album sorry!
Jerry: How often do you work on collaborations with artists in person?
Lee: Loads of times. It pays to be nice in this industry and speak your opinion with musical ideas. I have been lucky to write with Sergio Mendes on his album in LA, written and stayed on Kristine W.’s ranch in Vegas, written with Crystal Waters in my hotel in New York City, and shared many stories and ideas with Cyndi Lauper in her hotel suite in Beverley Hills. I write lyrics, top line melody as well as producing, remixer and DJing.
Jerry: I like your remixes of Pink in particular. Any funny stories about her?
Lee: Yes. I once was asked to DJ for her at her European album launch party in London. It was epic! Six Hell’s Angels carried her in and she wore a bright pink shirt dress. After my set I went and thanked her for having me and gave her a CD. She kissed me on the cheek and gave me a hug thanking me for the music! We love her vocal. Her a cappella is amazing and an honor to work around when making our new productions around her melodies.
Jerry: Favorite remix that you are the most proud of?
Lee: My favorite and also one of Marc’s is Pink’s “Sober.” It’s only 125 BPM but has so much energy.
Jerry: Are you working on new music?
Lee: Yes I have two new Lee Dagger singles due out. One is called “Only U.” With Sian Evans from Kosheen. And another single out in Feb 2016. Also there is a new Bimbo Jones single with Inaya Day called “Bad Halo” out in January. Plus, loads more new bits over the middle of next year.
Jerry: What are you up to for New Years Eve?
Lee: I am flying out of Chicago down to Florida to DJ at KC and the Sunshine Band’s house!
Jerry: Sounds fun. See you at Roscoe’s!
Dagger spins on December 18 after 10:00 p.m. at Roscoe’s Tavern & Cafe, 3356 N. Halsted Street. For information visit www.roscoes.com and for more on the man himself check out leedagger.com.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0KV2b0eme8&w=560&h=315]
