DJ Pete Savas
  • Welcome to my site

    Thanks for looking me up, and welcome to my world on the Web.

    This is where you can find out more about me (if you're so inclined), where you can listen -- or subscribe -- to episodes of my podcast, "Press Play," some live sets to download, and a way to contact me. It may not be much, but it gets the job done.

    What's New

    "Press Play" Episode 53: Everything Old Is New Again, Volume 3

    This literally could've been called the 'Neverending Podcast Episode,' because I've been working on the track list for months. Every time I thought I had it, a couple new tracks would get released and I knew I had to add them. It's scary too, because just as I finished recording and started on post-production work, there were at least two more tracks released that would've fit perfectly into the mix! I figured I'd hold off on them though; I mean, if I kept delaying, I'd never release it! As as result, Volume 3 ballooned out to over 135 minutes long; it was like doing two Episodes of the 'cast in one. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane. There's a lot here from the 70's to the 90's and you'll probably notice the same artists showing up again and again in the track listing. This small group of House artists have been killing it lately with the covers, and I've been enjoying every one.' So, set the wayback machine for fun, have an energy drink, get your dancing shoes on, and enjoy "Everything Old Is New Again, Volume 3!"

    load podcast player
  • About Me

    DJ Pete Savas is a native "New York City Boy" living in Salt Lake City, Utah, who started his career as a club DJ in 1984.

    Music has always been a big part of my life My father was a professional violinist-turned-music teacher who played first string in the NY Philharmonic Orchestra, and my mother was a Big Band singer before I came along. Between the two of them, I was exposed at a young age to classical, jazz, pop, easy listening, and many other genres of music. My personal love as a boy was R&B and "soul music;" the kind of stuff that would eventually inspire and evolve into early dance music and disco.

    You'd think, with that kind of musical talent in the family, I'd have no trouble playing an instrument, or composing, or singing. Well, guess again. Much to the disappointment of my father, I never progressed much further than the earliest of lessons on the piano, or guitar, or accordion (don't ask), or drums, or any other intstrument I even showed the slightest interest in. It all came down to the sheet music, which I couldn't read, no matter how hard I tried.

    But I did love music. I listened to the radio all the time; and while I watched both American Bandstand and Soul Train, it was all about Don Cornelius, his guests, and the Soul Train Dancers!

    In high school, I -- like most of the rest of the country -- fell in love with disco, and started buying my first 12"-singles, all of which I still have to this day. Growing up in NYC, I was also in the shadow of Studio 54, the Copacabana, Funhouse, and the Paradise Garage; and while I was (sadly) never old enough to actually visit any of those clubs, I fell under the spell of the music and the DJs who brought it night-after-night.

    read more

  • Episode Information

    Set the wayback machine for fun, have an energy drink, get your dancing shoes on, and enjoy "Everything Old Is New Again, Volume 3!"

    download

    When you want to get your groove on, there's nothing like a bit of house music to get the job done. That's why "(dog made me) Funky!"

    download

    How do you describe a set that's been more than 50 years in the making? With three simple words: "Rock the Remix"

    download

    A return to mainstream and house marks Episode 50 of the podcast! Chock-full of fun stuff, this one is a "Triumph!"

    download

    Dark, deep, groovy, like molasses for your ears, this is a slice of-tech house through my filter; it's my "tech-neeq."

    download

    They say when you hit rock bottom -- after the impact -- there is only one way to go: up. Join the "Ascension."

    download

    The third in a four-episode set, "Impact" follows "Freefall" in a progression of the overall arc theme.

    download

    The second in a four-episode set, "Freefall" follows "Escape" in style but not necessarily in theme.

    download

    We are, each of us, besieged. Overwhelmed by this and that, problems and circumstances great and small, looking for a way out; an "Escape."

    download

    Old songs, particularly the good ones, have a way of hanging around, reworked and remade, "Everything Old is New Again"...Again!

    download

    This mainstream set is upbeat, happy and bright! Give it a listen, and you'll know why I called it "Shine."

    download

    This set is a collection of my favorite tracks from 2010. What binds them all together, is the epic quality they all posses.

    download

    Once more, it's time to stop, to take a break and recover, if only for a few minutes. Relax. Breathe. Chill. Pause Again.

    download

    The music is strong, hard, edgy. It pulls you, moves you, drives you to get up and dance. It's progressive, electro, even playful. But it always comes as a Surge!

    download

    It was a long, hot summer, filled with lots of songs with great staying power; so good in fact, they still sound great months later. It's an Endless Summer!

    download

    A podcast created for the readers of the Joe.My.God. blog. Thanks, Joe, for extending the invitation!

    download

    It's progressive! No, it's pop! No, it's mainstream! No, it's progressive! Oh hell, it's a little bit of everything; so you might as well just be Schizosonic!

    download

    A great remix can make a song: Vasquez, Pettibone, Rauhofer and Calderone were symbols of their time. In the new millennium it's Dave Audé. This episode marks his sound: "Audé-licious!"

    download

    You start tapping your toe. Then you nod your head. Then there's the gentle sway, the shimmy, the wiggle. The beat is so infectious you can't stop yourself! Don't worry, it's okay, go ahead, Bounce!

    download

    It's late, you're restless, not ready for sleep. So you grab the keys to the car, pop in a CD, and head out. The music is just right: smooth, surprising, exciting; your "Excursion" awaits!

    download

    A little bit funky, a little bit chunky, a little bit electro, and a little bit tribal; this is peak hour, late night, in the house. It's a Deep Spin!

    download

    On the shortest day of the year, at the start of Winter, we all need a little something to warm us up and make things a little lighter and brighter. Happy Solstice!

    download

    No, you're not hearing things; some of these songs sound like others. They're not covers or remixes, but rather entire new songs based on phrases or themes from old ones. Can you hear the "Echoes?"

    download

    It's all about love, sex, and money; it always has been and always will be, so we pay homage with the latest crop of chart-toppers. Episoce 30 makes this one "30 Pop."

    download

    You feel the spark. Shocking at first. Then energizing. It makes you want to move...to groove...to let go. The sound is hard, edgy, electric! So plug in; your Socket is waiting!

    download

    Fresh tracks and a few familiar songs given a new lease on life...and a little twist, and you have what amounts to a set that's "hip," "happening," "now." Just call it "Contempo" for short!

    download

    With temperatures cresting 100 in many parts of the country, there's no let up on the dance floor either! These chart-topping tunes are likely to keep summer clubbing on fire! It's definitely a "Scorcher!"

    download

    The third installment in the Trance series, and going from progressive to euphoric, this set should help you ascend to the heights Olympus itself. Even the Gods need a soundtrack!

    download

    The final, and winning entry into the G.I.R.L. GayDays DJ Search competition; 90-minutes of pool-party goodness!

    download

    2008 sucked! No one I know had a good year; the music was the only good thing about it, in fact. So it's on to 2009! Avanti!

    download

    At this time of year, its so easy to get overwhelmed. There's the shopping, the dinners, the crowds, the parties, the shopping, the incessant holiday music, the shopping, the crowds, the traffic, the shopping... It's so easy to get, well, Holidazed!

    download

    "Transition" is about changes, unexpected things, hopes and dreams, and new directions. Hopefully, you'll find your own change in here as well.

    download

    More beats, more bass, more funk, more chunk. With too much good music to fit into one set, but definitely not the "left-overs" or "B-sides." Here, have a little "More!"

    download

    When a song is too good you can't decide between two mixes, what do you do? Use 'em both, of course by wrapping 11 other tracks with two mixes of Oceanlab's beautiful new single, "Miracle." I hope you enjoy it.

    download

    An excursion into Tribal sounds, this one will speak to your primitive side. Turn the lights off, strip down, get hot and sweaty, but don't forget to turn on "Blacklight."

    download

    My first foray into Chill music. It's a lot harder than you might think, really. The music has to be more in so many ways. So relax, breathe, chill. "Pause."

    download

    A Trance set named after, and features images of, another set of flags, made by "Texas Flagger Boy,' Phillip Byran, for this year's Dallas Flagger Weekend festivities.

    download

    Are you ready for summer? The heat has already arrived, bringing with it some scorching tracks, representing circuit, progressive, retro-fabulous, and house music. And it's all coming up, "Next," just for you!

    download

    Morning comes. With it, the promise of a new day; or the end of an amazing night. "Morning music" has a new sound, thanks to a few emerging producers. So, I present 'morning,' hoping your day is filled with happiness, beauty and love. Namaste.

    download

    Zephyr winds are blowing, bringing with them the familiar strains of warmer music, happier times, and the light, carefree feel of the summer-to-come.

    download

    Music from "The Golden Basket;" KUMA|SF's monthly party, held April 2008 at Club 8 on Folsom.

    download

    It's been a long, hard, cold winter. This set brings the return of spring, longer days, warmer weather, fewer clothes, and just plain fun! Get out in the sunshine, Thaw out!

    download

    It's February; time for as much love as you can handle. Thus, I present "Heart," dedicated to all the ones we love. Happy Valentine's Day.

    download

    Constructed using only tracks given to me by my friend (and fellow DJ) Paco, this deep, dark and funky set is my way of thanking him for the gift of music.

    download

    You can't keep a good song down, or from the hands of remixers! Spanning eras from the '60s to the '90s, you could even say this set was decades in the making!

    download

    What is "Passionista?" I think of it as passion with an attitude; you'll hear it that way too!

    download

    Inspired by four DJs - from budding to big room - who rock my world (Donovan, Funkybear Martin, Paco and Ted Eiel), it's time to feel the Crush!

    download

    This is a section of my almost-9-hour set recording from REAL BAD XVIII, at 1015 in San Francisco. Recorded September 24, 2006.

    download

    A set to fill you up, mind, body, heart and soul. The beauty in joy is apparent; but a melancholia can be wondrous too.

    download

    Summer is upon us. A time to break free, to spread our wings, to fly above the clouds, below the waves, into dream; defying gravity, we Soar!

    download

    A Trance set for flaggers and poi spinners everywhere; dedicated to Chris "Firecub" Dayson and Jim "JuicyFruit" Hauck, who's grace and beauty extend beyond their art.

    download

    Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007. This is Volume II.

    download

    Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007. This is Volume I.

    download
  • Set Information

    Think Trance vol. I, recorded live, August 8, 1997 at The Sun in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. II, recorded live, July 30, 1998 at The Sun in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. III, recorded live, March 25, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. IV, recorded live, April 8, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. V, recorded live, April 15, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. VI, recorded live, May 13, 2000 at Zippers in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. VII, recorded live, June 3, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. VIII, recorded live, June 17, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. IX, recorded live, July 15, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. X, recorded live, August 5, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XI, recorded live, August 19, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XII, recorded live, September 9, 2000 at Zipperz in Salt Lake City.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XIII, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XIV, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XV, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XVI, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XVII, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XVIII, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XIX, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XX, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XXI, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XXII, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XXIII, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XXIV, recorded live.

    download

    Think Trance vol. XXV, recorded live.

    download
  • Contact Form

  • More About Me

    When I got to college, I bought a couple of really cheap belt-driven turntables and a very basic two-channel mixer from Radio Shack, and started learning how to beatmix using my home stereo system and a pair of headphones. I really didn't know what I was doing at first, and with the Internet yet to be born, there was no where to turn for tutorials. It was all trial and error, but in time, I figured out how to use the pitch controls on the turntables to get the timing just right.

    Over the last 30+ years of my career as a DJ, I've been fortunate enough to be chosen for some incredible parties and honors.

    In 2009, I was chosen from a field of over 100 DJs, by a panel of industry-professional judges and the station listeners of Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) as their GayDays DJ Contest winner. That led to playing a pool party in Orlando, FL, and a weekly hour-long show on the station's regular schedule.

    In 2006, I was chosen from a field of 24 invitees to play San Francisco's #1 Circuit party, "REAL BAD XVIII," where I played for nine solid hours, receiving a standing ovation from over 300 remaining party-goers at 4:00 am! The nine-hour party had over 1,300 people in attendance, and raised over $114,000 dollars for GLBT charities in San Francisco. It was not only a great honor to be involved, but also left me with the most memorable night of my life!

    After that night, I was fortunate enough to return to San Francisco many times, to play for Gus Bean's "Sanctuary," the "PLAY" T-dance, and a wonderful residency at "Bearracuda."

    I've also had the honor of playing for "Fireball" at Winter Pride in Vancouver, BC, Canada; opening L.A. Leather Weekend at "Hard Tribe;" getting Bear Week off to a rollicking start at P-town's Crown & Anchor; headlining "SWEAT" at Lazy Bear and Lazy Bear Palm Springs; and even spinning for crowds on the Playa at Burning Man 2007. All of which prompted me to launch my ongoing Podcast, "Press Play," in 2007.

    Over the course of my 30+-year career, I've been fortunate enough to have residencies in most of the gay clubs in SLC, where I've been known for building powerhouse nights! Over the years, I've also had the privilege of opening for DJs Don Bishop, Brett Henrichsen, John LePage, Phil B, Wayne G, Jamie J Sanchez, Joe Bermudez, and Frank Abraham. I've also been lucky enough to headline at clubs in Columbus, OH; Las Vegas; L.A.; NYC; Orlando, FL: Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; San Diego; Sacramento; and Seattle; as well as Utah and Southern Utah's Pride celebrations many times, and SLC's 2008 Winter Pride. In 2001, I was given the prestigious "Golden Spike Favorite DJ" award, and was featured at Queer Lounge in Park City during 2008's Sundance Film Festival.

    Musically, you can think of me as something of a chameleon. No matter what you're looking for musically, this DJ delivers. I'm constantly adjusting my sound to the venue and the audience. But don't just take my word for it, listen for yourself! My podcast changes up from episode-to-episode, showing off the wide range of the music I love. My goal is to always leave you begging for more.

    For me, DJing is about more than just a packed dance floor; it's about sharing the music I love. It's that passion that keeps me returning to the decks to this day.

Enter Site