by Jeremie Fincher

Disclaimer: Curtis Vodka's material may contain graphic adult language. Intended for ages 18 and older.

Curtis Vodka is an entity, a spirit, and an energy, usually obscured by the dancing mob that surrounds him, or by the grooves, beats, and sounds he compiles. There are a few facets to Curtis Vodka, and an ever-changing face. He is a producer, first and foremost, and is moderately and quietly successful at his job. He also DJs as a means of entertainment, inspiration, and income. Curtis struggles, like any local artist, with the scene in Anchorage, Alaska. Curtis has also been successful outside of Alaska, and the country.

Curtis Vodka is the continuously evolving eclectic musical personality of Scot Aho, a born and raised Alaskan. This mindset of musical creation, introverted and hermetic at times, sprang from a multi-cultural upbringing, lack of interest in school, and a gigantic and obsessive record collection. A parallel fascination with movies, specifically John Carpenter films and soundtracks, also fueled this ever-developing energy. Scot chose the name "Curtis Vodka," for a few reasons. Scot cherishes his privacy, and being a DJ and needing a stage name, he didn't want to use his, but he is also primarily a producer and did not want the 'DJ' tag to affect that facet of his music. Scot says "Curtis Vodka sounds like someone's name, and I thought that making a different name, an actual stage name that didn't come off as 'DJ something,' would probably catch more attention."

"Everyone wants a big break. I don't know if I want a big break. I just want to keep making music, and live comfortably." Curtis Vodka is a fairly common name in the underground music scene in Europe, and the US, too. Curtis Vodka has had a few opportunities to sign with major labels. "People get on my ass because they know about my story...I would love to be rich, just like everybody else, but famous? I saw what that does to people, and I think it's so pathetic." Recognition is different, however. "It's cool to walk into a room or go play a gig and everyone knows who you are, I love that. I think it's awesome that I don't know these people, and they are willing to listen to my music."

He flourished in popularity over one remix, specifically. "Back in 2005, my German friend showed me this track by a popular-at-the-time Euro-pop star Uffie. I hated it. I thought it was garbage. Somewhere along the line, she was like, 'Can you make it better?' I made it as a joke...and no one got it. It kind of represents my jokes, like how I tell a joke. No one gets it, and I get in trouble for it." Scot laughs.

"Pop The Glock (Curtis Vodka Remix)" by Uffie blew up. Curtis Vodka made a few other tracks to keep up with it and was then contacted by Adidas in Sweden and asked to DJ a party. This was the beginning. When word picked up around Europe that Adidas in Sweden was hosting Curtis Vodka, he got several other gigs. Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Spain, and Germany were all destination spots on this spontaneous tour. This was all well and good except for one thing: "Aside from playing smaller gigs here in Alaska, I had never deejayed before...not like that. I ended up touring with about five CDs." This limited catalogue was the extent of his set for the entire European tour. Good thing Curtis Vodka knows what people want to hear.

Even for being admittedly under-qualified, he survived, coming out on top, with more work possibilities and a better grasp for his profession. Curtis Vodka, subsequently released and EP that got a lot of attention. He was asked to ghost produce for several top 40 hits. Several things he guarantees you have heard, but can't point out to you or me because of the nature of the "Ghost Producer" job.

Scot and I talked about another one of his passions: film. He named John Carpenter as the number one influence on his music and life. "Soundtracks are my thing. Escape to New York, The Fog, and Assault on Precinct 13... I remember buying all those soundtracks. I was like, I wanna make this.' Scoring for films is still one of my passions. In the 80s, he (John Carpenter) had it. He also had a band called 'John Carpenter's The Coupe De Villes,' it was really early 80s electro. Good stuff."

Curtis names his favorite show ever as "The Do-Over" in Los Angeles.  He was a special guest DJ, and DJ Jazzy Jeff complimented him after his set.  I asked if Curtis Vodka would be releasing any material in the near future. He said that any releases at this point would be EPs, and that it is in the works. For now, you can check out the picture links in this blog for Curtis Vodka's work, or listen to the tracks below. Scot Aho is a humble and real human, his vibe came through in this interview.  Keep an eye on this guy.

Latest tracks by Curtis Vodka

Curtis Vodka DJs every Saturday at the Avenue Bar on 4^th Avenue with fellow DJs Laserwolf. You can also catch him at the next "80s Party" at the Avenue Bar. 

(Correction: The next 80's Party is on January 12th!)

UPDATE!!! CURTIS VODKA RELEASED HIS EP!!! TAKE A LOOK BELOW!!! WE'RE SO EXCITED!!!

Jeremie plays bass guitar in Anchorage rock band Robots Helping Clones and is an Assistant Editor at Anchorage Night Out. You can reach him at bands@anchoragenightout.com.

Feel free to leave your comments below!