Perhaps better known abroad than at home, Vancouver's Christian Alvarez specializes in house music that appeals to loungers and dancers alike. Well-regarded for his club productions, the Spanish-Canadian DJ made his first foray into the home-listening market earlier this year with VIP 01 , his superb mix for Las Vegas's Swank Recordings. The Straight recently caught up with Alvarez to see what makes him tick.

CURRENT RESIDENCIES

Lobby Fridays at Ginger 62

Century Saturdays at Canvas Lounge

MOST RECENT PRODUCTION

"I just had my latest record, 'Soulmates', released on Gossip Records. It's my first collaboration with U.K.–based producer Andy Lee (aka Central Ave) who I have known since last year, when I signed one of his songs to my label, Delecto Recordings."

FIRST GIG

"My first gig was out in Richmond at a club called Viva. Does that place even exist anymore? Anyway, I remember being so nervous I could hardly put the needle to the record."

BEST GIG

"The gig I most remember is deejaying in my father's hometown of Vigo, Spain. That was the first and only time he has seen me DJ. Driving to a gig in the middle of the night with your 50-year-old father is not something that happens every day."

DREAM GIG

"I'd love to play in Ibiza some day. I was fortunate enough to have spent a few days there a couple of years ago, but have yet to perform on the island."

RECORD THAT NEVER LEAVES YOUR BOX

"That would have to be the greatest house track ever made, the Bucketheads''The Bomb!'. It's a crowd favourite and a reminder why I love the music so much."

WHAT MAKES VANCOUVER'S NIGHTLIFE SPECIAL?

"It's our diversity. Vancouver is so multicultural and that's represented in our nightlife. Regardless of nationality, when I'm looking at the dance floors before me I see different people enjoying the same type of music. That's what I love most about Vancouver."