There are a few things you should know about DJ Pauly D: he’s a super-nice guy; he’s always hype; and when he’s behind the decks performing, he’s going to give you the party of your life. You can catch the DJ, reality TV star and Las Vegas celebrity behind the decks during his residency at Marquee nightclub and dayclub at The Cosmopolitan this year, including his upcoming performance at the nightclub on Friday, March 17. He’ll keep the party train rolling throughout the month and has April and May dates on tap.
Las Vegas Magazine recently caught up with the DJ inside his workplace, Marquee nightclub, where he posed for our cameras and sat down to chat with us about his residency, his love for the city and what he has coming down the pike in 2023.
He also answered some fun questions, and some telling ones—revealing things like what his biggest pet peeve is, what his guilty pleasure is, what his biggest fear is and what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a DJ or celebrity. The Las Vegas local also offers up some great ways for visitors to enjoy the city he now calls home.
First off, tell me about your Marquee residency at The Cosmopolitan.
It’s really dope. It’s all about aligning with all the right people that are a good match, and the Tao Group people are such a good match for me because we’re all about good vibes, positivity, and they have all the dopest and biggest venues in Las Vegas. I’m out here living my dream residency. I remember the first interview I ever did, and they always wanted to know what I wanted to do: I wanted to spin in Las Vegas, and I got that one opportunity about 13 years ago and I haven’t left since—that’s how much I love Las Vegas.
Wow, it’s been 13 years since the first time you performed in Las Vegas?
Yeah, I know! And now I have the exact ... residency that I always wanted—so I call this my dream residency. It’s just a perfect fit for me (at Marquee).
After 13 years in this city, what does Las Vegas mean to you?
The first time I came out here, it was everything that I imagined; everything I dreamed of. The billboards, the lights, the dining—I loved that part of it. But I also love where I live. I live 20 minutes away from it all where the mountains are. I love hiking and being outdoors at Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon. You can go skiing, you can shoot guns, you can race cars. Everything you want to do in Las Vegas, you can do. I love it here. I haven’t left since I’ve been here. I want to keep rocking out here.
And when you’re rocking the crowds at Marquee—what is it like; what can people expect?
My show is big energy. Huge energy! My show is great vibes. (It’s) a little bit of everything because my crowd is so mixed, so I’m able to play open-format (music), so I’m playing a little bit of everything. It’s a lot of high-energy dance music, but also—I’ll hit ’em with the hip-hop, I’ll hit ’em with rock, I’ll hit ’em with reggaeton, simply because people are coming from all over the world—all walks of life are coming to my shows, and I love that. Music is an international language—it’s what brings everyone together, and I have to set that vibe, set that mood and bring that memorable experience. That’s why I love music so much. I’ve seen what music does to people—it makes them happy and that’s why I love to do it.
Do you play the same set for each performance? How long does it take you to put a set together?
I’ve never made a set in my entire life. I have to play to the crowd. Obviously I group together certain music and I have to make sure to play the hits and the bangers. I have an idea of the first four songs I’m gonna play to start the night, but it’s really the crowd that takes me on the journey. I don’t know where I’m going next. Maybe the crowd isn’t reacting to dance music—so I gotta switch it up. In Vegas, there’s always different crowds, so sometimes I’ll think that I’ll be playing a whole house (music) night and then I end up playing a ... hip-hop night instead, because I have to play to the crowd. I love to do it; it keeps me on my toes.
What’s in store in 2023?
It’s busy! I’m rocking the residencies. We’ve got the pools opening up. I’m doing Marquee nightclub, Marquee dayclub. Hopefully we’re going to film some of those performances. It’ll be really dope because it’ll be during filming of another season of Jersey Shore. We’re actually filming another season as we speak.
They’re filming you here in Las Vegas for Jersey Shore?
Yes! It’s gonna be so cool; I love it! I love filming.
So I’ve heard that you’re the new Mr. Vegas. Tell me about it.
Mr. Vegas—it’s about the vibe. I’m a touring DJ; I tour all over the world. But everyone comes to Las Vegas. So I want it to be known that when you come to Las Vegas, come see Mr. Vegas. I’m the one that’s gonna give you that Vegas vibe, that memorable experience. And in partnership with the Tao Group, we’re gonna give you that experience together. Tao Group has hospitality locked down like no other. So them, myself, giving that experience where people are coming from all over the world, come see Mr. Vegas. Let it be known that DJ Pauly D is Mr. Vegas.
Rapid-Fire Questions
What’s your favorite color? Red
What songs remind you of your high school days? Usher’s “Yeah!”
What is one music artist you’d love to collaborate with? Drake
If you had a billion dollars what’s the first thing you would buy? Donate to those in need
If you had $5 what would you buy? Slice of pizza
Who is the person you text the most? Nikki
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Shower
What TV shows are you currently watching? Your Honor and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
Favorite spot to vacation? Bahamas
What would be your superpower? To fly
What song would soundtrack your life? “I’m Good (Blue)”
Biggest pet peeve? Mean people
What three things do you always have to travel with? Hair gel, hand sanitizer and iPhone
What is your biggest fear? Not being there for someone
Your go-to snack? Reese’s
Your favorite cocktail? Dom P.
What three things are you the most grateful for? Life, family, friends
Currently, who are your favorite musical artists? Drake
What is one goal you still want to accomplish? Release more music
What were you like in high school? I was on the honor roll and was very funny
What cities do you love to perform in? Vegas, Miami, New York, Jersey and Chicago
What are your favorite foods? Italian
Three words to describe you? Loyal, smart, energetic
Favorite tennis shoe brand? Nike
What time do you get up in the morning? 7 a.m.
Do you have a middle name, what is it? Domenic Michael
What type of music did you listen to growing up? Hip-hop
What social media accounts do you love to follow? The Shade Room
The most important traits in a friend? Loyalty
Favorite movies of all time? Goodfellas
Do you have any hobbies? Motorcycles
Your favorite dessert? Chocolate cake
What is your guilty pleasure? Pinball machines
Three things that are always in your fridge? Water, milk, ice cream
What’s on your nightstand? Phone chargers
What was the last big purchase you made? House
Three things that people might not know about you? I make my bed every morning; I like to fix things myself; I stunt ride motorcycles
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received? Treat people how you want to be treated
What’s the best concert you’ve ever seen? Jay-Z
What traits most define you? Focused, determined, persistent
The most important traits in a partner? Honesty
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
What’s the first thing you notice about someone when you meet them? Smile
If you could be any animal what would you be? Lion
How long does it take for you to get ready? 25 minutes
What dish do you cook the best? Breakfast
What is your workout routine? Weight train
Favorite clothing brand? LV
How many tattoos do you have, and which one means the most? About 11 and my RIP Billy tattoo
If you weren’t a TV star or DJ, what job would you like to do? Own a car and motorcycle dealership
What are some of the biggest life lessons you’ve learned? Stay true to who you are and follow your gut
What have you done that you’re the proudest of? Have my daughter
What are your favorite local restaurants? El Dorado Cantina, Casa di Amore, Honey Salt
What are your favorite Strip restaurants? Beauty & Essex, Carbone, Tao
Favorite places to shop? The Forum Shops at Caesars, Fashion Show mall
Favorite shows on the Strip? Absinthe
Where do you get your hair cut and styled? CuttyFresh
What places do Vegas visitors absolutely have to check out? The pool parties at Tao Beach, Marquee Dayclub and Wet Republic
The best restaurant for a group of friends? Hakkasan
Favorite restaurant for a romantic date? Delilah
Favorite breakfast spot? Waffles Cafe
Favorite outdoor places to explore? Red Rock and Mount Charleston
Favorite places to hang out on your days off? Downtown Summerlin and Town Square
Favorite spots for a wild night out? Marquee nightclub
Describe your show at Marquee? Lit, memorable and fun
Marquee at The Cosmopolitan, 10:30 p.m. March 17, taogroup.com
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