BACKGROUND
Born and raised in New York (Bronx & Orange County), I was heavily influenced by the house, dance, hip-hop and R&B music culture of the early 80's to mid 90's (DJing, breaking, clubbing, etc). Growing up, various kinds of music played a big part in my family's enjoyment & entertainment (such as big band, jazz, classical, swing, soul, R&B, pop, rock, disco, dance).
I started DJing in 1992 (while in high school); being inspired by Glenn Friscia, Funkmaster Flex, and others of the Strictly Rhythm record label. I spun house (mostly progressive & tribal), dance, freestyle, R&B, hip-hop, breakbeats and dancehall. Eventually I played at private parties, and then later on at nightclubs.
While living in Atlanta GA in 1996, I became interested in producing and recording engineering, so I took a short-term course at a recording studio. In 1997 I headed back to NYC; to re-connect with family, as well as the culture and opportunities that NYC offered.
I was blessed to land an internship at a reputable recording studio in Times Square, and eventually produced 4 house/dance songs. After some time, I made the decision to put DJing, remixing, producing on the back burner - for many reasons/excuses (more details below).
As an occasional hobby DJ over the years, I transitioned from vinyl to CD's (2005), then Serato Scratch Live (2008), then Traktor (2015), and now cassettes & 8-tracks (just kidding).
- Additional Background Info -
As mentioned earlier, I grew up in an environment that loved music and its culture. The first vinyl record I purchased (at 7 years old) was The Jazz Singer by Neil Diamond (the soundtrack album to the 1980 film). While in elementary school, I would bring my older brothers records to gym class, so the gym teacher could play 'em as we warmed up (Let the Music Play by Shannon, Rock Box by Run DMC, etc). Up through middle school, I would spend hours sitting in front of the family stereo with headphones on, taking in all kinds of music.
In 1992 (while still in high school), my best friend and I decided to become DJs, with the help/mentorship of another friend in school who was a DJ. We enjoyed different music genres and didn't want to focus on any one type or style of DJing (we desired to be well versed and comfortable adapting to each). With an excited mindset and humble budget, we headed down to Canal Street in NYC (the place to find deals on gear). After spending a lot of time shopping around and negotiating with shady salesmen (as expected), we got our entry-level gear... a pair of Gemini belt-driven (not direct-drive) turntables, Shure cartridges/needles, Gemini 4-channel mixer, and Sony headphones. We used our home stereo & speakers for sound, and all wires/cables were bought at Radio Shack. We also purchased slip mats and about 30 records of different genres (house, dance, freestyle, hip-hop, breakbeats, R&B, reggae) to practice and perfect our newfound love.
We continued to practice, practice, practice as well as constantly listen to and learn from all types of DJs (especially our favorites). Not long after, we started a DJ entertainment service (yeah right... just two kids looking for gigs) and began playing at house parties, graduations, birthday parties, and other events up through college.
Wanting to experience a change of pace/lifestyle from the northeast (weather, people, culture), I moved to Atlanta GA in 1995. I shopped around my mixtape with various nightclubs and got the chance to spin at some (in Buckhead, Mid-Town, Downtown). In 1996 my attention turned to remixing and producing, so I took a hands-on weekly course at a recording studio in College Park. When I was shown (on an MPC3000) how beats/tracks were made for the first time in my life, I got teary eyed. This of course peaked my interest to learn more.
In 1997 I moved back to NY (Bronx), since I was missing the family and the culture, vibe, experiences and opportunities that NYC provided. While living (for free) with my grandma and great aunts/uncle (God bless them), I interviewed for internships with some reputable recording studios in Manhattan. After realizing I wasn't learning much while interning at large well-known studios (except how to properly answer phones, clean, run errands, order food, etc), I then looked to smaller (yet still reputable) studios, with the hope of gaining more hands-on experience. This led to an internship at SkyeLab Sound Studio in Times Square. SkyeLab was a small independently owned studio that was located inside of Quad Recording Studios (a large well-known studio at the time). Since the owners of SkyeLab were associated with Quad, I received the best of both worlds (small studio learning with large studio exposure). I continued to learn about recording engineering, producing and the music business (the owners were also working musicians, writers, producers, engineers and very nice/helpful).
After some time, I realized the strong technical role of a recording engineer was not well suited for me, but rather the less technical and more creative/artistic aspects of a remixer/producer was a better fit. So I ended my time with the studio and purchased some basic used recording equipment for a home studio (Mac PowerPC, MOTU Digital Performer music sequencing software, MOTU MIDI interface, Yamaha CS1x keyboard/synthesizer). I used my existing Onkyo home stereo receiver to power my passive KLH speakers (as monitors), my Pioneer double-cassette deck (to record), my Gemini 4 channel DJ mixer (with mic input), and a AA battery powered karaoke microphone.
I created 4 dance/house songs at my home studio (aka my grandma's finished basement in the Bronx). Vocals were later recorded at the studio I used to intern at in Manhattan, and the songs were mixed/mastered there as well. I then shopped my 4 song demo around with a few house/dance labels in NYC, but there was no interest. Not too long after that, I made the decision to put DJing, remixing, and producing on hold. Why? Some reasons/excuses include... to seek other "rational" work, pressure from family/friends to get started on a so-called "real" career; not overcoming my fears, doubts, pride, greed, selfishness, impatience, etc. Then again, it may have been all about timing, or God protecting me from the industry, culture, people, my flaws/weaknesses; or God simply had other plans for me. Since that time, I never pursued a "legitimate" DJ, remixer, or producer profession.
As an occasional hobby DJ over the years, I transitioned from vinyl to CD's (using American Audio Pro-Scratch 2 CD players) in 2005, then onto Serato Scratch Live in 2008, then Traktor in 2015, and now in 2023 I'm still unsure what DJ setup to get (software, player, mixer, controller, all-in-one/stand-alone system). I still enjoy the sound, feel and art of spinnin' vinyl; but digital DJing appeals to me more because of the many unique/creative elements it offers, such as: extra-long smooth mixes/transitions, arranging/remixing/mash-ups on the fly, real-time track separation or stems (can remove or isolate components of a track such as bass, drums, melodies, vocals in the mix), instant doubles, and much more. Plus there's the benefit of convenience/portability (eliminating heavy cumbersome gear & records).
And last, but certainly not least... While living in Los Angeles CA (in 2009), my life began to change in many ways. That's when I started (and/or I was led) to genuinely seek truth and direction. To make a long story short, I found (and/or was given) my new identity in Jesus. I'm not talking about religion, but rather an intimate relationship with God. This of course completely transformed my perspectives, my motives, my desires, and my decisions.
Born and raised in New York (Bronx & Orange County), I was heavily influenced by the house, dance, hip-hop and R&B music culture of the early 80's to mid 90's (DJing, breaking, clubbing, etc). Growing up, various kinds of music played a big part in my family's enjoyment & entertainment (such as big band, jazz, classical, swing, soul, R&B, pop, rock, disco, dance).
I started DJing in 1992 (while in high school); being inspired by Glenn Friscia, Funkmaster Flex, and others of the Strictly Rhythm record label. I spun house (mostly progressive & tribal), dance, freestyle, R&B, hip-hop, breakbeats and dancehall. Eventually I played at private parties, and then later on at nightclubs.
While living in Atlanta GA in 1996, I became interested in producing and recording engineering, so I took a short-term course at a recording studio. In 1997 I headed back to NYC; to re-connect with family, as well as the culture and opportunities that NYC offered.
I was blessed to land an internship at a reputable recording studio in Times Square, and eventually produced 4 house/dance songs. After some time, I made the decision to put DJing, remixing, producing on the back burner - for many reasons/excuses (more details below).
As an occasional hobby DJ over the years, I transitioned from vinyl to CD's (2005), then Serato Scratch Live (2008), then Traktor (2015), and now cassettes & 8-tracks (just kidding).
- Additional Background Info -
As mentioned earlier, I grew up in an environment that loved music and its culture. The first vinyl record I purchased (at 7 years old) was The Jazz Singer by Neil Diamond (the soundtrack album to the 1980 film). While in elementary school, I would bring my older brothers records to gym class, so the gym teacher could play 'em as we warmed up (Let the Music Play by Shannon, Rock Box by Run DMC, etc). Up through middle school, I would spend hours sitting in front of the family stereo with headphones on, taking in all kinds of music.
In 1992 (while still in high school), my best friend and I decided to become DJs, with the help/mentorship of another friend in school who was a DJ. We enjoyed different music genres and didn't want to focus on any one type or style of DJing (we desired to be well versed and comfortable adapting to each). With an excited mindset and humble budget, we headed down to Canal Street in NYC (the place to find deals on gear). After spending a lot of time shopping around and negotiating with shady salesmen (as expected), we got our entry-level gear... a pair of Gemini belt-driven (not direct-drive) turntables, Shure cartridges/needles, Gemini 4-channel mixer, and Sony headphones. We used our home stereo & speakers for sound, and all wires/cables were bought at Radio Shack. We also purchased slip mats and about 30 records of different genres (house, dance, freestyle, hip-hop, breakbeats, R&B, reggae) to practice and perfect our newfound love.
We continued to practice, practice, practice as well as constantly listen to and learn from all types of DJs (especially our favorites). Not long after, we started a DJ entertainment service (yeah right... just two kids looking for gigs) and began playing at house parties, graduations, birthday parties, and other events up through college.
Wanting to experience a change of pace/lifestyle from the northeast (weather, people, culture), I moved to Atlanta GA in 1995. I shopped around my mixtape with various nightclubs and got the chance to spin at some (in Buckhead, Mid-Town, Downtown). In 1996 my attention turned to remixing and producing, so I took a hands-on weekly course at a recording studio in College Park. When I was shown (on an MPC3000) how beats/tracks were made for the first time in my life, I got teary eyed. This of course peaked my interest to learn more.
In 1997 I moved back to NY (Bronx), since I was missing the family and the culture, vibe, experiences and opportunities that NYC provided. While living (for free) with my grandma and great aunts/uncle (God bless them), I interviewed for internships with some reputable recording studios in Manhattan. After realizing I wasn't learning much while interning at large well-known studios (except how to properly answer phones, clean, run errands, order food, etc), I then looked to smaller (yet still reputable) studios, with the hope of gaining more hands-on experience. This led to an internship at SkyeLab Sound Studio in Times Square. SkyeLab was a small independently owned studio that was located inside of Quad Recording Studios (a large well-known studio at the time). Since the owners of SkyeLab were associated with Quad, I received the best of both worlds (small studio learning with large studio exposure). I continued to learn about recording engineering, producing and the music business (the owners were also working musicians, writers, producers, engineers and very nice/helpful).
After some time, I realized the strong technical role of a recording engineer was not well suited for me, but rather the less technical and more creative/artistic aspects of a remixer/producer was a better fit. So I ended my time with the studio and purchased some basic used recording equipment for a home studio (Mac PowerPC, MOTU Digital Performer music sequencing software, MOTU MIDI interface, Yamaha CS1x keyboard/synthesizer). I used my existing Onkyo home stereo receiver to power my passive KLH speakers (as monitors), my Pioneer double-cassette deck (to record), my Gemini 4 channel DJ mixer (with mic input), and a AA battery powered karaoke microphone.
I created 4 dance/house songs at my home studio (aka my grandma's finished basement in the Bronx). Vocals were later recorded at the studio I used to intern at in Manhattan, and the songs were mixed/mastered there as well. I then shopped my 4 song demo around with a few house/dance labels in NYC, but there was no interest. Not too long after that, I made the decision to put DJing, remixing, and producing on hold. Why? Some reasons/excuses include... to seek other "rational" work, pressure from family/friends to get started on a so-called "real" career; not overcoming my fears, doubts, pride, greed, selfishness, impatience, etc. Then again, it may have been all about timing, or God protecting me from the industry, culture, people, my flaws/weaknesses; or God simply had other plans for me. Since that time, I never pursued a "legitimate" DJ, remixer, or producer profession.
As an occasional hobby DJ over the years, I transitioned from vinyl to CD's (using American Audio Pro-Scratch 2 CD players) in 2005, then onto Serato Scratch Live in 2008, then Traktor in 2015, and now in 2023 I'm still unsure what DJ setup to get (software, player, mixer, controller, all-in-one/stand-alone system). I still enjoy the sound, feel and art of spinnin' vinyl; but digital DJing appeals to me more because of the many unique/creative elements it offers, such as: extra-long smooth mixes/transitions, arranging/remixing/mash-ups on the fly, real-time track separation or stems (can remove or isolate components of a track such as bass, drums, melodies, vocals in the mix), instant doubles, and much more. Plus there's the benefit of convenience/portability (eliminating heavy cumbersome gear & records).
And last, but certainly not least... While living in Los Angeles CA (in 2009), my life began to change in many ways. That's when I started (and/or I was led) to genuinely seek truth and direction. To make a long story short, I found (and/or was given) my new identity in Jesus. I'm not talking about religion, but rather an intimate relationship with God. This of course completely transformed my perspectives, my motives, my desires, and my decisions.
For me DJing is all about creating & experiencing a worthy journey. It's embracing a higher calling.
As a JWTL Artist I'm encouraged to see what manifests Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank You John 14:6, John 3:16-21
As a JWTL Artist I'm encouraged to see what manifests Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank You John 14:6, John 3:16-21
