Mr Manali (a.k.a Uri), a Leicester based DJ who’s career spans back 20 years first got a pair of Technics SL1210’s in 1987, when he started spinning Soul, Funk, Hip Hop and Acid House. His eagerness to learn not only the basics of mixing, but the more technical skills of scratching and beat juggling have seen him playing both at home and abroad, with regular gigs in the UK, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and France.
Uri has been on a musical journey since as long as he can remember, and his knowledge and experience of most musical genre's puts him in an advantageous position for satisfying any crowd.
Co-Founder of the "AlienAsian Collective" and "DualKore", Uri continues to push the boundaries of DJ’ing that little bit further. His DJ Sets comprise of fusing Classical Indian, Middle Eastern, Ethnic and Tribal sounds with 21st Century Electronic Music. Live Classical Flute, Tabla Percussion and Turntablist tricks, Mr Manali creates a real melting pot of urban street music with cultural influences from across the globe.
2004 saw the birth of the club night UrbanAsia which was hosted by Mr Manali and his brother Nilesh Solanki aka AlienAsian at The Music Cafe (leics), then moving to Sumo (Leics), introducing the East Midlands to the Asian Underground movement, showcasing acts such as Nasha Records very own Ges-e and Osmani Soundz, Juttla (Eastern Pressure Recordings), Aktarv8r, The Sonik Gurus, Nathan "Flutebox" Lee (what an amazing dude), Shiva Soundsystem, Tablahead from Audio Dakoo's, Bollywood Freaks and many more.
Currently Mr Manali is working alongside classically trainned Tabla player Dharmesh Parmar, taught by the late Bhai Gurmeet Singh, on a Tabla Vs The Turntable battle was showcased at Nasha Records New Monthly night - Eastern Drum & Breaks @ Gramaphone London E1 on 6th July 2007.
Nowadays not only does he DJ, but he dedicates alot of his time to passing on experiences and skills to the next generation of DJ’s. As a DJ Tutor for Access to Music and Rock School at Leicester College and Regent College, Uri is committed to Urban Music Education, and has recently opened his own DJ & Music Production Academy called “Start from Scratchâ€.
“…Our DJ, MC and Music Production programs are designed to empower young people with new skills and the opportunity to express their creativity".
"We believe that Music Technology is one of the most powerful Educational Tools in today’s society…â€
Started in 2005, by Managing Director Uri Solanki (Mr.Manali), The Start from Scratch DJ and Music Production Academy is motivated to provide the highest standards of tuition and advice in the ever-growing world of Urban Music Culture.
We offer an extensive range of DJ courses, from absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of beat matching right through to the more competent DJ’s that have the drive and ambition to learn the more advanced techniques such as scratching, beat juggling and 3 deck mixing.
We also offer Music Production Courses and MC Workshops for those that want to take the next step up and get into making their own music.
Our Tutors are Industry Professionals that have active roles within Education and the Club Scene. Their knowledge and experience will be beneficial to all students that take up a course at Start from Scratch.
All the Equipment used is Industry Standard and we pride ourselves on keeping up with the latest Technology and Software.
If you are unsure about what course is best for you or exactly what stage you are at in your development, get in touch and we will help you choose which course would best suit you.
www.startfromscratchdj.com (coming soon)
The last year has seen Mr.Manali playing at various parties including, Lille3000 Festival in France, Shaanti club night @ The Custard Factory, Birmingham (UK), Global Beats and The Panegea Festival, Manchester (UK), The Bass Festival, Leicester (UK) aswell as his regular spots @ The Mantra Lounge, Esko and NINE Bar.
Thank you for taking time out to read myspace
Cool Stuff at BlingJam.com