In 1999, Ian Andre Espinet [promoter], DJ Starting from Scratch [the country's top Urban club and radio DJ] and Jason Chambers of the Attitude Soundcrew [underground sensation] to create the blueprint for all old school parties that would follow.
A chance conversation unearthed a fundamental agreement that the Urban entertainment scene in Toronto lacked substance and failed to play music outside of the parameters of that which was current. Certain musical genres were found neglected – almost as though DJs and patrons had forsaken them. In response, they created “AMNESIAâ€, a monthly old school event.
Armed with musical knowledge, Amnesia began with a mandate to play Classic House and Old School, and has grown to encompass other “forgotten genres†such as New Jack Swing, Classic Slow Jams, and Retro including 70s and 80s television themes packaged as “Scratch’s onky its.
Since it’s humble beginnings in Toronto’s Granite Lounge, where it played host to a 150 friends, Amnesia has gone on to produce over 100 unique events including boat cruises, roller skating all-nighters, old school dress up events and Pajama Jammy Jams - in the process playing host to tens of thousands of patrons in dozens of venues, while often collecting food for the homeless.
Its euphoric music selection, theme based and costume parties, have garnered the event near legendary status to music enthusiasts nationwide, becoming the focus of print and internet articles and even the backdrop for Much Music’s urban programming appearing in episodes of RapCity and MuchVibe.
A major catalyst in the phenomenal resurgence of old school and retro nationwide, Amnesia celebrated its 7 year anniversary with yet another milestone, as the Amnesia team became the first ever EVENT to sign to a major recording label deal in Canada. In September 2006, Universal Music Canada rewarded the trio’s hard work with the release of “Amnesia: Thee Old School Album†(nationwide at HMV, Music World, Sunrise location). Boasting over 70 minutes of Old School mixed by Canada's top duo - Starting from Scratch and Attitude Sound Crew, the album was a runaway success taking retail by surprise.
The event has also played host to Old School musical legends at Amnesia's Annual Anniversary with surprise guest performances for the last 5 years. 2007’s surprise guest performances by Canadian old school hip hop act The Dream Warriors, and the iconic 80's group Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam took place before yet another sold out crowd at Toronto's Koolhaus.
Past surprise anniversary guests have included hip hop icons MC Lyte, Special Ed, Greg Nice, CL Smooth, and Chubb Rock, house and dance acts Ten City (featuring Byron Stingly), CeCe Peniston, Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam and Canadian mainstays Maestro Fresh Wes, Michee Mee, and the T-Dot All-Stars featuring Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Choclair, Ro Dolla and Solitair as well as dance crews Bag-A-Trix and Do Dat Dance Agency.
