The DJ/Producer: TYCOBASS

DJ TYCO BASS (Jason Schenck) has been rocking crowds with his funky energetic sets for over 15 years. An avid fan of music, Jason originally began by remixing hip hop and techno tracks in the late 1980s under the moniker “CALVIN FOX.” In 1990, Jason became exposed to the New York City club scene and instantly gravitated toward DJ culture. The incredible skills of DJs such as James Christian, Frankie Bones, and David Morales made him determined to take up spinning. That same year, he was introduced to the art of mixing by his best friend Mikul Perez (Roberto Benitez). Jason then spent 2 years building a solid record collection and sharpening his mixing skills. In 1992, Mikul Perez took Jason on as a resident for his legendary “INFERNO” parties. Under his new name, “Tyco Bass”, he quickly began to form a loyal fan base. In 1994, K7 Records recording artist, GeoffE Colon, heard one of Tyco’s mix tapes and gave him the opportunity to spin at his first huge party--“SPIRIT.” This was an important break for Tyco, not only did he get to perform along side incredible artists such as Bob Bentley, Keoki, James Christian, and CJ Peak, but he also was able to increase his reputation in the DJ community. The rookie’s performance at “SPIRIT” set the place on fire. A rumor rapidly spread through the crowd that Tyco was a special guest DJ from the UK. Although the rumor was quickly squashed, Tyco’s momentum continued full steam! His performance caught the attention of DJs Simon Wright, KO, and Scott Prophete; they asked him to join their DJ crew, the “Alientown Task Force” (ATF). With the ATF, Tyco began to spin regularly all over the east coast. Meanwhile, Tyco received mentoring from two renowned DJs, GeoffE and DJ Miko (of “English 101” fame). GeoffE schooled Tyco in the business aspects of the industry and Miko taught Tyco how to take his sets to the next level (a la Frankie Knuckles or Little Louis Vega). Also, in 1994, Tyco and a friend started Highrowglificz Records, a concept that incorporated the full range of promotion, production, clothing, and recording. Highrowglificz and his “E-didas” clothing line helped to make Tyco a well-known figure in the New York City scene helping to land major gigs in NYC’s two most famous clubs “Limelight” and “The Tunnel.” Highrowglificz took Tyco everywhere--Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, Miami, Montreal, Philadelphia, and Allentown. In late 1995, despite major business/party success, Tyco made a fatal error in planning a major party in a sports arena in Allentown, PA. Amid DEA-monitoring rumors, the party resulted in a huge disaster and Highrowglificz fell dormant. In 1996, Tyco relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. He befriended Eddie Ybarra and Joey Lara and the three formed “THIRD KIND”, a group dedicated to the true underground movement. Third Kind exposed Tyco to scenes in Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas, St Louis, Nashville, Austin, and Fayetteville. Local production companies, Mindtribe, Cloud City, and Love Kidz, began to call on Tyco’s talents on a regular basis. Tyco gained the reputation of “a necessary ingredient for any house party.” In 1998, Tyco relocated to Panama in Central America. At the time, Panama had an extremely small and fragile scene based on mainstream techno. Tyco teamed up with San Diego native Chico Jones and began a residency at the popular club, “TABOU.” Quickly Tyco and Chico treated the locals to tasty house and trance sets, something they had never heard before. Instantly, the scene exploded! Tabou quickly became the number one club in Central America and the DJ duo of Chico and Tyco hit celebrity status and became the icons of the Panamanian scene. Soon they were spinning at huge parties all over the country and were featured on the radio, in magazines, in advertisements, and on television. Chico, fresh off the release of a highly successful mix CD on Tig Ol’ Bitties Records, approached Tyco to enter the studio. Chico and Tyco combined efforts to produce “ELEVATION”, a highly successful disco/hard house mix CD. The project was accepted with open arms and became a top selling CD in Central America. Highrowglificz was reborn. Panama’s largest club, “BACCHUS”, then approached Tyco to fill a residency. Tyco’s renowned performances, massive attendance and an incredible vibe put Bacchus on the international map. Soon, Miami’s superstar DJ David Padilla began to travel to Panama to join Tyco for a monthly residency. Tyco’s time in Panama garnered him international acclaim and respect. Tyco departed Panama in October 1999. Panama’s scene continued to grow and attract international DJs. To this day, Chico and Tyco retain the title of the “Godfathers of the Panama.” Since departing Panama, Tyco has played to crowds in the US, South Korea, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and Portugal. He continues to unleash explosive body rocking house sets that are sure to set any dance floor ablaze!