I'd like to meet:
A question that arises often within the nightlife, radio and promoting industries is: How do you distinguish an extraordinary DJ from an okay one? They all spin music (often the hottest and most demanded tracks); they all recite their hyped adlibs on the mic, spin at clubs, concerts, events. So what makes one different than the other? William Ashley Vazquez, known to his fans and clubgoers as DJ Ash, is blessed with that extra something, that spark that differentiates him from other Latino DJs. His passion and nonchalant attitude allows him to connect with his audience through music like no other can. Born on July 26, 1981, Ash has been spinning professionally since the age of 16, but has been fumbling with turntables since his move to Long Island, N.Y. from the Bronx at the age of just ten. It was then that he acquired his first DJ setup, gifts to him from Donnie "DJ Don Q" Rodriguez, with which he used to familiarize himself the art of spinning. Enough practice and mentoring from Don Q landed Ash local gigs during his early teens at Sweet Sixteens, weddings and house parties. His fascination and love for salsa music led him to focus on and perfect mixing, blending and enhancing that genre. Shortly after, Ash became acquainted with Alex Navarro, a well-known club promoter who pushed Ash to be the headline DJ at various local spots throughout Long Island. At seventeen, Ash met Kevin "Pills" Montana, club promoter and cousin of the late Jason "DJ Threat." Pills led Ash to show off his talents throughout Long Island and New York City clubs, including Waldo's in Suffolk County, Eclipse, Insomnia, the Copacabana, Tunnel with Coco Chanelle and Fabolous and Karma. It was around that time that Pills created a DJ crew dedicated to DJ Threat, the Turntable Assassins. At 21 years old, Ash, along with Triple R, Cre-8, Smooth Denali and Don Juan, was one of the first to be on board. Being an Assassin has allowed Ash to further broaden his horizons and spin at annual events, such as the Copa's Puerto Rican Day Parade Afterparty, hosted by CIN Productions, and open up for the DJs he's looked up to growing up, DJs Camilo and Alex Sensation, and internationally-known DJs, with the likes of Enuff, DJ Lobo, Precise, Spin One and Mister Cee. Today, Ash is the resident DJ in Long Island's hottest spots (Sambuca, Club Ice, Shy Lounge and Bianco's Night Club) where he is found mixing the best of the best of all genres, but, because he feels the Latin market screams for the younger population to represent, he proudly specializes in salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton. At his young age, DJ Ash has a laundry list of items he has full rights to brag about, yet his humble and modest nature allows him to focus and keeps him motivated to aim higher. Gradually becoming closer and closer to satisfying his career goals, Ash, along with DJs Cre-8 and Triple R, just landed a slot on Long Island's radio station La Fiesta 98.5 FM 96.9 FM, El Sabor de Long Island, launching in mid-October. Naming his parents as his number one influence for investing money and time into their son's dream, Ash hopes to, someday, have the honor of having a major radio station position and aspires to spin at larger events than what he already has. Often noticed for his charm with the ladies while spinning and his unique style with working his turntables, this Turntable Assassin won't stop short of anything less than the best.