j.verstrat

After being exposed to "the music" in '98 at of all places, the infamous STEREO in Montreal, he hasn't looked back. Relocating to Hawaii in '99 led to a constant pursuit of quality that hasn't let up. As the party moved indoors to Nightclubs, he moved from the dance floor to the DJ Booth. Striving for the best meant partnering with the best. He joined forces with like minded individual Jason McNeal of Interpretations Of Sound (IOS). This led to promoting one off events, a series of gigs around the island, and beginning work on production, catching the ear of AYA Events and Productions (www.aya-experience.com), and the beginning of a new era. As DJ AKIO joined IOS, together with AYA, they spawned FLUID, a weekly event that became a prelude of bigger things to come. It was FLUID that allowed the purchase of his first sound system. They began to host the infamous Diamond Head full moon beach parties which gained global notoriety, and free BBQ's and 4th of July parties at Kakaako Beach. Eventually, AYA began promoting at THE LIVING ROOM, and he became the Sound Guy making guest DJ appearances. He honed his skills being mentored by the likes of Behrouz, Moshic, Jimmy Van M, Archangel, Sotoshi Tomie, Steve Porter, Pauolo Mojo, Miklos and Kokimura. As THE LIVING ROOM went off every week, personal tensions brought it to a halt. His system continued to grow, and gigs poored in around the island, from pool parties to house parties, to corporate events at the most exotic locations imaginable, community events and afterhours alike. A new club, NEXT DOOR (www.whoisnextdoor.com) offered another sound opportunity. With a Turbo Sound System and about 15,000 Watts, he was now at the helm of the largest system on the island. The sound went off, and artist exposure went through the roof. He worked with LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad, DOC Martin, Diesel Boy, Josh Wink, Charles Webster, Chuck Love, King Britt, Ron Trent, Kaskade, Z Trip, Ira, Markus Wyatt, the Digi Bag crew, Chris Fortier, and more. Lotus Sound Bar opened in Waikiki, seeking consultation for sound advice. This became an opportunity to work with Shorty, who had installed the system at STEREO which started it all. His personal arsenal has grown to include a 10,000 Watt system and enough bombs to drop all night long, so you never know when a renegade party is gona fall from the sky. With close ties remaining from his experience in Hawaii, he's relocated to Northern Michigan, and through his vast network, is growing a scene with global stature. Still affiliated with IOS and continuing production work, they are hosting monthly events in the Louisiana area with opportunities to tap into the Texas big city markets. There's one thing for sure, and that's quality. for .