Mark Kamins has always been at the vanguard of the popular music front. Beginning with his first foray into the recording studio. Mark Kamins produced disco singer Delores Hall's debut album, which (presciently) featured many of dance music's soon to be star vocalists doing background work for Luther Vandross and Gwen Guthrie among them. This record was followed by working and mixing 12" club mixes with David Byrne and the Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Mark Kamins executive career began at Island Records in 1979, under the tutelage of impresario Chris Blackwell. While at Island, Mark Kamins worked closely with recording artists Bob Marley, U2 and Grace Jones. Mark Kamins directional work in production and A&R was fueled by his experiences as DJ at all of the dance and new wave clubs in the 80 most important venues Mudd Club,Danceteria, Studio 54, Mars and others. His unique style overlaid sirens, horns and various other sound effects on top of dance and alternative tracks. His signature use of Middle Eastern chanting and wails has been since replicated in innumerable house and electronica records, from Prodigy to Fat Boy Slim.
In 1982, an artist appeared in Kamins life who was about to change music history. Madonna Ciccione had approached Kamins at Danceteria with a demo tape and asked if he would play it. Kamins not only played it but elected to bring the tape to Sire Records legendary executive, Seymour Stein. Kamins went on to produce the first single ìEverybodyî and mix several tracks including ìBurning Upî and ìLucky Starî of Madonna's self-titled platinum album.
While he had already entered pop history, Kamins was continually interested in exploring new musical territory. After completing a series of remixes and productions with some of England's top eighties dance bands Kajagoogoo and Madness among them, Kamins himself was signed as an artist to Circa Records in 1989.
As a DJ, DJ Mark Kamins produced a groundbreaking record United House Nations, which featured dance tracks with a global flavor. World music (as crossover) as we know it was begun. Kamins, meanwhile, was living a United House Nations existence. He was invited to spin records in over 25 different countries, with at least 20 trips to Japan in a 3 year period. Kamins was also the first American DJ to play in post-glasnost Russia. At the same time, Kamins created Pow Wow Records, with 2 former Island co-workers. Pow Wow specialized in reggae artists and dance remixes. In addition, he opened a recording studio in partnership with Brazilian producer Tuta Aquino.
Throughout the early 90Ãs Prime Cuts Recording Studio gained a reputation as a cutting edge dance studio. By the early 90Ãs, Kamins musical interests more heavily revolved around a world music beat. World famous Ofra Haza and Algerian rai artist Cheb Malik benefited from Kamins infusion of technology and modern dance tracks into previously traditional music forms. In 1995, Kamins once again united with Seymour Stein, and joined Elektra Records as A&R Vice President for Latin America and World Music. While at Elektra he signed Amparo Sandino which sold 3 million records in Spain and Mexico. With a thirst for more authenticity, Kamins followed Elektra with a two year vice-presidency as A&R at Warner Music Mexico. While there, he was executive producer of the La Ley and Francisco Cespedes album projects, which both have gone double-platinum in Spain, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia. DJ /Producer Mark Kamins continues to nurture Latin American artists with breakthrough crossover talent. He has gained a strongreputation in the Latin music world as the individual who can successfully influence the direction of Latin American music for the next millennium.
Mark Kamins returned to New York with new inspiration and innovative ideas and became one of the most in demand DJs in New York. Dj?ing at Show, Lobby, Liquid, Bauhaus, just to name a few. After the tragedy of 9/11 in New York, Mark decided to change his life and move to Paris. While in Paris, Mark proved and gained his respect to become one of the top DJs in Paris, DjÃing at the REX, ElyseÈs Montmartre, Nouveau Casino, Club 79, Delaville Cafe and at Monoculture with the great Dj Patrick Vidal,and Mandel. After MarkÃs success in Paris he was invited to DJ and play in the top clubs in Vienna and to do a Saturday night mix for the radio station FM 4 Vienna which has over 250,000 listeners.
DJ Mark Kamins is most proud to have been the first American Dj in Japan as opening night DJ at Club Turia in Roppongi in 1986. Mark became the father of all Japanese DJs as he designed the sound systems and DJ opening nights in such clubs as Club Gold in Tokyo, Club Genesis in Osaka, and Club Barcelona in Fukoka. He continues to select the music for the fashion shows for Japans top designers, Koshine Satoh and Yoshiki Hishinuma. He also plays at Yellow in Tokyo with his best friend Dj Nori and and in Osaka with Dj Shiro Amamiya. Mark, currently lives in Vienna, Austria. and still DJ's all over our sick world.
"I give more then I get. I'm honest, true and respect all and everything. As a DJ, when 2000 people scream, I've worked my magic. I'ts a moment that will never happen again.î says Kamins. Kamins adds, ìMy passion is living for those moments, and making them happen again and again. I love nothing more then making someone's dream a reality.