About Me
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V3.6 !
Los Angeles based DJ and Producer Richard Mercado is no newcomer to todays infiltrated dj world. Richard began mixing records in 1985 after hearing DJs like Frank Del Rio, Jellybean Benitez, David Morales and Giorgio Moroder spin hi-energy disco and new wave. Richard was only 10 years old!!!Richard Mercado was born in 1975 to Mexican parents who migrated to the U.S in the late 50s. Richard began collecting vinyl at the age of 5, when he stole his sisters copy of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. From Tito Puente to Elvis Presley to Journey, music was an essential part of Richards upbringing. He penned lyrics from themes of different songs he listened to on his mothers home stereo. By the mid 80s Richard had developed an obsession for vinyl records and dance music; but he wanted to do more than just collect them. Richard started learning how to mix and began a mobile dj service with his friends. None were old enough to drive their gear to the gigs and relied on his father for transportation. Over the next couple of years he developed his skills and frequented several record shops on a daily basis. He began listening to demo tapes of David Morales and Danny Tenaglia. Names such as Frankie Knuckles and Tony Humphries were becoming a part of his record collection. House music became Richards new passion and drive in his pursuit of a more deep and sexual type of sound.By 1992, Richard had done several mobile gigs and became very well known in the local party scene. Americas dance culture was about to be propelled to a new level. Abandoned warehouses were turned into makeshift dance arenas and crowded with thousands of Partygoers. The music was very intense and a movement had begun. Richard realized he wanted to be part of this movement and began producing club events with his friends. As time and music progressed, Richard knew that a career in the music industry was inevitable and, in 1994, landed his first residency with TOGETHER after hours. He was spinning alongside LA greats: Mark Lewis, Taylor and Sandra Collins. That same year, Richard met LA sound engineer and studio owner John Strier and learned the basics of music production and recording live rock musicians. A year later he met hip-hop producer Raul Rubio and ventured into electronic music production and purchased his first drum machine. In 1995, they produced the Spanish dance anthem, Que viva la Musica, which was well received by many jocks. Richard realized all he wanted to do was create music and spin records for a living.For the next couple of years Richard spent more time in the studio than behind the decks. His interest in studio gear and production techniques lead him to working for leading music manufacturer Yamaha, in which he worked in their Pro Audio and Synthesizer division for 4 years. It was a valuable experience, as he witnessed the evolution and acceptance of DJs in the mainstream market. Most companies were used to selling guitars and drums not turntables or dj mixers. Richard saw the opportunity to share his ideas and help take dejaying to the next level. He has been at the forefront and developmental stages of todays hottest music production gear and software. Hes also a beta tester and consultant to many leading music instrument manufacturers such as: SHURE, EGOSYS, AMERICAN AUDIO, PIONEER, CAKEWALK SOFTWARE, DENON and ROLAND. In 1997 Richard, and good friend producer Richard Larsen, formed electronica band EROICA. It was the perfect collaboration between a DJ and a classically trained musician. The duo later transformed themselves into Preston Space, as they were left without a vocalist. Preston Space and its members ventured into other areas of the dance music spectrum such as: breaks, trip-hop, down tempo, soul, latin, and electro. Preston Spaces e.p STARDUST received critical acclaim from labels such as: Sony Music, Kinetic and Universal. Music from the STARDUST e.p has been featured on TV, film and video game soundtracks internationally. The duos high point came when they were one of the top 10 finalists in Dj Sashas remix contest of Wavy Gravy. Their mix was chosen from over 600 submissions and the only remix to feature vocals!As the 90s were coming to an end, Richard was itching to get back to spinning in clubs again, but with a promise to take his show on the road. With his first of eleven self-released CDs in the hands of local promoters, Richard quickly acquired a residency at one of LAs longest running after-hours clubINSOMNIA. Since then, Richard has remained very active in the US and international club scene. His flawless mixing and programming skills have gained him global recognition in the industry. He can be found spinning in cities such as: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami and Mexico City; spinning alongside DJs like Lee Burrige, Roger Sanchez and Eric Morillo. Richards mixes and tracks have graced the airwaves of KCRW, Ministry of Sound Radio and XM Radio. With his savvy business skills, Richard set his sights on bigger and better things. In 2002, Richard launched FOGOSO RECORDINGS, a record label and event production company. His goal with FOGOSO is to provide a highway for dance music artists and companies to present new music and business concepts in a multi-billion dollar industry. FOGOSO blurs the line between club culture and mainstream America, making it one concise audience. When its all said and done, Richard likes to think of himself as an arranger of sonic emotion for the dance floor and your soul.
