beatnik

Dj BeatnikI’m one of those cats who has been influenced by many forms of music for as long as I can remember and its through these musical associations that my love for them that lead to me being a Dj. I’ve been Djing since the mid 80’s on the island of Bermuda, in those years I’ve been involved in all types of events both as a Dj and as a promoter.In 1993 I formed a Dj crew called Beatnik Academy and soon met a young Dj named Kaos and things took off from there. The official Dj for the Bermuda International Film Festival, (BIFF)1998-2001, which allowed me to play a more eclectic mix of music from my record collection, I’ve been involved with BIFF as a Dj in one form or another, mostly for the wide range of music that I have, but also for the different events that I put on. As the official Dj from I Djed all of their social events from their launch parties to the wrap parties. Including boat parties, happy hour get together.Concerts and Other:Bounty Killer Busta Rhymes Lost Boys (DJ Kaos) concerts. As Beatnik Academy we Djed along side the likes of Kid Capri and Jazzy Jeff.Art exhibitions for international artist such as Manual Palicio and Bruce Stuart. Loads of Beach Parties, House Parties, Cruise Boat Parties, Poetry & Book Festivals. Open-mic: Flow, Neno Letu & Chewstick, It is through the chill out parties that I had been throwing in BDA that I became involved in the whole open-mic scene, first as a Dj, then as organiser and promoter. The three events attracted a host of rappers, singers, poets and musicians who often performed original material in smoked out back rooms. Chewstick is now 5 years strong. Check the link www.chewstick.comRadio Programs:Street Vibes & Changez (Riddim) Excursions (Bermuda) 4 hours of Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae and More on VSB Mix 106 in Bermuda. Working with local Djs Scientist and Bussy Dread I co-produced and co-hosted ‘Street Vibes’ with Dj Kaos, (Hip-Hop and jazzy grooves) These Sunday afternoon shows which ran for two hours each became known as Dj sessions for their use of skilful Djs thus becoming one of the best music programs in BDA’s resent history. Super Legal (‘Brazilian super cool’) on ‘Smoke Fm’ www.smokefm.co.uk Sundays 4-6pm, U.K. time. Although it is no longer running I had a really good time on Smoke. Spinning funky, groovy, soulful vibes, every thing from ‘Pharoah Sanders to J-Dilla and every thing in between..LondonI moved to London in May 2004, and soon hooked up with Dj Speedy (Soul Baby) as Dj for his Live nights, later helping with organizing and flyer design. I like to think that I did my London Apprenticeship under Speedy’s wing. I formed Spredluv in Nov 2006, which has become A Collective and has been way past my wildest dreams! I have Djed at the LockSide Lounge in Camden,(Spredluv’s Home) Soul Baby live ,Bar vinyl, Neighbourhood in Ladbroke Grove, and the Blag club in Notting Hill, Westbury Bar (another one of Spredluv’s spots) a few corporate joints, weddings and house parties. ‘Met Bar’ Hyde Park corner. Just to name a few.The list of parties that I’ve put on both as a crew and individually is extensive,from an annual beach party to house and pool parties. My ideas have always been about finding ways to push the boundaries, by offering something that is always fresh and vibrant. sometimes getting spot on and sometimes not! I’m all about throwing parties when ever, where ever and just because! The journey continues!