Origin: Chicago IL
Years Playing: 17 years
Style: SF Chicago deep dubby underground house and Mushroom Jazz
Affiliation: Mark Farina's Site | Om Records | All World Entertainment | Synergize | RedNai

Audio Samples: Samples Page

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
Hearing Hot Mix 5 on the radio circa 1985 Artist

Influences:
The Police, Rush, Yellow and playing trumpet in concert/marching band

I got my first break:
Meeting resident DJ Terry Martin outside of Medusa (Chicago club) and being invited to hang out in the DJ booth the following week.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
DJ Heather, Derrick Carter, Sneak, Diz, Iz, Luke Solomon, DJ Spinna

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
When you leave the club at night it's never cold outside

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Lack of good sound systems.

My favorite SF party is/was:
Jazid Up Mondays (Mushroom Jazz) and Boogie Buffet

My favorite Club to play in is:
They haven't built it yet.

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
A 3-night festival with 3 bands and one DJ playing in between the bands' sets each night. Night 1: The Police, Talking Heads and Rush with myself as DJ. Night 2: James Brown, Tribe Called Quest reunion and Cymande with DJ Spinna as DJ. Night 3: Kraftwerk, Yellow and Liasons Dangereuse with Derrick Carter as DJ.

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
Soccer Player

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
My parents, RedNail crew, Gramaphone Records (Chicago), Patty Ryan-Smith/Mushroom Management, Heather Goddard, Om Records, All World Entertainment, Synergize, Tweekin Records, SF promoters who booked me way back when, all the clubbers who've come to hear me play and danced all night, everyone who bought my cd's and mix tapes

My motto is:
"Whatever you do, do it good"

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Origin: Born and raised in Santa Cruz
Years Playing: 10 years
Style: Sometimes dubby, sometimes vocal, but always soulful deep and funky house music
Affiliation: Transport Recordings | Naked Music | Astrelwerks | NRK | Yoshitoshi | Large rec| Soma rec | Defected rec , and many more.

Audio: You Bring Me Up | Surrender | Ultimate High

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
The old Love Garage parties at King Street in the early 90's. Local DJ’s like Aaron O., Jan Cooly, and guys like Little Louie, Tony Humphries and Kerri Chandler.

Influences:
Everything from classic rock, to reggae, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and just about everything...

I got my first break:
Playing at little warehouse and house parties.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Marques Wyatt, Mo Mo, Julius, Jay-J, David Harness, Frenchwa and many more...

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
Diversity and character. There’s a lot of great DJ’s and support from the people, which keeps this city rocking all the time!

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Not enough after-hour clubs and to many shit sound systems.. I also wish the bars served later than just 2 am!

My favorite SF party is/was:
Lift and Love Garage, Boat Parties and Groove Kitchen was a lot of fun also!

My favorite Club to play in is:
Sir Henrys in Cork, Ireland and La Terraza in Barcelona, Spain are great. The End up rocks also of course!

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix, Burning Spear, the Roots, Jill Scott, Sade, Steely Dan, Guru, Tribe called Quest, shit, I could go on for a long time here on this one!

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
Recording Studio Junky, Oh wait, I already am...

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
All the music lovers and supporters worldwide....

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
Keep it real! There’s enough hate in this world!

My motto is:
"Keep it real!"

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Origin: Born in South Euclid, Ohio
Years Playing: 7-8 years
Style: Jazzy, sexy, funky, driven, deep GROOVE house
Affiliation: No Labels...just a website: www.ellenferrato.com and affiliations with "2ndsunday"; "sfbydef", and "Sugar"

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
I never really wanted to be a DJ, just happened. But I definitely enjoyed Circus Bells, and Wicked parties and hearing the Wicked crew!

Influences:
Having 7 older siblings listening to old classic rock (Stones, Ten Years After, Dylan, The Who, CSN&Y) Along with mom’s Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass!!

I got my first break:
The Holy Cow, End Up, and The Beer Cellar.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Indifferent...as long as they have manners

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
Diversity!

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Not enough toilets at the clubs.

My favorite SF party is/was:
Wicked and Boogie Buffet

My favorite Club to play in is:
Danny's Kitchen @ The Lagoon!

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
It already happens every year in September. My friends manage to throw the most amazing birthday party for me down at Dan’s lagoon! ;-)

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
I am a professional! 40+ hours a week go to my day job: brokering high tech IT (Information Technology) consultants

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
Scot Peterson, Lewis Walden, Jerry Bonham, Kevin Afuso, Leonard Ocampo, Scott Manning

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
I love papayas, and fuju persimmons. Oh yeah, I used to be married for 7 years...to a man! ;o)

My motto is:
"Cool Beans!"

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Origin: England, land of the pagan freaks
Years Playing: 15 Years
Style: Unique, diverse and eclectic, not just another House DJ.....
Affiliation: Wicked Records | Wicked Sound System | DJ Jeno

Audio: Rebel Sound | People | Out With The Tide

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
Listening to pirate radio in London in the mid eighties, before house music hit. It inspired me to write more groove based songs for the punk band I'd been in for 4 years, which of course drove my bandmates crazy, so I quit the band and started playing dance records instead...

Influences:
My lady, my kids, my dreams, lack of sleep and insanity

I got my first break:
By playing for the love of it, for free, at many late night "blues", "warehouse" and "squat" parties and festivals in England in the late eighties.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Anyone who feels the fire....

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
SF!!!

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
The scene!!!

My favorite SF party is/was:
Full Moon Parties.

My favorite Club to play in is:
Staying home and playing records for my little girl to dance too...

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
Devoid of big name DJ’s, imaginative, diverse, and free to get into....

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
I'd probably be in a straitjacket!!

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
My guardian angels

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
War is obscene!!!

My motto is:
"Be Wicked"

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Origin: Fort Benning, Georgia Raised: Monterey, CA
Years Playing: 12 Years
Style: Make-You-Feel-Good House, Garage
Affiliation: Loveslap Recordings | Moulton Studios

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
When I lived In southern CA, I use to listen to this station called KOLA 99.9 fm they use to play house. I was amazed by the music. The Ultimate Track That made me want to become a DJ was 2 Puerto Ricans, A Black Man, And A Dominican "Do It Properly"

Influences:
My parents Record collection, Influences to me come from where you have been and where your at!

I got my first break:
Local Gay Bar In Monterey Called "The After Dark"

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Too many to name but here's a few Tony Humphries, Lil Louie Vega, Tedd Patterson, Frankie Feliciano, Frankie Knuckles, Danny Teneglia, Pete Avila (Your Mama's House), Ruben Mancias, My Taboo Posse (Sir Charles, Patrick Wilson, Kevin Koga, jojoflores, Lamont Young)

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
Filled With Lots Of Soul

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Messyness!

My favorite SF party is/was:
Taboo (Tuesday's @ Liquid), Nulife, The End Up (Friday's & Sunday) But Nothing Compare to The Days Of "Lift" @ DV8 1994 to 1997!

My favorite Club to play in is:
There are some great spots I have played in but nothing has turned out Club Townsend's Sound System here in SF.

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
Tony Humphries, Lil Louie Vega, Tedd Patterson, Frankie Feliciano, Frankie Knuckles, Danny Teneglia, Pete Avila (Your Mama's House), Ruben Mancias, My Taboo Posse (Sir Charles, Patrick Wilson, Kevin Koga, jojoflores, Lamont Young) plus PA's from Julie Mcknight, Jocelyn Brown, Mr Ali, Nuyorican Soul, Moulton Studio players, Lisa Shaw, and Jill Scott, Shaun Escofferey to name a few...........

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
Radio Communications or An Architectural Drafter.

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
My Family, Frankie Feliciano, Pete Avila, Audrey Joseph, Lil Dave, Reed, Joey Arbagey, Michelle S., Larry Jackson

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
Appreciate what you have here in the SF club scene. The Music World Is watching what we do and most of clubdome don't even know it!

My motto is:
"Live Life Lovely "

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Origin: David: San Francisco, Sensei: Born & raised in Bensonhurst-Brooklyn, New York.
Years Playing: David: 10 years, Sensei: 25 years. 11 years dedicated to House Music
Style: David: Funky Tribal SF House, Sensei: West Coast, High Energy, Funky, Soulful House Music!! (with a little tech and progressive when the heads want it)
Affiliation: Kinetic Grooves | Atwater Syndicate | Thump Radio |

Audio: Anti Matter | Flight To Pompeii | The Wicked Track

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
David: The Party - "a rave called Sharon" Devotion
Sensei: The party that did it were the Wicked Full Moons with Jeno, Garth, Markie, and Thomas. Circa 1992-96

Influences:
David: Hip Hop, Reggae and Rock n Roll
Sensei: Steve Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Sly & Family Stones, Depech Mode, WAR. (actually, I could go on for days here).

I got my first break:
David: in Sydney Australia with Phil Smart
Sensei: GEMINI, 1992. San Francisco

Some DJs I like playing with are:
David: Jenö, Ellen Ferrato, M3
Sensei: David Coleman, Halo (H-Foundation), Eddie Amador (Yoshitoshi), Jenö (Wicked), D:Fuse, Doc Martin (Wax), Michael Anthony (Late Night Sneaky), and of course, the lovely Ms. Ellen Ferrato.

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
David: The Music
Sensei: The Flavor, and the people who know and appreciate consistently good house music.

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
David: No comment
Sensei: The politics with "certain" promoters, and the lack of honesty & integrity in dealing with them.

My favorite SF party is/was:
David: Housing Project
Sensei: Greenhouse / Was, The Full Moon parties on the beach.

My favorite Club to play in is:
David: Crobar Miami - Main Room
Sensei: 2 favorite clubs: Main room at CROBAR (Miami), and Centro-Fly (New York)

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
David: Bob Marley (rest his soul) / Gun's n Roses / the Pharcyde / Sen-Sei & Me
Sensei: Actually, I'd do a private session on the beach in Ibiza, which would be broadcast LIVE via Satellite GLOBALLY! The line up would be all of my influences, colleagues, and favorites. It would be over the course of 3 days.

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
David: Architect
Sensei: PR Specialist dedicated to the music industry.

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
David: Star, King, Sen-Sei, Leonard, Martel, Nabiel, Guiv, Peter, Carlton, Ben,
Scott, Andre, Mason, Brian, Jimmy, Jason, Xavier, Andy, Chadwick, Clay, Flash, and everyone else that has ever come out and supported over the years.
Sensei: To Thump Radio, Jason (The Mad Russian) of Blowfish Sushi, (despite all the shit he talks to me, but he's got the bomb Toro!) To Martel & Nabeil, who took us to MIAMI and gave us the opportunity to get not only our CROBAR Residency, but to start the tradition of the SEN-SEI & DJ Coleman VIP Closing Set on the Saturday Night of WMC (2003 being year #5!) Last but not least, Mr. Carlton Solle (Butter Bar), the coolest "m@#her f*%ker" I've ever met.

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
David: That we love all of our fans and couldn't’t do it with out them.
Sensei: Dave spins vinyl, I play synths, and Live means that we NEVER plan our sets, use sequencers or computers, or any pre-recorded shit! It's Always on the fly.

My motto is:
David: The Golden Rule
Sensei: "Do What You Love. Love What You Do. People Can Tell!"

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Origin: Born and raised in Montreal, Canada.
Years Playing: 17 Years
Style: Deep House
Affiliation: Loveslap Recordings | Thump Radio | Moulton Studios

Audio: Loveslapped | Release The Groove | Belle et Bete

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
Started as a hobby for the love of music in general. Then had the urge to play in front of a crowd.

Influences:
The original Disco Clubs of Montreal plus an eclectic mix of Jazz to Rock to Hip Hop and World Music. I tend to absorb a little of everything as the pot of music is gargantuan.

I got my first break:
First gig was for a Christmas party, which led to several Wedding gigs. Then got my first gig at Club Oasis in San Jose.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Jay-J, Miguel Migs, Franky Boissy

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
San Francisco (and the Bay Area) arguably, has one of the strongest dance scenes period. I think the people love to go out and groove. They love the music. They love their DJ’s. And they continue to support the scene. They are open-minded which helps the DJ’s do their thing.

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
No comment.

My favorite SF party is/was:
Well, right about now, my favorite party is called Foundation. It's a new party with Jay-J, Miguel Migs and myself. We happen to throw it. It happens every first Saturday of the month. The first one just took place and it was great! Great support from the crowd!
My favorite Club to play in is:
Any club with an enthusiastic crowd.

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
On one stage I'd have my favorite singer - SADE. On another, I'd make it a 70's rock stage with Pink Floyd playing the entire Dark Side of the Moon album. I would have a Jazz stage featuring legends like Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, George Benson and I'd have to have Pat Metheny close it out. Have to have an R&B/Funk stage with Stevie Wonder playing all night!! Maybe have Chaka Khan join him too. Oh, and have Prince perform only from his 70's and early 80's repertoire. Of course my last stage would be the Disco stage. The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer doing her thang and having the amazing Salsoul and Philly International artists just groovin' 'till the end. Gotta love it!...

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
All I know is music. Without it I’d be in trouble...

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
Many indeed but regarding my DJing, Fil Maresca for giving me my first club gig.

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
My favorite hockey team is - The Montreal Canadians!

My motto is:
"Bigger isn't always better...quality over quantity!"

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Origin: London
Years Playing: 13 Years
Style: House Music, Ie: eclectic dance music spanning 3 decades of Future Funk & Dub
Affiliation: Grayhound Records | Wicked Records | NRK | Om Records

Audio Samples: Shadows | Held Over | Back To Joy

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
Harvey B At Tonka's Zap Club Night In 1989

Influences:
James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Eric B & Rakim, Killing Joke Etc Etc

I got my first break:
Started Come-Unity @ 1015 - a life changing residency that lasted 11 years

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Jeno, Markie, Thomas, Harvey, Doc Martin.

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
Wicked

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Lack of new venues/poor sound systems.

My favorite SF party is/was:
Wicked Full Moons
My favorite Club to play in is:
No Comment

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
Stevie Wonder, Can, King Sunny Ade in the main outside arena, in the
dance tent - Wicked

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
Interior Decorator

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
Melissa & Baba, my family, all the promoters & party people who've been there since the beginning, the labels and stores and distributors that have supported Grayhound & Wicked, all

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
No comments

My motto is:
"Do it now!"

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Origin: Athens, Greece
Years Playing: 18 Years
Style: Mix of Euro, Progressive and Disco House
Affiliation: DJ Dimittris | PleasureZone | Mixed Elements | Discobole | Plus One Producions

Audio Samples: Euro Disco | Soft 2 Hard

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
The first track that inspirited me to be a DJ was "Bottoms Up" by the Chi-Lites. The two primary DJs that influenced me to get on the turntables were Thomas Katsaros and George Siras. The nightclub that really launched my career was "Atomic" in Athens, Greece.

Influences:
I love Old School Funk and Soul. My first influences came straight from James Brown, Aretha, The Temptations, et. al. but my interests were so diverse that you could easily catch me singing along "Primadonna" from the Phantom, "Highway Star" by Deep Purple or "Shiver" by George Benson. My father Anthony (an amazing music teacher and composer) taught me that there is no type of music that it's not Beautiful.

I got my first break:
When I filled in for my friend DJ Thomas in Athens. He is the one who taught me the fundamentals of spinning and arranged my first gigs.

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Donovan, Raoul Kahn, Ellen Feratto, Ian Armstrong, Chad Clubb,
Bali, Todd Prophet, Kepi, Frenchie Le Freak, BB Hayes, Michael Anthony, De Milo, Tony Russell, Mark de Vasconcellos

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
Easy question. People in SF go to the clubs for the music. They are
well informed and very appreciative of good music and DJ skills, which makes San Francisco one of the most coveted DJ scenes in the world.

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Too hard to make a name for yourself as a DJ. There is so much talent in this City that most good DJs will never get a break.

My favorite SF party is/was:
My favorite SF party is Pleasure Zone.

My favorite Club to play in is:
I Love the monitors at Ruby Skye and Whisper. But overall I think that my favorite DJ’s box is in the VIP room of 1015 Folsom.

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
Artists would include (but not limited to)... Singing by Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocceli, Luciano Pavarotti and Stevie Wonder; Guest appearance from Heaven would be by Maria Kallas; on another stage the Groups would include Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Kool & the Gang, Chic, Pink Floyd, Cameo, Lakeside, and Parliament. Yes! all of them on the same stage. Dance music would be played on the decks by DJs Q-Bert, Carl Cox, Cutsoquick and Digweed, and, of course, a little spot would have to be reserved for me!


If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
If I couldn't play records, I'd put my passion being a factory team rider/racer for a World Super Bike Racing Team.

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
Christina Su, Dennis and Aimee Wang, Trevor Hewitt from Mixed Elements, Pablo Vazquez and Trevor from 92.7, Thump Radio, Alexander and Christine Sanchez, Kurt and Kamilla Robson, Andre and Mona, Rich and Lori Alexander, John Thomas. Also, I would like to thank the music Genius George Polyhroniou and the most important DJ/Promoter in
Greece, Christos Kalopitas, Tony Kutulas, John Spilios and the Greek Community of the Bay Area.. Without them I would not have re-entered the DJ scene. Also I would like to thank Discobole in Athens for helping me predict the Hits of tomorrow. And finally, Nitevibe for their recognition of DJs and their contributions to the San Francisco music scene.


What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
Music pumps through my blood every second of the day. Nothing makes me more happy than sharing my passion with others.

My motto is:
My only motto is to make people happy.

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Origin: Chicago IL
Years Playing: 13 Years
Style: Mixing up genres is my specialty, funk is my platform; house, breaks and hip-hop.
Affiliation: Sunburn Recordings

Audio Samples: The EndUp 2002 | That Ghetto Chick Love 1 | That Ghetto Chick Love 1

The track/DJ/party that made me want to be a DJ was:
No one track, DJ or party made me want to be a DJ. Years of collecting vinyl and late night dancing inspired me SKevin Carnes pushed me, Sand Manny Rosa showed me.

Influences:
P-Funk, Disco, Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, Dub and Rock and Roll.

I got my first break:
2 weekly gigs thanks to BBQ Brad & Javier

Some DJs I like playing with are:
Brian G, Solar, Cyrus, Aizlynn and Skunk.

Favorite thing about the SF scene:
The Comfort

Least favorite thing about the SF scene:
Those who forget that there is life beyond dance floor.

My favorite SF party is/was:
T-Dance, Sunset and Bionic.

My favorite Club to play in is:
The EndUp

If I could put together MY dream music festival, the Entertainment would be:
George Clinton, Prince, Mad Professor, Tribe Called Quest, Broun Fellinis, Cymande, The Rolling Stones, Led Zep, and Ming and FS.

If I couldn't play records I would probably be a professional:
Writer

I want to thank these people for helping me get this far:
My parents, the Bohabs, Manny, Hardkiss, Niven, Wade, Toph One, Sato, Hank, Ryan, Plur, Allison, Endup staff, Pixel Biscuit, Henry St., Wish, my so many friends and those who love to dance.

What you want people to know and we didn't ask:
The purple chicken is alive and well.

My motto is:
"18 Smiles"

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