Label Recordio Amgen / Alternative Record Label

Cartref / Home to ARGRPH, Adwaith, Papur Wal, Breichiau Hir, Hotel Del Salto, Names, Accu, Los Blancos, Silent Forum, ilu, La Forme, Red Telephone, KEYS

Dyma'r pethau rydym yn eu caru: pandas, hufen ia peanut butter, finyl o bob math, cymunedau agored, cefnogory, cynhwysol, gin (rhata'i gyd gorau gyd!), popeth Cymreig, ein hartistiaid ysbrydoledig neu unrhyw un sy'n barod i wneud y byd yn fwy prydferth yn gerddorol. Pedalau corws ... fel petai'n 1985!  Mae gennym ffydd ddiysgog ym mhŵer y gân bop tair munud sy'n gallu newid bywydau!

Wedi gwario dros ddau ddegawd yn archwilio cerddoriaeth o bob math, Fuzz Pop, Bedsit indie, Canu Gwlad, Synth Pop, Gwerin Seicodelig, Ol Pync (ie rwyn dipyn o bioden gerddorol!!) a ffurfio ysbryd cerddorol annibynnol, unigolyddol a rhyddfrydol. Fe ddes i sylweddoli nad y llwyfan oedd f'amgylchedd naturiol ond yn hytrach cynorthwyo artistiaid ifanc, a'u codi i amlygrwydd gan eu galluogi i gyflawni eu breuddwydion cerddorol unigol. Daeth y foment 'Eureka' pan glywais yr artistiaid (i gyd o fewn ychydig wythnosau a'm syfrdanodd) sydd nawr yn galw Libertino yn gartref creadigol iddynt eu hunain .Roedd yn RHAID i'r artistiad yma gael eu clywed gan weddill y byd as roedd yn RHAID i mi weithio gyda nhw. Roedd yn un o'r munudau prin hynny mewn bywyd lle mae'r artistiad, eu cerddoriaeth a'u hestheteg yn cyd-blethu i ffurfio cyfanwaith perffaith i'r gwrandawr. Dyma'r munudau prin hynny dwi'n dymuno'u potelu i bawb sy'n gwrando ar artistiaid Libertino; mae pob cân a ryddheir yn arbennig ac yn ddeiamwnt prin yn y tywyllwch.
Credaf yn gryf y dylsai celfyddyd fod yn gynhwysol gan greu cymuned o'r pridd dan ein traed. Bwriad Libertino yw cynnig llwyfan iddynt er mwyn i'r artistiais hefan yn llwyddiannus, Dewch, ymunwch â ni ar y siwrnai cerddorol hon i'r gorwel agored. Gruff Owen - Libertino

We love in no particular order: Pandas, peanut butter ice cream, all things vinyl, supportive open embrasive communities, gin (cheaper the better!), popeth Cymreig, our very inspiring Artists or anyone who puts themselves out there to make this world a more sonically beautiful  place, Chorus pedals, you know...like it's 1985! They are back in right?! And an unwavering faith in the life changing power of the 3-minute pop song! 
 
'After spending over two decades exploring music from diverse extremes; Fuzz Pop, Bedsit Indie, Country, Synth Pop, Psych Folk, Post Punk (yes bit of a musical magpie here!!!) and honing an individual, independent free musical spirit, I realised that my natural environment was not the stage but rather helping young artists, lifting them up to the limelight, enabling them to achieve their individual musical visions. The "Eureka" moment was hearing the artists (all in the space of a few gloriously head-spinning weeks) who now call Libertino their creative home. These artists NEEDED to be heard by the rest of the world and I NEEDED to work with them. It was one of those rare moments you have in life where the artists, their music and their aesthetic all coalesced into one perfect form for the listener. It's these rare moments that I wish to capture and bottle for everyone listening to a Libertino artist, every release is special, a rare diamond in the dark. 
I strongly believe that art should be inclusive and not exclusive creating a community from grass roots level. Libertino's aim is to give artists a platform from which to fly and how to fly successfully. Come join us on this musical journey to the open horizon. Gruff Owen - Libertino'

      ..........& apartment to rent long & short term ocho rios jamaica,catering for 4 adults & 2 children..............................................................................................................................my home from home jamaica. Stephen fadda b Browne aka Brownie was born as the youngest of 9 siblings to Louise and Katati Browne in Liverpool, England in October 1964. His father is from Sierra Leone in West Africa and his mother is Scottish, which gives Brownie a diverse cultural background that he has since expanded to include a close bond to Jamaica.

In 1993 Stephen Browne established his company “Trash 'n' Ready” in Liverpool, which is now yardbritish music network & management, run by himself & flamez . The company essentially does everything entertainment including music and artiste promotion, artiste management and had record shops, clothes shops and restaurant under its banner. Stephen Browne has been visiting Jamaica on business as well as pleasure for over 20 years, since 1986 and he has formed ties and made business links over the years.after learning so much at native studio's in portland jamaica,between 1990 to 2004,were father jacko was in charge,stephen fadda b browne.moved to the tourist resort town of ocho rios st ann's,at the beginning of 2005.when we first arrived in ochi,one of the first artist to grab our attention was 10 year old dada also the youth we now call ceejay',after doing several recording with dada & reasoning with his father edgar it was decided we should start,managing dada's career,this gave us our very first insight into the managment business.ceejay who was still young himself.was'nt really sure if he wanted to be a deejay.but a year or so later,would approach yardbritish,wanting to do some recording,after hearing some works we done with dada,infact it was at yardbritish studio's ceejay done his 1st recording,i remember it like it was yesterday,ceejay-chipstar-a youth called copper,all came to our studio's 1 day,saying they wanted to be deejay's,at first,they deejayed pure gun lyric's,which i stated were not part of out work's.after sitting dem down and reasoning with dem,i told dem to go away & study more educational song's.when they've got it,to link up.this they done the very next week.after hearing them for the second time,ceejay stood out from the rest,and it was from then,ceejay joined the yardbritish family.ceejay's been around us now for just ova 4 years and in this time,has learnt so much.then there's princess nakita.18 years old.voice sound's similar to tanya stephens.also gypsy 18 year old singer deejay - selena 24 year old singer - tu-qute 19 year old - abraham silk sounding so much like garnet silk - polkadat - mam ma son - potenkle i - karizma - driver's gilly - bembe -secatary christine - axes magazine heike - reporter richard bryan spokeswoman keesha orr aka kekebon's/to all the massive who've inspired our music- new york - toronto - liverpool - manchester - westchester - miami - port antonio - vermont - patterson new jersey - soweto crew - gambia -
falkland - parrytown - pineapple - pleasant hill family -yaadcore family - pieyaka muzik family -father jacko native studio's - calvin tallis studio's - hopeton double lion studio's - andrew cold fusion studio's -flamez yardbritish studio's - sugar minott youthman promotion's - freddie big ship family steven chino shema laden-kartel - movado - lisa hype - mr easy - daville - grinesman - white mice - lil mice - john junior - super morris - general buk - johnny tex - courage sound - exodus sound portland ja - saxone - coxsone - studio one - yellowman -half pint - collie buddz - macka b sound - jah tubby's sound - king tubby's -stur grav - stereo one sound - jaro - jam down rockers sound - wassiffa - siffa -james klass r.i.p -tanya stephen's - roof int records - maxi priest - andrew priest - manga in grand cayman


Originally, Stephen dealt mainly with dub plates when coming to Jamaica, especially since he loves reggae music from an early age and could not imagine a life without reggae. After meeting artistes such as White Mice, Little Mice and John Jr and General Grindsman, as he is especially keen to mention, he decided to take them on tour to the UK and as a result became more and more involved with the Jamaican music scene.

His business partner in Jamaica is orion fire flamez wilson from Port Antonio, Portland. They know each other for 7 years and have decided since to combine their efforts as well as links to form “YardBritish music network & management.flamez is a very humble person. multi talented artist & engineer,flamez is the #1 engineer at yardbritish music.a man who contribute's so much into all working's at yardbritish,infact the inspiration behind yardbritish was flamez belief in our idea.from day 1, Originally, this company was set up not for money but rather for the sheer love of music but it eventually grew and became important to many young artistes in the Portland area. Stephen and flamez started with music production in 2005 and since 2005 they decided to manage young artistes with Stephen dealing with business in Europe and flamez in Jamaica. The young camp of YardBritish includes artistes such as princess nakita,cj ceejay,mam ma son,gypsy,selena,tu-qute,flamez,abraham silk,polkadat,potenkle i. , who are all on their way to become professional international reggae artistes.

Stephen Browne has many plans for the future and YardBritish family is set to grow even bigger and strengthen the bond between Jamaica, England and Africa u.s.a canada.asia. The stage show YardBritish music, which was held for the first time in 2005 in Port Antonio is set to become an annual event with a show in Jamaica and another one in the UK. Furthermore it is a dream of Stephen to carry reggae to Africa and produce music and artistes across the continent. He plans to take the music to Africa, open up music to the masses, and take the message from Jamaica directly to the people, since the big market Africa offers is still largely ignored, especially when it comes to music distribution, production and shows by international acts. Being partly of African descent it is very close to Stephen’s heart to connect his English and African heritage with his love for Jamaica and Jamaican music. In order to include the Africa connection in the future, he is first of all working on a solid base in the liverpool UK and ocho rios Jamaica and further the cultural and musical exchange between the black Diaspora in the UK and the Caribbean. He has already started the fundraising to brink young UK acts to Jamaica by keeping regular events around the world. Another major concern of Stephen is the support of young and upcoming artistes. Together with his business partner he has started to fulfill his dream of opening our very own studio., again, one in Jamaica and one in Liverpool, England by the year 2011. The intention is to teach youngsters professionally and prepare them for careers in engineering, mixing, sound system, singing and djing.plus to set up yardbritish inhouse band

The first office of Yard British music is set to open in ocho rios Jamaica shortly and it will most definitely be a household name soon in the Jamaican music scene. Stephen Browne is ready to carry his vision a yard and beyond.Up Close and Personal with POLKADAT

The impressive , hard hitting , artistic aptitude and infectious sound makes this Artist different from others he has a rare born printed talent. Inspired by a fusion style of Tiger/Zebra and twice the amount of lyrics, style and versatility.

He has secured a name for himself in the music fraternity in 2004 with his first single title “nuh ask mi fi Zebra mi nuh si him” and popular slags like “Scuibeah” which he created. There are major radio station that spins his songs that includes Irie Fm who rotates "sexy fi dem”, “ nuh ugly gal”, “to much a dead”, “I arrive”, “jacket”, “fashion a fashion”, and currently the fashion video has bin televised.His latest project gives "the world ask bout it " and "jah rasta fari rule " to be released shortly .

POLKADAT has also proved himself at many of the island wide shows such as “Champion in action”, “Spectrum 2k4”, “Asylum Anniversary”, “Lady Saw birthday bash 2k5”, “G T Extravaganza 2k5” etc. He has released his underground mix title Bulka Polka it combines intricate vocals and socially distrubing lyrics into one cohesive musical mind trip .

When you experience the lyrics and sound of this talented Youngman who formally calls himself “POLKADAT”. Not only anti violence he preaches responsibilities POLKADAT whose real name is David Forbes is a pass student of Manchester High, Mandeville, coming form a church choir family oriented background. Born on the fourth of June 1979 resided in the vicinity of Kingston 11. Grew up in Greater Portmore, St. Ann, St, Mary, Grants Pen.

POLKADAT has the medicine to cure any musical sickness.

Email Polkadat@gmail.com
About Mamason Born Fernado Harris in June 1985, Ocho Rios, Mamason has always have music in his blood flowing through his veins...From since the tender age of 8 years, Mamason has been giving sneak previews of his musical intellect and skills. After completing studies at Ocho Rios High, he has turn his focus into achieving a career in the entertainment industry..Now on a steady rise to fame and success Mamason has already been blessed with the oppurtunity of working with top Deejays in the business such as Ninja Man, Hero and Vybz kartel himself just to name a few. Mamason has recently linked up with Richard Killah Rich Cephus of Eclipse Inc, who manages the career of the newest female Deejay Cinnamon from St.Kitts and also owns the popular Eclipse sound in UK. This is the next step to bringing Mamason closer to breaking out and being rcognised as a international dancehall artist.
With lyrics and a flow smoother than butter, Mamason is definately the artist to look out for in 2009 and beyond.
Look out for new singles and hot collaborations from
Mamason...COMING SOON!!!!!

About Cj "D" real Dj official page Jadae, cee-jay"D"real Dj, gest was born on (November 5, 1993),He is better known by his stage name Ceejay "D" Real Dj,he was born in St Ann, jamaica. Ceejay has stared his career by singing and recording singles,in his home parish .At only 13 years of age cee-jay .He is well respected by his peers.Currently Cee-jay attends the marcus garveyl in St ann,The eight grader is full of potential and one day will be a mega star. also have is mangement selecta sub is song writer omar grant is road manger jah blacks but yard british is the first place i start dj i been to lots of stage show also a artist from the yard brtish on lacka squad the persons who i look up to is bob marley,vibes kartel,bounty killa,junior gong,dadda,mavado. on i got to say give nuff respect to fire wheel on yard british ..a sub respect any body who readThe ease and range with which 18-year-old Kimberly Lawrence, aka Princess Nakita, rings out the local hits I Am Not Afraid and It's A Pity, you could be easily fooled into thinking you were listening to a recording by Etana or Tanya Stephens. In fact, the latter heard her during a karaoke show at Ocho Rios' H2O nightclub recently and joined her for a few encores that had the crowd trying to decipher the voices.

star quality

The makings of such star quality has existed ever since the former St Hilda's High graduate belted the notes of Midnight Cry at church as a grade four student at Ewarton Primary. Though she hardly sings those gospel tunes these days, they still mean a lot to her since she gains inspiration from her mother, who was the lead singer on her church choir.

"I grew up singing in the church. In fact, if the music scene was different, gospel would be it for me. People are really moved when they hear me sing in church," explained Lawrence, who is just as adept now at deejaying and dancing.

During her sometimes traumatic teen years, music has been a guiding light for Lawrence. With a fractured relationship between her parents, a factor that saw her switching homes regularly between Linstead, Portmore and Ocho Rios, further trauma followed with the untimely death of her mom, when Kimberly was 12. This memory continues to have a strong emotional impact on her, and she admits to breaking down each time she talks about her mother.

Gaining the required break in the industry from Ocho Rios is not easy but Lawrence remains encouraged. She has since penned two songs: Wi a Cry Fi Di Poor and Mama Yuh Gaan, while she has done collaborations
with Potenkle and Tu-Cute, two rising stars from the north coast area. These ventures are being coordinated by Yard British Entertainment, for which she hopes will be released so

Brianna Colette

Ever wonder what a modern day Billie Holiday would sound like? 

Well she’s the Industry’s newest rising star Brianna Colette; while she sites Sade, Gold Frapp and Ella Fitzgerald as some of her musical influences, Brianna definitely has her own unique style which is an electric mix of Pop, Dance and Jazz Soul. Often described as a Jazzy Pop singer, her voice is soulful and melodic, her lyrics are catchy, intense and thought provoking. Listening to her music, her mission is simple...to transport the audience to a place they’ve never been.
Born and raised in Nashville TN, and later in Northern VA, now residing in Brooklyn NY, while on her rise singer/songwriter/actress Brianna Colette was asked to perform a second year at the Circle of Sisters Convention and graced the Summer Stage for “Cutting for a Cure” and was personally asked to perform in Atlantic City for the executives at the BET conference. She is also known as the character Tonya Wiggins in Grand Theft Auto (GTA 5) video game, as well as national commercials and print ads, for Kit Kat, Diet Pepsi, McDonald’s, Dark & Lovely’s newest color go Intense Spicy Red Campaign and is the Campaign's voice in Dark & Lovely’s New Au Naturale Commercials for “Curl Power” and “Anti-Shrinkage” for the third year of this #1 selling hair product. Her most recent work sites a Voice Over that she has just done with Morgan Freeman for Visa Radio and an on-camera commercial for Aetna Health Insurance. This 5’9” beauty has walked the fashion runways as French designer Ellie Kuames muse & Reality to Runway show at NYFW. After headlining her successful three week New Stars Of America “Body and Soul Tour” in Russia, Brianna was handpicked to perform with Ray Chew for A Tribute to Stevie Wonder on the WBLS Main Stage along with (Destiny’s Child) Michelle Williams & TGT (Tank, Ginuwine, & Tyrese). Brianna has graced the stages of many premiere venues like Joe’s Pub, BB King’s with Me’lisa Morgan, headlined Nema’s Boom Boom Room at Toshi’s Living Room, S.O.B’s, Drom, The Village Underground, Circle of Sisters at NY’s Jacob Javitz Center, The Bushnell Theatre in CT, & Jazziz in Boca Raton. She is featured as Vibe Vixens “Next Artist”, Amsterdam News, Signature Hits, Rolling Out, Neo Soul Sistahs, Style Wire, Crème, Enspire, WMDSF, Movement, The Daily Single, & Sesac magazines to name a few. Creating a hugh buzz in the music industry, Brianna’s videos “Too Old” and “Sad To Say” are in heavy rotation on MTV-UK and BET/international, and is at number 26 on the Deutsche music charts in Europe. Her music is featured in a Red Bull media film titled “Sugar Beat” about young women in extreme sports. Working with YMCMB’s singer/songwriter/ Josh Exantus & Swiss Beats producer Ty “Music Man” Johnson on new music for her EP, the single Glorious, now available on itunes is sure to establish her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Even with a busy schedule Brianna stillfinds the time to lend her talent and support to The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, A Piece Of My Heart, My Goal Laughs for Autism, and The Children’s Literacy Program.  

More than just a singer she is looking to make her musical mark in this new era of emerging artists.




Website: www.worrydollsmusic.com 

UK BOOKINGS: Ethan James Proctor
Ethan(at)midnightmango.co.uk 

“The brilliantly quirky duo Worry Dolls – a super-shiny beacon of joy in a dreamland far, far away from the persistently ‘regular’ sound of folk that’s flooding the charts right now” • The Huffington Post

Worry Dolls are an exciting duo born out of the joint talents of multi-instrumentalists Zoe Nicol and Rosie Jones, whose debut album Go Get Gone was released earlier this year.

Serendipity brought Zoe and Rosie together at an open mic when they were 18, whilst studying music in Liverpool. Both redheads with guitars, on their chosen path of becoming solo singer songwriters, and both falling under the spell of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. Paired by their teachers for an opportunity to have their songwriting critiqued by Paul McCartney, they were inspired to start co-writing, and could now be described as an almost telepathically linked songwriting force.

Discovering a unique chemistry and symbiotic vocal harmony with their voices, they set off together making music as Worry Dolls. It was a new sound, blending the tender urgency of Zoe’s Irish-influenced voice with the fiery integrity of Rosie’s vocals and rhythmic guitar. Zoe transferred her fingerpicking skills to ukulele, followed by Earl Scruggs-style banjo, motivated by players like Emily Robison (Dixie Chicks) and Winston Marshall (Mumford & Sons). 

The pair were drawn to London, where they spent the best part of a year sleeping on couches, obsessively co-writing and performing, and all the while developing a burgeoning cult following.  Worry Dolls harnessed this period of transition and channelled it into two EPs, with their second release “Burden” evidencing a sound that was beginning to shed its starry-eyed innocence, and give way to a more acerbic and mature artistic voice. 

After a summer of grafting on the festival circuit, they made the decision to quit their day jobs & lives in London to fly to Nashville and record their debut album. They had a strong vision for the record even before it was fully written. The most important creative anchor was to stay true to their English roots and to work with people who could elaborate what they already had. It didn’t take long for personal recommendations to pair them with producer Neilson Hubbard, a veteran of East Nashville’s music scene with an ear for successful collaborations & a strong focus on vocals. It was soon obvious that the chemistry was mutual.

In the 6 months following their album release, highlights include a raved-about main stage performance at Cambridge Folk Festival, showcases at The Great Escape and AmericanaFest UK, Festival La Truite Magique in Belgium, Jessie Weston’s catwalk at London Fashion Week, C2C Festival at The O2, BBC Introducing, plays on BBC Radio 2, praise from MOJO, BBC’s Whispering Bob Harris & Paul Sexton, opening slots and collaborations with Sam Outlaw and Mott the Hoople’s Ian Hunter and a limited edition white vinyl released on Record Store Day. Their November Headline Tour begins at The Borderline in London on November 9th. With 88 shows this year – all a testament to their talent and achievements in such a short time in 2017.

Worry Dolls’ debut album Go Get Gone is out now on all outlets via Bread and Butter Music

Anthony Scott,  who performs under the stage name DJ Phresh, is a North American open format and house music DJ, record producer, and remixer. He is known for his high energy avant-garde sets at “a-list” celebrity venues and special events.

Phresh first gained notoriety circa 2006 by holding concurrent DJ residencies DJ at venues such as nightlife legend turned Hollywood film producer / director, Danny “Danny A” Abeckaser’s invite only night club, Upstairs NY. Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss (Strategic Group / Tao Group)’s Marquee NY and Richie Akiva’s Butter and 1OAK. Phresh also maintained residency at EMM group’s Tenjune and SL venues.

He founded record label PHRESHBRANDS in 2006 and his own radio show and podcast, “Electrofied” in 2011. He has since been commissioned for major and independent label remix releases while also releasing his own debut single “Gone in a Day” featuring Chris Severe aka “Ghost Wars”.

Early Life:

Anthony Scott was born on May 6th, 1984 in the South Bronx section of New York City, USA, which is where he also came of age. Scott was inspired to become a DJ after an encounter with a childhood friend and neighborhood dj first introduced him to the art form. He went on to intern at Jay-Z and Damon Dash’s Roc-a-fella Records and work at Jam Master Jay’s Scratch DJ Academy. Shortly after he gained a residency at the legendary venue, Bowery Bar “B-Bar” located in New York City. After a short stint as a consultant for Accenture, Scott was urged by fellow instructor, mentor, and friend Disco-D to quit his job immediately and pursue his talents.


“Genre’s are a thing of the past, true expression is boundless …  I’m in search of the perfect beat.”
~ DJ Phresh

Hailing from the birthplace of turntablism and hip-hop, DJ Phresh implements the strength of his aggressive New York style and applies it to all genres of music. Being involved in hip-hop culture at a young age sparked his interest in a wide variety of other global themes.

His versatility with world music through the open format embracing of all genres is what truly sets him apart within the industry.

PHRESH also attributes his open-minded musical influences to growing up in New York City and his multicultural and social childhood. What initially started out as a release and escape from the day-to-day rigors of city life turned into a love affair that has allowed him to perform all over the world.

PHRESH’s cultured ear for music paved the path to his international success as a DJ. He’s held residencies at renowned venues in New York, Miami, the Hamptons, and Las Vegas. While earning a reputation as one of New York City and America’s most sought-after DJ talents, PHRESH continues to expand his love of music while spinning all over the world, giving club and partygoers the perfect music experience.

 

Musical Career

Resident DJ at Marquee New York City

Resident DJ at Butter New York City

Resident DJ at 1OAK New York City

Resident DJ at Avenue New York City

Resident DJ at PHD New York City

Resident DJ at Tenjune New York City

Resident DJ at SL New York City

Resident DJ at Anchor / Lazy Point

First Resident DJ at The Plaza Hotel New York


Management:
Jeremy Fraenkel - jeremy@djphresh.com
4AM - Madison Back - madison@4am.tv

Bookings:
info@djphresh.com

Nut 'n' Butter Studio is owned and operated by Michael and Rebekah Wheatley and has been open since January 2009. The concept behind the studio is to provide a warm, inviting and relaxed space to enhance creativity and capture the best from any artist. We care about every project that comes through the doors and are prepared to go the extra mile to make sure every one is happy with the finished product and the ever present budget isn't blown.
Custom built by Perfect Imperfection the studio includes 3 rooms. The control room and live room are both floating, isolated and fully airconditioned, with the band room external. All three rooms have windows for maximum visibility and are linked digitally (USB, CAT5, VGA) aswell as by traditional analog multicore with a variety of monitoring options available.
We offer 1/2 inch 16 track tape recording and or multitrack to hard drive using a Focusrite Saffire Liquid 56 interface and the award winning Cubase 5 with a massive array of plugins and soft synths. There is also the option to easily patch into our existing setup with your own laptop/computer/sound card.
We are very lucky to have an amazing collection of classic, rare and quirky array of vintage equipment, mics and instruments and fast gaining a reputation for pulling unique and expressive sounds.
On top of tracking and mixing services we can provide songwriting, production, and complete band backing for solo artists, live or programmed. We also offer singing lessons with seasoned vocal legend Rebekah Jensen (AIM, TAFE, MacDonald College).



Carlos Mélange Bio
Sneaking around your job after hours isn't a normal avenue for deejaying success. But when your career has ascended as quickly as Carlos Mélange's, there's no such thing as "normal."
When Mélange, then a 20-year old employee at a local Long Island restaurant, learned of an open deejay spot at a club the manager was opening, he jumped at the chance despite little—okay, zero—experience. "For two weeks straight, I would stay after the place closed and sneak into the DJ booth to teach myself how to mix and blend songs," admits Mélange. "I'd hide in the booth, wait for everyone to leave, and start rocking out."
While getting his first taste of the deejay life, Mélange postponed working the decks in favor of dancing, club promoting and emceeing, the latter his ticket to local fame as the go-to emcee at myriad clubs. "I knew in 2002 when I was emceeing a New Year's Eve gig in front of 3,000 people that I thought 'I want this,'" says Mélange. "I love being on stage and being able to control peoples' emotions. It was such a high and when I started deejaying, it took a hold of me and it wasn’t a question of whether I wanted it or not. It just took over."
Flash forward to 2007, when Mélange gave up all other gigs and focused on deejaying full-time. Despite being a relative newcomer, Mélange has already amassed an enviable résumé, having already rocked successful residencies at Tenjune, SL, Butter, Mixx at Borgata and Miami's Fontainebleau. In March, the fledgling deejay opened and closed for none other than Tiësto, handling the nerve-wracking gig with ease. "When I started, everyone stopped walking towards the door, ran back to the stage and started chanting 'Tiesto, Tiesto' thinking it was him," says Mélange, laughing. "But I started rocking it and kept most of the people there." The next day, the event's Facebook page was flooded with questions along the lines of "Who deejayed after Tiesto?"
With veteran deejays Vice and Chachi as mentors, Mélange's name is now mentioned among people that have been at the craft three and four times longer. For Carlos Mélange, deejaying is not sitting on top of a mountain, decreeing your tastes from on high. It's about constantly interacting with your crowd and ensuring they're as happy to hear you as you are to spin. "I love being able to go to cities and see people I've only known a few months, but feel like I've known my whole life," says Mélange.
In May 2010, Mélange released The Mélange Project: Volume 1, a 70-minute mix of electro, pop and progressive house that combines hidden gems with familiar classics. "If a deejay was spinning at a club and his computer crashed," says Mélange, "I want him to be able to put this mix on at any point and rock a crowd." Eschewing an overreliance of studio trickery and technological gimmickry, The Mélange Project replicates the deejay's enthralling live sets while still showcasing Mélange's expert ear. "I'm not a fan of hearing
a deejay's mix and then hearing him live and going, 'What the hell is that?,'" says Mélange. As one of the only deejays equally adept on a microphone as a turntable, Mélange can rightly lay claim to a skill most deejays can't even begin to garner.
With more residencies and The Mélange Project: Volume 4 in the works, Carlos Melange is only beginning his career as one of the nation's most in-demand deejays. His goal is simple: "I want to make people feel something," says Mélange. "I'm on the cusp of doing extraordinary things and I can't be more excited about life."

Dennis Ivor is following