True House Stories® Youtube & Spotify Video Podcast
YOUTUBE TV EPISODE 051 - 100 - True House Stories interview podcast since 2020
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All True House Stories podcast video episodes on our YouTube TV channel
Kathy Sledge - Episode 100
Kathy Sledge joins Lenny Fontana on our Special 100th Episode (The legendary lead vocalist of Sister Sledge), which is a triumphant celebration. Watch and listen how she shares what her work life was like in the beginning of her career and the balance of family life in “The First Female Band” to ever do it, and they became a huge success. You will even hear how Kathy talks about the particulars going on in her family, with the control over the usage of the name Sister Sledge and how she was forced to stop singing the iconic songs for over 20 years. You all will know her as the lead singer of those familiar tunes such as “We Are Family”, “Thinking Of You”, “Frankie” and “Lost In Music” Now you can listen to her share her story starting from a young child to today. When Kathy hears the word “No” she thinks of what’s next and repositions herself to succeed no matter what. Kathy Sledge is the youngest and a founding member of Sister Sledge, an American vocal group which is made up of her sisters that was formed in 1971. After achieving success beginning in the late–1970s thru the mid–1980s with Sister Sledge, Kathy embarked on her solo career in 1989. Kathy Sledge has had several hits on the International Pop and Hot Dance Music Club Play Chart, including “Take Me Back To Love Again”, which hit #1 in 1992. Now get a history lesson on how “We Are Family” does not apply to family harmony.
EDX - Episode 099
Maurizio Colella talks about his life in the beginning of his career around the 1990’s as a young aspiring hip hop DJ that fell in love with Techno and American Garage House Music. He played around with music in high school and with growing up in Switzerland he was able to experience the huge DJ talent coming into play gigs in his city. This aspired him to want to make records and DJ in the night clubs helping to shape the EDX brand that would become famous later around the world. Over the past few years, EDX has made a name for himself in the international EDM scene, headlining the world’s finest clubs and festivals to crowds in excess of 60,000 – from Miami to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, São Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, Taipei, all the way to Sydney. The chart topping Switzerland-based DJ/Producer has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Axwell, Benny Benassi, Kelis, Deadmau5, Armand Van Helden, Bob Sinclar, Kool & The Gang, Kaskade, Armin Van Buuren, Steve Angello, Dubfire and many others. His remixes have been consistently featured on various DJ charts such as the DMC Buzz, Cool Cuts and Beatport and was even ranked in the TOP 3 of Beatport’s Best Progressive House Artist alongside Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz. His involvement in the music industry began at an early age, but it is his consistent work that has made EDX an exemplary success story. He launched his weekly radio show ‘No Xcuses’ on SIRIUS XM’s Electric Area Channel and spent summer 2011 holding a residency at the world’s number one nightclub – Space, Ibiza. EDX has continued his success into 2012 with the release of his debut album, ‘On The Edge’. He has spent about 2 years working tirelessly to create this 14 track magnum opus featuring some of the most incredible vocalists in the genre; including platinum selling artist Nadia Ali, Sarah McLeod, Tamra Keenan, Hadley, Sam Obernik, John Williams and Jerique. ‘On The Edge’ has already resulted in the hit single “Give It Up For Love” feat. John Williams and future anthem “This Is Your Life” with Nadia Ali. With ‘On The Edge,’ EDX’s musical vision finally came to fruition, yet he still aspires to evolve as an artist and further his already prolific career. In 2013, EDX has manifested new dimensions in his production without diminishing the strong connection to his roots. In his collaboration with Leventina for their track “The Sun,” and their remix of Helvetic Nerds’ “Blood Pressure,” EDX brought out a more clubby style that was widely supported by some of the most esteemed artists in the industry: David Guetta, Afrojack, and Avicii, among many others. In the midst of his work with Leventina, he pleased new and old fans alike by revitalizing the classic EDX progressive sound on songs such as “Sunset Miracles”(Spinnin’), “Touched”(Toolroom), and “Blessed”(Toolroom). Additionally, his most recent offering out on his own Pinkstar Records label, “Hazed,” has led him to explore sonic frontiers fit for the new age of dance music.
EDX - Episode 099
Maurizio Colella talks about his life in the beginning of his career around the 1990’s as a young aspiring hip hop DJ that fell in love with Techno and American Garage House Music. He played around with music in high school and with growing up in Switzerland he was able to experience the huge DJ talent coming into play gigs in his city. This aspired him to want to make records and DJ in the night clubs helping to shape the EDX brand that would become famous later around the world. Over the past few years, EDX has made a name for himself in the international EDM scene, headlining the world’s finest clubs and festivals to crowds in excess of 60,000 – from Miami to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, São Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, Taipei, all the way to Sydney. The chart topping Switzerland-based DJ/Producer has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Axwell, Benny Benassi, Kelis, Deadmau5, Armand Van Helden, Bob Sinclar, Kool & The Gang, Kaskade, Armin Van Buuren, Steve Angello, Dubfire and many others. His remixes have been consistently featured on various DJ charts such as the DMC Buzz, Cool Cuts and Beatport and was even ranked in the TOP 3 of Beatport’s Best Progressive House Artist alongside Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz. His involvement in the music industry began at an early age, but it is his consistent work that has made EDX an exemplary success story. He launched his weekly radio show ‘No Xcuses’ on SIRIUS XM’s Electric Area Channel and spent summer 2011 holding a residency at the world’s number one nightclub – Space, Ibiza. EDX has continued his success into 2012 with the release of his debut album, ‘On The Edge’. He has spent about 2 years working tirelessly to create this 14 track magnum opus featuring some of the most incredible vocalists in the genre; including platinum selling artist Nadia Ali, Sarah McLeod, Tamra Keenan, Hadley, Sam Obernik, John Williams and Jerique. ‘On The Edge’ has already resulted in the hit single “Give It Up For Love” feat. John Williams and future anthem “This Is Your Life” with Nadia Ali. With ‘On The Edge,’ EDX’s musical vision finally came to fruition, yet he still aspires to evolve as an artist and further his already prolific career. In 2013, EDX has manifested new dimensions in his production without diminishing the strong connection to his roots. In his collaboration with Leventina for their track “The Sun,” and their remix of Helvetic Nerds’ “Blood Pressure,” EDX brought out a more clubby style that was widely supported by some of the most esteemed artists in the industry: David Guetta, Afrojack, and Avicii, among many others. In the midst of his work with Leventina, he pleased new and old fans alike by revitalizing the classic EDX progressive sound on songs such as “Sunset Miracles”(Spinnin’), “Touched”(Toolroom), and “Blessed”(Toolroom). Additionally, his most recent offering out on his own Pinkstar Records label, “Hazed,” has led him to explore sonic frontiers fit for the new age of dance music.
Mr. C - Episode 098
The original OG of Holloway Road in London Richard West shares his life from the beginning. West was born in London in 1965. He started MCing in the London clubs aged 16 and earned a reputation as a fast-talking, vivacious rapper working with LWR radio’s Ron Tom, Jasper the Vinyl Junkie and Jazzy M. He joined with Colin Faver and Evil Eddie Richards to become resident rapper at Camden Palace. Mr C recorded his first house track with Eddie Richards as Myster-E, “Page 67”, which was released in August 1987. This inspired West to become a DJ in late 1987. He has since organized, promoted and been resident DJ at: Fantasy (1988), Base (Dungeons 1989), Release (1991), Harmony (1992), Drop (1993), Cyclone (1994), Vapourspace (1994 and 1995), Flavour (The End, 1995 and 1996), Subterrain (The End, 1995–2002), Superfreq (worldwide 2002–present) and Super Disco Freq (LA, 2010–present).
Jim Shaft Ryan - Episode 097
Jim Shaft Ryan begins his journey from school learning how to play the Bass Guitar, the same Bass Guitar Paul McCartney played. Jim and his brother Michael start a band and the dream was to become Rock Stars. As chance would have it they begin to start to sell clothing in their own Boutique Shop in Birmingham. While involved in the fashion side of the business early on, they are approached by promoters who are selling tickets for Rave Events. The Ryan brothers start selling tickets to these huge events which spark the idea for them to begin putting events on as well. Learn how Jim begins with his Dj Career and how The Chuff Chuff brand is born in the mid 1980’s.
Erique Dial - Episode 096
In 1988 Erique Dial aka E-RAZE played keyboards & made the samples on what may be considered his most successful work, RAZE “BREAK 4 LOVE” a single which sold 3 Million units world wide Re released 5 times by Champion Records between 1988-1994 breaking Top 30 each time. He comes from a very well educated background of musicians from the likes of Parliament and Vaughn Mason. Erique Produced & co wrote RAZE’s “All 4 Love” the final RAZE single in 1990 fea. Lady J & The SEC which went straight in at 28 on the National Chart. Erique Produced & co wrote “Let It Move U” under the name ESTB fea. MC Principal on the Famous Rap Hits Compilation, ZYX Records, Germany which featured LL Cool J, MC Hammer & SNAP moving 500,000 units. Listen to him share his story right here on True House Stories.
Fish Go Deep - Episode 095
Fish Go Deep are Irish house dons Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson. As DJs, the pair have been spinning records together since the late eighties, holding down a residency at “Sweat” in Cork for over a decade until November 2001. These days you can catch them at their weekly Go Deep residency in Cork in between guest slots at club nights in mainland Europe, South Africa and North America. As Fish Go Deep, their productions have been released on Defected, Innervisions, Brique Rouge and Gourmet as well as their own imprints Ork and Go Deep. In 2006 they had their biggest record to date, ‘The Cure and the Cause’, a collaboration with vocalist / lyricist Tracey K which was licensed to UK house stable imprint Defected Records.
Tom Silverman | Tommy Boy Entertainment - Episode 094
In this episode on True House Stories, watch Tom Silverman share his humble beginnings from his time at college to becoming The Musical Director of the radio station up in Maine and making his way down back to New York City to collect all the promos from the record labels. When he graduated from school with his degree, he tried to land a job in his trained profession but destiny had another road for him. Here he talks about starting Dance Music Report with a $5,000.00 loan and learning his way through the disco business and as well helping to shape the next parts of the music business through his column.
Bobby & Steve - Episode 093
Acclaimed DJs, pioneering promoters, long running radio presenters, record producers and business partners in the iconic Groove Odyssey brand, Bobby & Steve have reached legendary status in the soulful house and disco scene. Marking 34 years in the industry in 2019, the duo is also celebrating 10 years of their brand Groove Odyssey with partner Michael Hughes. With a residency at the world-renowned Ministry of Sound and Groove Odyssey hosting the main stage at the mighty 51st State Festival as well as their 3rd year of the GO Ibiza weekender and further dates being announced, this is set to be a remarkable year for Groove Odyssey. In addition to this, their eagerly anticipated debut artist album will be released at the end of 2019, and includes collaborations from Leroy Burgess, Duane Harden and Barbara Tucker amongst others. And with their long running prime time show ‘Groove Odyssey Sessions’ on HouseFM.net, Bobby & Steve are in demand now more than ever. In 2016 the connoisseurs of house were honored to be invited as the first international guests to play at the Chosen Few festival in Chicago, where they were presented with a lifetime achievement award in front of 40,000 house heads. On this momentous event they were quoted as saying “to play and receive that award in Chicago where House music began, was truly an overwhelming spiritual experience”. Pioneers of soulful house since 1984, the inimitable twins Robert and Stephen Laviniere were born and bred in London’s East End. They started their career at a time when the landscape of London’s nightlife was changing forever, and the rare groove movement was on the cusp of explosion. The boys were instrumental figures in the eighties warehouse party scene, playing their favorite soul, funk and disco music alongside fellow stalwart DJ’s such as Norman Jay, Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, Jazzy B and Trevor Nelson. In 1985 Gordon Mac’s (then pirate) radio station Kiss FM launched. A mouthpiece for the scene, Mac approached the twins, offering them a weekly slot and for over ten years their trailblazing Zoo Experience show was the stations longest running specialist show. Broadcast each and every Friday night between the hours of 10.00 pm and 12.00 am, it was a hotbed of exclusive tracks and remixes. Not only did their show give many of today’s most recognized DJ’s and labels their first opportunity to be heard on the UK’s airwaves, in turn it allowed their faithful listeners the opportunity to hear new releases from significant UK and American labels, DJ’s and producers. Alongside their radio show, the twins began their, now somewhat legendary, Klub Zoo night, originating at Munkberry’s and later at the Soho Theatre. Famed for its mix of classic soul, disco and rare grooves, devoted followers would flock to the club each week to hear their favourite Salsoul, Prelude or Philadelphia International tracks. However, a trip to New York at the tail end of the eighties marked a major turning point in the futures of Bobby & Steve.
Vocal Booth Weekender - Episode 092
In October 2022 DJ Andy Ward organized a gathering called Vocal Booth Weekender. Andy had asked if I would come and have a discussion panel at his event. We lined up some of house music’s top talent. Each one of these guys on the panel are giants in their own right. We all spoke in front in of a live audience. Dj / Photographer Colin Williams recorded the discussion and now we are blessed to present it to you on True House Stories. The panel of luminaries are as follows Victor Simonelli, Maurice Joshua, Eric Kupper and Sunlight Square.
DJ Boris - Episode 091
DJ Boris NYC.. It’s all about the music. New York stalwart and beloved DJ, Boris, lives by that statement each and every day. He is a man wearing many hats; one as a touring DJ, another as a producer dynamo and lastly as a label boss of Transmit Recordings. A career forged over decades of long nights in the Big Apple’s most revered rooms. From the infamous Roxy to Crobar to the once dominating Pacha NY on 46th Street, Boris maintained a following so devout, so loyal they were truly ‘Believers’. Pioneering a music movement in a city filled with those who have so little time to pay attention, Boris has been a production powerhouse when not performing for the masses. He’s been tapped by industry leaders such as Carl Cox for his label Intec, Dubfire for his label Sci-Tec, Paco Osuna and his Mindshake records, amongst countless others.
Crazy P - Episode 090
Todd and Baron formed the band after meeting at the Nottingham University. The band’s sound incorporates soul music, disco and house music. By 2002 the band expanded to include bassist Tim Davies, percussionist Mav Kendricks, and vocalist Danielle Moore. Todd explained the origin of the band name: “A flat mate of mine had a record called ‘loco pinga’ which roughly translates to Crazy Penis, we were going to call ourselves loco pinga but once we told people that, they liked crazy penis better for the shock value.” They were signed by Manchester label Paper Recordings and have since released six albums and several singles, starting with “Digging Deeper” in 1996. They built up a strong fanbase in Australia where they have toured several times.
Colin Hudd - Episode 089
He began his DJ career in the early 1970s, playing soul music, with residencies at the likes of The Monica, Wings, Goldmine & Flicks. It was at Flicks where he started playing house music. He then became resident DJ at Spectrum, and it was his success there alongside Paul Oakenfold that led to him becoming one of the tour DJs for U2. Listen to him share his humble beginnings.
Benny Soto - Episode 088
For Benny Soto, it began, as it has for many New York club land veterans, with a visit to 84 King Street in downtown Manhattan. He says, “I had already been going out, but the first clubbing experience that really mattered was the Paradise Garage…just walking in there, it looked different, it sounded different, it felt different. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was home.” For Soto, then a poor kid from the South Bronx, the Garage opened up a whole new world. It was through the club that he met, and befriended, the late Keith Haring, eventually serving as the iconic artist’s studio assistant. It also expanded his aural horizons: “Because of the way that Larry Levan played,” Soto says, “I became more musically open-minded.” But perhaps importantly, the Garage provided an avenue for escape. “Back then, I didn’t have much joy in my life,” he admits, ‘Clubbing gave me a way to get away. Places like the Garage, though they were primarily gay, were so inclusive; it didn’t really matter who you were, what mattered was the freedom that you could find there.” And that feeling—that passion for freedom, both musically and personally—would set Soto on a path that has led to a lifetime in club land. He had no idea that it would also lead to a career, but even in those early days, he recalls, “I was very curious. If I was at a club, I would be checking out the sound and looking at the lights, trying to see how it all comes together -it was like a Broadway show, except the show was the crowd itself.” Eventually he secured a gig doing odd jobs at another iconic address, 6 Hubert Street, only blocks away from the Garage. The spot had once housed Area and Club Shelter; during Soto’s time there, it was Vinyl, home to the iconic Body & Soul. It was Body & Soul resident Danny Krivit who convinced Soto to take the next step. “He said to me, ‘I think you should be a promoter. People like you, and you have great energy. You’d be good at it.’ Of course,” Soto adds, “I had no idea what ‘being a promoter’ even meant!” Listen to him tell you what he learned and how you should be..
Dr Packer - Episode 087
Dr Packer is an alias of West Australian DJ/Producer ‘Greg Packer’ set up for Remixes & Edits of mainly retro music such as 70’s , 80’s , 90’s Soul , Disco , Funk , Hip Hop & Reggae , Greg although known more for ‘Liquid Drum & Bass’ regularly plays sets of ‘Old School Funk , Disco , Hip Hop Etc’ purchasing his first record in 1982 at the age of 10 ‘Grandmaster Flash – The Message’ whilst still living in the UK (Northampton England) greg grew up listening to his mothers disco records (had no choice really) as a child in the 70’s it wasn’t uncommon to hear music such as ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’ or ‘And The Beat Goes On’ played in the house so the disco thing really was his first introduction to music , records became his life and has collected approx 25,000 over the years… Shortly after whilst still living in the UK greg was exposed to a record label called ‘Street Sounds’ ran by ‘Morgan Khan’ he began collecting the ‘Electro Series’ and ‘Street Sounds Series’ and a regular follower of ‘Mike Allen’s – Capitol Radio’ show in London , he was a full blown ‘B-Boy’ and Hip Hop Junkie , he even won a breakdancing competition in ‘Lowestoft England’ back in 1985 Moving on to the 90’s shortly after emigrating to ‘Perth Western Australia’ greg purchased his first pair of decks in 1989 making this year his 28th year behind the decks , in 1991 he won the WA DMC’s and defended the title in 1992 but by this time greg preferred Club Dj-ing and longer sets rather than a 5 minute scratch battle routine… Greg then moved onto ‘Jungle & Drum & Bass’ music in the early 90s and often regarded as a pioneer of that sound in Australia winning many awards and went semi global touring (UK , Europe , Asia , New Zealand & Australia) several times playing alongside heavyweights such as ‘LTJ Bukem & Carl Cox’ to name a few… In 1998 Greg took up production and set up his own studio running his own label ‘Interphase Music’ He produced over 100 tracks & remixes under the name ‘Greg Packer’ and was signed to many other labels in the UK & USA including LTJ Bukem’s’Good Looking Records’
Harry Romero - Episode 086
Harry Romero, better known as Harry “Choo Choo” Romero of Columbian decent, is a true American DJ, Record Producer and label owner of Bambossa Recordings . Harry Romero is linked with the label Subliminal with the late Erick Morillo and Jose Nuñez, with whom he also produced and remixed several tracks, as ‘Constipated Monkeys’, ‘The Dronez’ or ‘Ministers De La Funk’. Listen to him talk about his humble beginnings in New Jersey on Part 1 of True House Stories.
Man Parrish - Episode 085
Man Parrish talks about his early beginnings from being an adopted kid living in Brooklyn to beginning to find his way into music. Parrish is a native New Yorker] of Italian descent. He attended the High School for the Performing Arts and the Academy for Dramatic Arts (NYC) as a teenager. He moonlighted as a non singing, onstage “extra” role in several operas at the Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan. Parrish left home at the age of 14 and was a member of the extended family that converged nightly at Studio 54, Anvil and other night spots around NYC. His nickname, Man, first appeared in Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. Andy Warhol gave him the name “Man”. His early live shows at Bronx hip-hop clubs were spectacles of lights, glitter, and pyrotechnics, which drew as much from the Warhol mystique as the Cold Crush Brothers.
DJ Meme - Episode 084
Dj Meme who real name is Marcello Mansur born and raised in Rio de Janeiro Brazil began to DJ at age 11 and started remixing in 1986. He began his journey working at a Radio Station editing commercials and adding the music to the station. He somehow was able to persuade the Brazilian Record labels to try him out for a remix. Well, the rest was history his remix was added on every station in Brazil and from there overnight DJ Meme was household name in the Brazilian Dance Pop Market. He speaks about his production style and how he began from Disco to beyond.
Joe Causi - Episode 083
“Brooklyn’s Own” Joe Causi is among New York’s legendary disc jockeys. He has been a staple in New York radio since the late 1970’s. Raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Causi can truly claim to be one of ‘Brooklyn’s Own. ‘ He takes what his hometown has given him from the street and shares it with his radio audience. Come listen to how it all began for him on Disco 92 WKTU FM and the birth of disco. He is currently on the air on New York Radio in WCBS Fm 101.1 He will give you the ins and outs of what it takes to make it.
Joe Smooth - Episode 082
Joe Smooth was a self-taught musician and started creating original music at the age of 12. During his teenage years, he began to make a name for himself as a DJ in the underground Chicago House Music scene. He is credited as essential to the creation of house music as a genre and the revival of the culture surrounding it. During his 20s he became an essential DJ for any viable club in Chicago. Smooth gained international acclaim with the release of his late 1980s tracks “Promise LAnd” (featuring Anthony Thomas), “They Want to be Free,” and “I Try.” He is best known for “Promised Land,” which spoke of how humans, as brothers and sisters, should unite in love and thrive in paradise. Joe Smooth’s song has been covered several times and is still played today. Originally released in 1987, it peaked at No. 56 in the UK singles Chart in February 1989, following the Top 40 success of a cover version by The Style Council. An album of the same title became available in 1988, and a music video was produced for the single. A follow-up album, Rejoice, was released in 1990, which featured the hit single “They Want to be Free.”
Dave Beer - Episode 081
The man behind the iconic brand Back 2 Basics speaks about his life from quitting high school and becoming a roadie. Come listen to one of the greatest promoters from the 1990s golden era of house music lay it all out on his rise to fame and being part of the New York City Club scene. His vision was to take a part of the New York Club scene and import into the UK and he did it and very well at that. Beer’s obsession with the punk-music scene saw him become a groupie, hitching up with punk band The Clash. As a keen Photographer, he captured many exclusive shots of the bands he followed incorporating them into art projects at college. His persistence on the tour circuit led to his first proper role as a roadie and later as tour manager for bands including That Petrol Emotion, The Ramones, Ghost Dance, The Utah Saints, and The Sisters of Mercy who he lived with at the time. During a spell with Stourbridge noisemeisters, Pop Will Eat Itself, Beer found himself working on the 1987 Def Jam Records tour that included Public Enemy, Ll Cool J and Run – D.M.C., but life as a tour manager would soon takes its toll.
Mike Dunn - Episode 080
Chicago house music legend Mike Dunn, has been DJing and producing music for over twenty years. Hailing from Englewood, Chicago, Mike started out DJing at the local block parties that took place playing disco, funk, soul and prototype Chicago house tracks. “I was one of the first cats bringing two reel-to-reels and spinning with them at the parties. I was bringing out two Pioneer 707s, doing the Hummingbird, Jacks, The Courtyard, etc. I’d bring a drum machine, too. I would make tracks right then as the party was going. Way before my guys Daft Punk and all of them were doing live gigs, I was doing that at the basement parties – just bringing drum machines and doing everything live.
Ken Walker aka Ken@Work - Episode 079
Ken@Work is the alias of Melbourne DJ & Producer Ken Walker. Ken shares with us his beginnings from starting in grade school as a disco DJ. His first chance of playing music for a crowd was when his school had a dance and he was put to the task to spin the music. He finds a nitch with a South African DJ living in Melbourne that had all the new promos from USA. This is how he figures out what direction of music he is going to play and how to mix it. He then is working as a stage hand on the live circuit around Australia and this is the first taste where he works with bands from USA, and Europe.
Nicky Siano - Episode 078
In 1971, at the tender age of 16, Nicky Siano getst his first DJing gig at The Roundtable in New York City. In February 1973, he opened The Gallery in Downtown Manhattan with his older brother Joe Siano. New Yorker Magazine called it “one of the five most visually breathtaking nightspots of its time”. The Gallery was, alongside Macuso’s Loft and The Paradise Garage, one of the three most important clubs in New York’s 1970’s underground disco scene. Both Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles worked there before they both started there DJ careers. Knuckles had said in other interviews that he and Levan “spent a lot of the time hanging out in the booth, watching Nicky’s every move. He pretty much taught us what we were doing.” Nicky in this part shares with us his family life and what happened to him during his adolescent years that changed his life forever.
Steve Raine - Episode 077
Steve Raine vowed from day one that Hard Times would bring the USA’s underground House elite over to the UK at a time when they were still honing their skills in their homeland. He came up with the plan around the pool in Miami at WMC in 1992. It was this introduction of what we all now recognize as ‘House Music’s legends’ that lit the Hard Times fire that still burns. Steve is back again with new plans, new parties, new music releases. Watch out there is no stopping him now.
Jon Mancini - Episode 076
Jon Mancini is Scotland’s most well-known house DJ. He was the key to the successful Street rave parties at the Ayr Pavilion back in the early 90’s. He then moved on to the short lived but legendary Kitsch club nights. He now resides at the Arches for all the Colours events. He has played alongside every name DJ that the UK has to offer & has featured on Pete Tongs Essential Selection with a few guest mixes. Jon hosted the Colours Mix on Friday nights for 3 years on Radio Clyde, and is, in our opinion the best dance radio presenter in Scotland.
Mark Farina - Episode 075
Mark Farina born in Chicago, Illinois, USA is an American disc jockey and musician, known for Chicago House Music, Acid Jazz and Downtempo works. His notable releases include “Mood” (KMS Records, 1989) and the Mushroom Jazz series (OM Records, 1996–2011), and is also known from the house compilations EL Divino. He is primarily identified with the House Music scene based in San Francisco, California. He starts out in High School learning the craft of how to DJ. Eventually gets his hands on a pair of Technics Turntables and he begins to start to work at a club in Arizona while at college.
JaBig - Episode 074
JaBig shares with us his life as a young man in Africa and making the transition of moving to Canada. His DJ career begins with teenage dances and two stereos. He teaches himself the art of blending vinyl, CD’s and cassettes. The most important part in the beginning of his music journey was the selection of music. He always wanted to have all the right music that would make the people happy. This he feels is his strongest asset as to why people love his mixes on Youtube. He so well loved on the internet come listen to why he has made it.
Chad Jackson - Episode 073
Chad Jackson sits with Lenny Fontana and discusses in this episode how he started his life in the music with piano lessons. He also was dancing a lot at all the big events in the northern scene. He begins his music career as a record collector and following the dj’s. He befriends Manchester DJ Greg Wilson and the rest is history.
Kayper - Episode 072
Kayper sits with us on True House Stories and explains how she became a DJ from being a drummer. She gets her humble beginnings from her brother purchasing two Technics 1200 and just learning on her own. She even explains how her name Kayper came to be from her school days. She gets a call from a friend who was promoting a student night at Ministry Of Sound and her big break and she is then offered a residency at the club. One thing leads to another and against all odds she goes against her family to pursue a DJ Career in the UK.
Crystal Waters - Episode 071
Crystal Waters a true icon in house music speaks about her humble beginnings from a young child and being exposed to some of the greatest musicians because of her dad who was a famous jazz musician. She toured with her dad as a young artist and was able to get an education of what it is like to be an artist. As she finished college she takes a job with the State, at the Parole Board. Hungering to write music she hooks up with a keyboard player and they begin to start writing demos on a 4-track recorder. She then proceeds to go to a music conference in her hometown and is attracted to the Basement Boys because of their leather jackets that they were sporting at the time. She hands them her cassette demo and the rest is history. “Gypsy Woman” is created and a deal is signed. Crystal shares with us how her life changed from that moment the single dropped and became a huge pop hit.
Johnny D De Mairo - Episode 070
Johnny D De Mairo in part 1 speaks about his start from his older sister introducing him to disco music and then in 1979 walking into a roller rink and hearing this music as well at the teen disco. At that moment he knew his life changed and wanted to be part of this music thing. He finds Disco and it becomes everything. His young professional career starts as a mobile DJ and it so happens that he asked to DJ at a Sweet 16 for the sister of DJ Danny Cole. That is the big door opener to his first night club Plaza Suite in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. He begins as Danny’s Light man. One night Danny steps away from the booth at 12am and gives Johnny his first professional break spinning at the club for two hours and everything from that moment changes instantly.
Ray Pinky Velazquez - Episode 069
Ray Pinky Velazquez gets his start from his father being the manager of an equipment famous Electric Shop called Leonard’s Electrics back in the 1970s. The owner of the Brazilian Disco called Ipanema spoke to Ray’s dad and Ray’s father advised the owner to try his son out for the DJ position. Well to say the least Ray went to the tryout and the rest is history. Come listen to this legendary Disco DJ tell it all.
Rowetta - Special Episode 007
Rowetta who is considered true musical royalty in our music business. Against all the odds of growing up rough, she pursues a musical career. Her adult life begins very young being married at age 16 and having two kids before she is 18. She tells it all from being a battered young wife to the front lead singer of the Happy Mondays. A very special Sunday Edition and a must watch for women to see that against it all you can overcome any obstacles with faith and hard work.
Jens Lissat - Episode 068
Jens Lissat explains his young life as a child in Hamburg Germany. His mom was a DJ who played at a afternoon tea dance with one Gramophone. His older sister has a huge influence on him and since she was seven years older she was already up on the new sounds of disco. She was bringing home new music that he was listening to and Jens personally was more into Glam Rock. His sister takes him to a new club and he sees an American DJ for the first time from New York at the Trinity Club…
Ron Carroll - Episode 067
Ron Carroll joins us on True House Stories for a special tell all no holds bar deep interview. He is a true Chicago native and a huge contributor to the house music scene. His humble beginnings start with school dances and throwing house basement parties. He even creates a house basement party that becomes huge in the South Side of Chicago where he was inviting guests DJ’s such as Lil Louis and Gene Hunt. Ron was destined from day one for success and you will learn how he makes it become his destiny.
Darryl Payne - Episode 066
Darryl Payne with his six decades of music tells it all right from his start in 1976 and helps tell a story how he battled the beast of the music industry. A true David and Goliath story in the real life. He began his career working for the discos in New York as a promoter and with his experience as a drummer he started to go into the studio and create demos in the beginning of the disco era. Come listen to him lift the hood and tell it all.
Pedro Mondesir - Episode 065
Pedro Mondesir the promoter behind the successful brands of Garage 416 and Break 4 Love shares with his life before being a club promoter. His humble beginnings are influenced by his older brothers and his parents music selection. In the late 1980s he is invited to a few parties and the life long career would begin because of the first moments of experience clubland and loving it.
Eric Martin | Technotronic - Episode 064
Eric Martin one of the co-founders of Technotronic shares with us in this episode what life in the UK was like in the 1980’s and 90’s. He speaks candid about surviving on the streets of London and his quest to make a better life for himself through music. He would spend countless early mornings talking to bouncers, DJ’s and dancers coming out of the night clubs to learn about the music business and how to work in nightlife. He hooked up with DJ Jaffa who gives him a helping hand to getting one of his first deals done that starts to get him in the musical production direction. He explains about the sampling issues and the problems that arose in the beginning and working with the early midi studio technology. Eric explains the theory of how hip hop runs in parallel with early house music.
Freddy Bastone - Episode 063
Freddy Bastone in part 1 shares his beginning from playing a flying V Guitar and the true admiration of rock music and sharing the appreciation of all types music with his mom and dad. His DJ career begins back in 1979 with his first vinyl purchase of Herb Albert’s “Rise” and he begins to play at parties and the move to clubs starts to takes off from there. He also shares how his job at Danceteria begins. This is a true NYC story.
Jazzy M - Episode 062
Jazzy M the DJ, Record Label Owner and Record Shop retailer shares his history from the beginning of hearing the neighborhood DJ at his local wine bar to making his way as a dancer on the floor. His next steps are making his way to working at the shop and making his way to pirate radio. He gained a huge following due to pirate radio and breaking all the new house music that was just beginning.
Tim Lawrence - Episode 061
Tim Lawrence the writer, DJ, professor and journalist sits with True House Stories and explains when his path crossed with house music and how he found the soundtrack that would change his life forever during The Summer of Love in 1988. The Hacienda was the first club he ventured too and loved the pulsating sounds coming from the speakers and from that point he was hooked. His journey takes him to University in London and finds out about this party at The Gardening Club with DJ Chris Rhythm Doctor playing New York Style House Music all night. As he is working towards his degree in journalism, he loses his mother and father within months apart but dancing to house would be the pseudo healer. As he is finding his way through House Music and learning more and more about the players behind it.
Danny Tenaglia - Special Episode 006
Danny Tenaglia starts his beginnings in Williamsburg Brooklyn listening to Motown, Rock and Philly International sounds that was being played on the radio during that era. Born in the 1960’s and one of the younger of his siblings he lived through the musical changes of the1970s…
Nick Halkes - Episode 059
Nick Halkes, if anyone has the luck of the Irish or just making the right decisions, this man made his way from listening to disco music as a teen to becoming such an important part of the music industry. Listen to him explain how his phone call to WBLS changes it all.
Mousse T. - Episode 058
Mousse T, the super German Dance Music producer, talks about his beginnings in music from learning to play the organ as well to being inspired by Donna Summer and Giorgio Morder’s “I Feel Love” which was a totally new electronic sound in the late 1970’s. Mousse T shares what family life was like growing up and his father dreams that he had planned for him. Mousse T makes a huge decision to proceed forward with the music career and because of his choice he is rewarded with huge success.
Bob Blank - Episode 057
Bob Blank, known as the producer, musician, engineer and owner of Blank Tapes Studios NYC, talks about his humble beginnings working his way up from being a full-fledged engineer working for other studio owners around New York City and as well-being a session guitarist. He is pushed into a situation where he needed to fill a void and decided to open up his own studio at 22 years old and called it Blank Tapes Studios purchasing a Fairchild Console which he had to build and repair. His first initial work is with New York City Charanga Bands recording Salsa and as he starts to get his experience working with all these bands as he gets a chance to start to work on Disco Music.
Kym Mazelle - Episode 056
Kym Mazelle shares with the viewers on True House Stories her humble beginnings that start as a young girl from Gary, Indiana. The same place as Michael Jackson and the The Jackson 5 lived and started their careers as well. We find out that she grew up on the same street where Steeltown Records had the recording studio and rehearsal space. So, she witnessed The Jackson 5 going from a band she saw thru the window of the studio and watch them transform to a hit sensation on The Ed Sullivan Show. As she grows up, she pursues all avenues of the music industry taking on internships and working for very prominent people in the music business. She also did tour management in the beginning for Loleatta Holloway and DJ International Records. Kym shares with us how her recording career began. Listen to her as she has a wealth of knowledge that is priceless.
Felipe Rose | Village People - Episode 055
Felipe Rose the native from the original Village People sits with us and shares his humble beginnings on how the music found him. His father is from the original Indian tribes of South Dakota and his mother is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent. With that mix caused fire and Felipe was born. His mother grew up in New York City and was involved in modeling, dancing and singing in the New York City Scene. Her background as a musician was influenced by Salsa and Jazz. His mother would host party’s week to her at her home and musicians such as Mongo Santermaria and other Salsa greats would be there as well. Growing up in Brooklyn, Felipe would soon as he became old enough start to dance and sing in night clubs. He is discovered by producer Jacques Morali from Can’t Stop Productions who also managed to help create The Ritchie Family.
DJ Paulette - Episode 054
Mark Riley is an American journalist, come watch and listen on how he shares with us his humble beginnings finding a whole new life in the New York City night club scene from the very early days as a young man. He explains in this episode his day-to-day responsibilities as a radio journalist at WLIB. Mark is introduced to David Mancuso’s The Loft from fellow close friends and from there his whole musical life changed. The way he heard music and experienced it would never be the same. He became lifelong friends with many that frequented the same clubs he did. At The Loft he meets another young DJ that changes the scene forever Larry Levan. Listening and watching Mark explain everything is like a who’s who, and history lesson all wrapped up in one.
Alison Limerick - Episode 053
Alison Limerick known for being very honest, totally open and with her extremely dry sense of humor makes this show so incredible. Hear about how Covid has affected Alison and the potential effects this pandemic could have on Alison’s vocal talent. Alison Limerick was born into a live music family and jazz was the mainstay! The love of contemporary music all begins with the purchase of the first 7 inch of The Jacksons with the song “ABC” Alison, as a young child, attended dance class that she used that opportunity to sing while dancing for London Contemporary Ballet. Alison learned by herself how to train her voice by watching others around her to reach her full musical potential.
Mark Riley - Episode 052
Mark Riley is an American journalist, come watch and listen on how he shares with us his humble beginnings finding a whole new life in the New York City night club scene from the very early days as a young man. He explains in this episode his day-to-day responsibilities as a radio journalist at WLIB. Mark is introduced to David Mancuso’s The Loft from fellow close friends and from there his whole musical life changed. The way he heard music and experienced it would never be the same. He became lifelong friends with many that frequented the same clubs he did. At The Loft he meets another young DJ that changes the scene forever Larry Levan. Listening and watching Mark explain everything is like a who’s who, and history lesson all wrapped up in one.
Maurice Joshua - Episode 051
Grammy Award Winner for best remixer sits down about his life in the music industry. Starting from learning how to play Woodwind Instruments during his school days to becoming a Club DJ and forming a partnership with Hula Mahone. He takes us on his journey from the start of producing records for Trax Records Chicago, to writing his first huge hit called “This Is Acid” under the artist name Maurice. Touring the USA as a successful recording artist and the world for three solid years. He comes back to Chicago and begins his remix career under ID Records and Steve Silk Hurley. Listen to him share the success of what it took to become that sought out Remixer / Producer.
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In these interviews, the guests talk about topics that they have never been discussed before.