Experiencing Mr. Vs DJ sets, original productions, or remixes is like taking a trip back in time to dance musics golden age. Before superstar DJs took over the spotlight, dance music was a cultural phenomenon that did what no other form of music could do bring people together. It didnt matter what race or sexual orientation you came from because dance music was all about embracing our differences and creating a homogeneous vibe. The music was built heavily on traditional song structures and lots of heart and soul. DJs played whatever it took to get the party going and the music was never predictable. It is with this classic spirit and enthusiasm that New York Citys Mr. V targets todays music world.
Mr. V is a throwback in the purest sense. Growing up in the 1980s the open-minded Mr. V was heavily influenced by House, Hip-Hop, Latin, Garage and Disco classics, Rhythm & Blues and Jazz. Mr. V was enamored by the role a DJ commanded over a crowd and was taken by the talents of his friend Lord G., who had a weekly Thursday night party in New York City. Despite wanting to be a professional DJ, it wasnt until he met the legendary Louie Vega that he found his calling. Louie used to have his party called Underground Network, and thats where I discovered a deeper taste for house music. I always wanted to be a DJ, but Louies type of music that whole soulful sound is what I wanted to play, says Mr. V. Louie Vega saw the drive and potential in Mr. V and hired the young Nuyorican DJ / producer as his assistant at the world famous Masters At Work label.
In this position Mr. V was given a rare glimpse into the global dance scene and before long was taking to the decks alongside his mentor. Currently, Mr. V is one of the fastest rising names on the circuit on his own as a headliner and as support for Louie Vega. Stylistically, Mr. V has a wildly eclectic sound that brings spontaneity back to the art of DJing. Sometimes I just pull stuff [out of the DJ bag] out of the blue. I like to keep people guessing. I play things that I dont think other people are playing. Its always different and depends on the vibe, he says. Mr. Vs favorite labels include Ricanstuction, Vega Records, Real Tone Records, BBE, Dope Wax, Defected and Africanism. MR V LIVE @ WMC 2007 In addition to his busy DJ schedule Mr. V has displayed his turntable talents at many popular nightclubs across the globe he is also making quite a name for himself as a producer. In 2001, along with partner Alix Alvarez, Mr. V launched his own label Sole Channel Music as a way to release music with complete control and artistic freedom. To date, he has released four singles on the label including his most famous track, Something (Wit Jazz). Mr. V has also released original productions and remixes for other labels including Vega Records (featuring the massive tracks Jus Dance and Louie Vega feat Mr. V V Gets Jazzy), Ricanstruction Label, Underground Collective Recordings, King Street Sounds, Hustle Music, City Deep Music and Large Music. 2006 is set to be a big year for Mr. V as it will see the release of his much anticipated debut album, Welcome Home. Combining his multifaceted skills as a DJ / producer / MC /remixer, and with an ear towards dance musics roots, Mr. V is a name to watch out for!
