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    “I am influenced by different genres outside of house music”

     

    DJ Caveman hails from Chicago….. the house capital of the world. This veteran has been part of the Chicago club scene for years moving the crowd time and time again.

    His roots stem from early radio in the 80’s in Chicago. As a boy growing up in Little Village, Chicago, he would stare at his beat-up radio on Friday nights and listen to the historic radio station, WBMX 102.7 FM, where his love for house music grew. He was influenced by such greats as “Ralfie Rosario, Kenny Jamming Jason, Farley Jackmaster Funk, etc”. DJ Caveman started his dj career at the age of 15. He quickly learned the trade and would practice constantly. At only 17 years of age, DJ Caveman started spinning at 90.5 FM WCYC in Chicago as early as 1993 where he carved out a name for himself and became a prominent resident dj for the memorable “Friday Night Dance Party.” He quickly became a crowd favorite in the South/West side of Chicago. DJ Caveman was also an air-personality and co-hosted several shows including the “Friday Night Hot Mix Show”. He diligently spun for WCYC for over five years dominating the air waves. Quote: “I loved the fact that I played on the airwaves and felt that radio was my avenue to channel the music that was in my head dying to come out! I never took it for granted.”

    This DJ is also the winner of the 1993 Battle of the H.S. Dj’s at club Alcatrazz. He was a very versatile dj for his age in that he spun from classic house/old school to hard hitting techno/minimal to other genres. During the middle nineties, DJ Caveman began spinning at some early big events with many prominent producers/djs such as “Paul Johnson, Gene Hunt, Jesse De La Pena, Robert Armani, Lego, DJ Hyperactive, Stacey Kidd, CZR, Angel Alanis,Woody McBride, PyschoBitch, Nigel Richards, DJ Funk, Dieselboy, DJ Jess, Danny The Wildchild, DJ 3D, Mark Almaria, Bad Boy Bill, and Lester Fitzpatrick of Cajual/Relief Records, etc. (to name a few).

    During the late nineties, this dj continued to play at various loft parties, warehouse parties, prolific clubs, and various big venues around Chicago. He became a local icon. Moving the masses and always kept the crowd on their feet wanting some more. In 1998, DJ Caveman was a resident WCRX 88.1 FM “Chicago’s Underground” located in the heart of downtown Chicago where he showcased this style and skill. There, he was a resident for about 4 years and had a total of 9 years in radio under his belt. In 1996, DJ Caveman began experimenting with producing beats and his own music. He co-produced some tracks on a few labels such as Minimalistix Records in Belgium, Mama Dance/Universal Records, etc. He continues to produce in the studio and is working on upcoming projects. DJ Caveman also appeared in a cable show on CANTV spinning live in front thousands of viewers, along with a brief skit with Cajmere/Green Velvet. More and more people began to know of him. In 2008, DJ Caveman spun at the History of House Music Concert at the historic Congress Theatre grossing over 4,000 people along with legends such as Crystal Waters,Robin S, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Lego, Stacy Kidd, etc.

    In Sept. 2010, DJ Caveman spun in front of the masses at the World Famous “Millenium Park” for Viva Chicago LAtin Music Fest. He played sultry latin house and the crowd danced the night away that historic night. “Summerdance” revisited for that night at Millenium Park.

    DJ Caveman has spun at the House Sol in the heart of Pilsen for Fiesta Del Sol. He has spun at Villapoolza an amazing outdoor festival in Little Village Chicago in 2013-2014. DJ Caveman has spun at The House Music Block Party in the Southside of Chicago alongside with Paul Johnson, Czr, DJ Jes and others.

    DJ Caveman continues to play at various clubs/venues and keeps moving the crowd. What he plays can be described in two words: “HOUSE MUSIC”. Nothing but the deep, nothing but the soul. He has amassed quite a following throughout the years. Quote: “I love spinning in front a crowd and moving them!!!That is the ultimate for me. I don’t think I can ever get tired of it. It’s an indescribable feeling. I will play till I grow grey!”

    Q&A By S&S

    S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it? Two words House music. I am heavily influenced by a lot of latin jazz and samba so a lot of times I play some latin afro brazilian type of house music. It is my blood being latino. ? But I also love playing disco house, vocal soulful house, some jackin, etc. Depends what I am feeling.

    S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music? My little boombox when I was 8 years old. I would listen to WBMX radio with a bag of candy while I listened to the Hotmix 5. While other kids would play outside in the summer, I would just stare at the radio and listen to house music. I also tuned into the early 90.5 FM WCYC radio station for the Friday Night Hotmix show. I fell in love with house music at an early age.

    S&S: What drives you creatively? If it comes from your soul then all creativity comes out. I am not embarrassed to say it, but there are times I spin for myself and get emotional if I am moved deeply by some song. I become inspired and it sparks my creativity.

    S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection? That is a great question. I am careful when accepting gigs to play out. I definitely ask the promoter or event planner whether the audience is a “house crowd”. I do not play any hip hop, top 40, trap or bachata music so I try not to get stuck at a gig where the audience is not welcoming to house music. ? I have nothing against those genres but I just do not spin other genres. “Jack of all trades is a master of none at times.”

    S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working? I am influenced by different genres outside of house music. There are too many artists to name. I listen to artists like Lila Downs, Santana, Buena Vista Social Club, Sade, Erica Badu, Hector Lavoe, Fania artists, Fugees, Tito Puente, etc. I am all over the place with what I listen to.

    S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family? I have memories of growing up in the southside of Chicago, in the heart of Little Village which a predominately Mexican-American community. Little Village was my birthplace and is my roots. It was a rough neighborhood growing up but it made my appreciate the little things in life.

    S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you? I am also an “esquire” by day. But I do not really promote that side of me on social media. I try to balance both worlds.

    S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about? I at times volunteer and spin for charity events for non-profit organizations that help the community .

    S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you? Surprise me!

    S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using? Not really.

    S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with? I am excited to work with producers such as DJ Jes and Johnny Fiasco. There are some projects in the works with them and a collaboration.

    S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration? I would love to work with MAW (Masters at Work) Little Louie Vega and Kenny Dope Gonzalez. I have been deeply influenced by their work every since “Love and Happiness” with India.

    S&S: What can we look forward to next from you? Some upcoming releases finally. Some live events are various festivals in Chicago such as House Block Party , House Music Showcase, and Lakeside Boogie!