DJ Shawn Phillips
Back in the day, Shawn learned and lived as much of the Hip Hop culture as he could (check Blaze Magazine, which mentions Shawn as being the godfather of the Salt Lake City Hip Hop and House scene). As a breakdancer, graffiti artist, and emcee, Shawn was living the culture and quickly developed an ear for the music people wanted to party to. Putting two records on the turntable and breakin’ to the sounds of early soul-influenced dance music, Hip Hop, and Techno-Funk helped Shawn develop a vibrant passion for DJ culture and the music associated with it.
Holding his own with turntable skills refined since his humble beginnings, Phillips perfected different scratching techniques and learned how to “quick mix” 50 records in 25 minutes. He also produced numerous 4-track edited “quick mix” tapes which showcased his unique style. “I remembered our mom allowed us to fix up and spray paint the basement of her house so that we could practice all night.” Shawn was so good at poppin’, lockin’, and breakin’ that he performed in numerous shows and concerts, also appearing at the Salt Palace during the halftime of a Utah Jazz game.
While living in the Bay Area, Shawn observed and replicated well-known DJs such as Cameron Paul and others, perfecting his skills and marketing strategy one step further with his own radio and club events.
Shawn then hooked up with Sam Smith (a well-known radio DJ) at Salt Lake’s KCRL 91 FM and began to expose his mixing ability and musical selection to the station’s audience. Soon thereafter, Phillips was hired to spin at “The Bay,” one of Salt Lake City’s largest nightclubs. Once behind the decks, Shawn sharpened his club skills, learning how to take control of a crowd through the music AND his own mixing ability. Through the years, Shawn continued to be responsible for the success of all of the big dance clubs in Utah. From The Bay to Jags to The Vortex to Bricks (Club Sound) and Club Axis (and many more), Shawn was the musical genius behind them all. It is also noted that Shawn was the first to break new genres of music in Utah, such as Hip Hop and House music.
In the ’90s, after working for 5 different radio stations, Phillips locked down a gig at KZHT 94.9 (now 97.1), Salt Lake City’s first dance and urban radio station (now mainstream top 40), programming Hip Hop, R&B, techno, and house mix shows for the past 15 years, personally creating, producing, and hosting one of the longest-running underground house shows in the U.S. called The Vybe, lasting through many ownership changes at the station. Shawn also produced, created, and maintained Utah’s first-ever Hip Hop commercial radio program called The Tossed Salad Show. One must note that Shawn was the first DJ to ever have a mix show in Utah on a commercial radio station.
An interesting fact is that in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Shawn was DJing live at one club while his pre-recorded mix was rocking another club, and his mix show was on the radio for 4 hours — all at the same time.
Shawn has worked with the biggest names in the industry. He has DJed for and worked with numerous artists including:
RUN DMC, SOS Band, Gap Band, Kurtis Blow, Sugarhill Gang, Roger and Zapp, Rose Royce, Boyz II Men, Chaka Khan, The Jets, Lakeside, Whodini, CeCe Peniston, Montell Jordan, Coolio, Groove Theory, PM Dawn, Monica, Naughty By Nature, The Baka Boys, Lighter Shade of Brown, Skee-Lo, Digital Underground, La Bouche, Ace of Base, The Real McCoy, Jocelyn Enriquez, U-Krew, Maxi Priest, Planet Soul, Groove Theory, Max-A-Million, Brandy, Usher, Tia Carrere, India, Joey Kidd, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mixmaster Mike, DJ Spinbad, Guru, Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, Johnny D, Todd Terry, Davidson Ospina, Brian Tappert, Erick Morillo, Moby, Funky Green Dogs, Georgie Porgie, Xavier Joshua, Maurice Joshua, Bad Boy Bill, DJ Lynnwood, Paul Johnson, Richard Humpty Vission, Ian Pooley, Roger Sanchez, DJ Spen, DJ Oji, Jose Nunez, Grant Nelson, Eddie Amador, Benji Candelario, DJ Dan, DJ Icey, Swedish Egil, Pete Heller, Armand Van Helden, Miranda, Groove Junkies, Mijangos, DJ Groove, DJ Enrie, DJ Midi-Mac, Paul Oakenfold, Tony B., DJ Sneak, Derrick May, Mark Farina, Mousse T., Doc Martin, Boris Dlugosch, Kerri Chandler, Lego, Richard F., Jesse Saunders, DJ Disciple, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Bear Who, Mike Rizzo, Juan Atkins, Juan Martinez, Mike Flores, DJ Irene, Tiësto, Frankie Bones, DJ Trajic, A-Trak, Diplo, Afrojack, Kaskade, Alex Boyé, and many, many more…
In addition to Shawn’s years of experience in the clubs and on radio, he’s also maintained close ties to the national dance music industry. Through Billboard, Dance Music Authority, and other world-renowned DJ magazines, Shawn was eventually recognized for his contributions by being named Billboard Reporting DJ of the Year at the Winter Music Conference 1999, the world’s leading dance music industry convention. Shawn was also awarded the prestigious Club DJ of the Year in 2000.
In 2000, Shawn, partner Dave Altamirano, and sister J. Love co-produced “Alright” with Los Angeles superstar DJ Richard “Humpty” Vission for Tommy Boy Records Silver Label — resulting in a Grammy nomination for Richard for this exact song.
Deejaying is about exposing the music that creates memories for that moment in time. DJs have the ability to take you back or move you forward. They have the ability to teach you and to lift you up. It is the responsibility of a DJ to expose the music that otherwise doesn’t get promoted. A DJ should make you DANCE and remember that life is worth celebrating.
Farib Alvarez
Having been involved in the Entertainment industry from an early age, Farib Alvarez is well versed in a variety of areas that range from behind the scenes to performing on stage. As a New York City native Alvarez began his dance career at the age of eight as a b-boy in the early 1980’s, battling in local arenas and street fair competitions in various crews. This early experience led to working with a few of the Dynamic Breakers to hone his skill set. Coming from the dance music/house scene, exposed to the birth of Freestyle, Alvarez eventually took his dancing experience to choreograph and star as lead dancer for a college production “Under 18 Not Admitted” dance show (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), a spin off show from the popular Dance Party USA.
After pursuing his education in Advertising/Graphic Design, Farib returned to NYC in 1991 and partnered up with JuanKato (Roc&Kato) to create the “in-house” art department for Digital Dungeon Records/Blade to the Rhythm Productions. This grew into a multi label multi distribution company that allowed him to evolve into becoming the Art Director as well as a satellite office for the Chicago based MusicPlant Group/Vinyl Soul (orig. Vibe Music). With a career that spans 25+ years, Farib combines his passion for music and dance with a talent that is evidenced in his graphic skills & marketing for various artists and labels throughout the industry including his current art direction for Todd Terry (InHouse Records) whom he’s been with since the Freeze Records days as an example of his consistency and longevity in the business.
As part of the ‘house’ music scene since the late 1980’s he has performed as a backup/stage dancer, choreographed routines for artists and dance companies, held positions in A&R, managing and advising artists, djs and remixers in the studio during production and on tour. Mastering his DJ skills with a diverse catalog that ranges from Disco Classics, House Anthems, Freestyle, Dance & New Wave/Alternative to the newest releases and remixes from legendary producers has led Farib to brand his distinctive style as Selek’d House Grüves… A musical journey of tracks selected and mixed by Farib, is a platform to share the music that inspires Alvarez to be artistic, creative, and grateful for the experience he’s had in the industry for well over 2 decades. He encourages you to take a listen and tell him what you feel when you hear the sounds presented, to contribute as well – share your passion for this thing we call ‘house music’… all the sessions are done live on an old pair of CDJ’s, no laptop, no programs or sync buttons, no crazy effects, just skills that he continues to improve on & grüves to make you move…
His artistic influence within the House community reaches well behind the dance floor and the decks as he delves into production to complete the journey started being around the pioneers of the NYC House, Freestyle and Latin house music culture.
With a current monthly residency at LeGrande NYC at the Time Hotel, he delivers his unique mix of classics with current floor shakers, having had previous residencies at Flo Lounge (Sessions/KHAOS), Selek’d Grüves Brunch at Campeón NYC, guest appearances at “I’ll House You w/ Oscar P & friends” at Bar13, Kimberly Hotel Rooftop, Sin Sin/Leopard Lounge, Adoro Lei, Studio XXI, & Mamajuana Café (Bronx), with annual ‘Shop for a Cause’ (March of Dimes) event at Macy’s Menlo Park, NJ, Farib takes his passion and talents to the next level with production on the horizon and collaborations that further solidify his foothold in the global reach of Music.
Dj Leemont – Dennis Montoya was a Utah kids with big dreams. Was introduced to music by his father. Listening to all genres like classic rock to funk. Dj Leemont became a fan of freestyle back in 1989. He connected with Gordon chin from Pomoano Fl. and Chris Domingo were he got his first freestyle records Spring love-Stevie B. Where are you tonight- Coro. Which later got really into house music. ecspecially latin house. 1995 connected with Shawn Phillips and was a guest dj on The Vybe 94.9. Getting recognized as a dj from the show entered 3 dj contest and placed 3rd each time. People asked why you never wanted #1. My answer was don’t ever want #1 because when your #1 you become a target good and bad.
Djing local clubs like shooters, Club Mila’s, Cafe Vi just to name a few. Learning the whole dj culture. Focusing on his dream. In 2003 teamed up and created Dj “C” and formed Mixxitbaby dj and is still going to this day. DJ leemont has played in front of a crowd of 14,000 people.
Has Deejayed for many old school artists from around the world. The highlights of his life are his wife & kids.
When he dj’s he plays by 3 rules
- For the love
- For the Family
- For the people
DJ MIDIMACK came into the San Francisco Club and Rave scene in the early 90’s with a reputation for keeping dance floors packed and the music Funky! He’s had several multi-year residencies in San Francisco clubs and has been heard on various radio stations throughout the US with his own mixshows as well as many many guest spots.
DJ MIDIMACK’s musical tastes are heavily influenced by having lived in such music-filled cities as Oakland, San Francisco, Chicago and New York as well as his many years of traveling.
DJ MIDIMACK continues to fill dance floors and share his passion for Funky Dance Music around the world.
DJ ANDY G – CHICAGO – LA – FREESTYLE
DJ Purple (the duke of House) has been playing House music for over 20 years. His brand of music is best described as “Organic Dance Music”: a “classy” combination of commercial hits and “hot” underground records compiled in such a way as to maintain a total club experience. He has played in a variety of locations across the USA, Europe and Asia: his hometown of Chicago IL, Salt Lake City UT, Cocoa Beach FL, London England, Lyon France and Doha Qatar.
His entry portal into House music was via the legendary Hot Mix 5 deejay crew who were a regular fixture on radio station WBMX. WGCI and college radio station WKKC were additional sources of inspiration for him and all the stations became the soundtrack of his youth.
Purple has an internet radio show, “Soul Revival”, Saturdays from 10 AM–12 Noon CST, at newagesoul.com. September 2015 marked the 9th-year anniversary & homecoming celebration due to his relocation back home to Chicago. He also hosts “Soul Revival 2.0”, Wednesday s from 2:30 – 4:00 AM CST, on WHPK, 88.5 FM and www.whpk.org/stream.
Purple has an extreme love of music. Besides House music, one can find a respectable amount of Jazz, Gospel, Blues, R&B, Classic Rock, New Wave, Funk, New Jack Swing and a host of other period pieces from the 90s, 80s and 70s in his catalog of records, cassettes and compact discs.