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Experiencing
Mr. V’s (AKA Victor Font) DJ sets, original productions, or
remixes is like taking a trip back in time to dance music’s
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 didn’t 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 City’s Mr. V targets today’s
dance music world. Mr. V is a throwback in the purest sense.
Growing up
in the 1980’s 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 wasn’t until he met the legendary
Louie Vega that he found his calling. “Louie used to have his
party called “Underground Network,” and that’s where
I discovered house music. I always wanted to be a DJ, but Louie’s
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 don’t think other people are
playing – I’ll play a house-rock record or some classic
stuff. It’s always different and depends on the vibe,”
he says. Mr. V’s favorite labels include Ricanstruction, Vega
Records, Real Tone Records, BBE, Dope Wax, Defected and Africanism.
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 & the lead single “Da
Bump”. Combining his multifaceted skills as a DJ / producer
/ remixer, and with an ear towards dance music’s roots, Mr.
V is a name to watch out for!
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