Gelly Kusuma and Mikey Velazquez are EASILY INFLUENCED.
Together, Mikey and Gelly both launched the self-coined "HAWT Movement" in February of 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Best friends united by their relentless passion for music, they set out to change the way that people looked at house music, parties, and just having fun in general. "At first we just wanted to start a record label in order to showcase our own music, meanwhile having the opportunity to sign our favorite artists that we admire", says Mikey. "Along with that came the party, and that's what really put us on the map and opened up doors to gradually build relationships that will forever change our lives".
In May of 2006, HAWT Afterhours was born. On every 1st and 3rd Friday since the inception, HAWT's underground parties have not only showcased the DJ talent of various quality acts from all over the world, such as Inland Knights, Justin Long, Johnny Fiasco and many more, but they have also displayed the talent of so many of the great DJ's in the local scene. "We always looked back to the beginnning, before we ever had a gig and knew that this was an important step, something that people needed and appreciated", says Gelly. "Overall, the main focus has always been on bringing back that old school house vibe at parties, bringing friends together with music, and just breaking boundaries and having FUN", according to Mikey. HAWT also stands for "Having A Wonderful Time", and they have done just that with the help of Eddie Barajas, Mike Magana, and many more along the way.
Keep an eye out for original music and remixes by EASILY INFLUENCED, which has been getting played by many world class acts such as Derrick Carter, Justin Long, Phil Weeks, DJ Mes, Natural Rhythm, Ricardo Rae, etc. "We think our versatility will surprise people. We really do love it all, and that will become evident in our music the longer and longer we do this", said Gelly. He continues, "we want our style to basically be versatility, and never want to hold anything back. If we're feeling something, whatever sound or style that may be, we make it."
Their first release "DAMN B!" came out in November 2007 on ROBSOUL Ltd., Phil Weeks' respected label out of Paris, France. Also lookout for the first HAWT MUSIC release soon which features their original "ROCKIT", along with remixes by Derrick Carter, Joshua Heath, and Thomas White of Natural Rhythm. They also did a remix for Inland Knights' "SOUNDSYSTEM" which will drop on FUNKFIELD RECORDINGS in February 2008. "We've also got some other things in the works that we can't really talk about yet", says Velazquez. "We are both very excited and are looking forward to this year, and making it great in 2008", Kusuma says smiling.
EASILY INFLUENCED will be at Miami's Winter Music Conference in March, so keep an eye out for their HAWT party and other gigs as well.
Grant Nelson (Swing City) "Favourite track-Funk Mediterraneo - Airplane (Original Mix), Badness!" Giom "Airplane is nice, and Toms mix is wicked too. These 2 are my favourites here, will try them out at for sure. Thanks guys!" Lawnchair Generals (Carlos) "one Timer" is a solid, fun track. Thanks!" Joshua Heath "i am diggin 'one timer' and toms remix of 'tape recorder' Hard to say which is fav, both have their own thing crackin, will def give em botha run :-)" Mark Farina "digging airplane and taperecorder! will rock in club this weekend." The Littlemen (Gav)"My favourite is Taperecoder (Tom Special Interest Remix)" Raoul Belmans "great 90ies vibe on the 'One Timer' track, like both mixes of 'Taperecorder' too!" The Littlemen "My favourite is Taperecoder (Tom Special Interest Remix) but all mixes nice and will come in handy, cheers" Axel (Kolour Recordings) "feeling tom's remix on this release the most. go phobic!" Jay West "Favourite track-Funk Mediterraneo - Taperecoder (Tom Special Interest Remix)" Ken "ECB" Christensen "Taperecorder Original Mix is smokin, Love This track, The rest of the EP is well done!" DJ Sneak "My favourite is Funk Mediterraneo - Airplane (Original Mix)...funky n deep n driving... more house music to my ears" Manuel Sahagun "Well done Funk Mediterraneo, I will totally support your EP! Diggin Taperecorder (Original Mix). Thanks for sharing&quo
I am sure you have seen this event and are familiar with it, but i just wanted to personally invite you to come out and meet some dope house heads, in a chill laid back setting.
Leave your Sunday best dess at home and put on your most comfy clothes and sandals cause.........
ISP will be hosting another amazing Sundaze evening of Dope House Beats for you to prolong your great weekend.
https://www.stompy.com/EP/134006 Jason Hodges: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Original mix) dance flo,fo sho! Manuel Sahagun: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Jack'n Jazz (Matthew Random Remix) Tovar: JR From Dallas - Favourite track- Jack'n Jazz (Matthew Random Remix)Good release thanks! Charl Chaka (Radio 1, Dubai / Alpha,Chi,360): Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Original mix)","This EP is wicked. Full support and also radio play, Nice one Axel (Kolour Recordings): Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Tom Special Interest Remix) dig TSI remix on this lot, thanks guys The Littlemen (Gav): Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Tom Special Interest Remix) phobic is always a solid label all tracks here have been useful, esp tom's remix....cheers Lawnchair Generals (Peter): Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Original mix) Miles Maeda: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Jack'n Jazz (Original mix) Jack 'n' Jazz has that swingin' vibe of Chicago back in the mid 90's. Very nice! Inland Knights (Laurence): Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Original mix) jacking in a grooovy way, cheers Raoul Belmans: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Funkthead (Tom Special Interest Remix) will play Jack'n Jazz and the Tom Special Interest Remix! Phil Weeks: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Jack'n Jazz (Original mix) all good Hector Moralez: Favourite track- JR From Dallas - Jack'n Jazz (Original mix) digging original mix of "Jack'n Jazz def be banging this one out. full support!... Support also from DJ Mes, Giom, Jazzy Eyewear, Lady
This Sunday the 21st, from 5pm till 12am, Industry Standard Productions brings your favorite body rockers: DJ Katz, Black Magik, Danny Woods, Dansin, Diego Valle & Thomas the Funk Train will lay down the finest in Electro & House.
Mes: Love toms programming track and the Damien's remix....whooot!Nice wun fellas! Your on a roll:)
Andy Toka Project/Inland Knights: yeah really cool!.....loving sun city hustlers track...and programming is wicked......definately gonna get plays from me
Giom: Loving the original mix and also Tom's new original tune, programming! Paaaaaaarty!
Gav Littlemen: Love the original and Programming
Ben (Brown/Unpopular) i like all the tracks. my favourites of real thang are the original and toms mix - especially like the rudebwoy b-line and old style beats of the TSI mix.my favourite of the whole release is programming - i think mostly cos of the samples and the way they are arranged. its good fun.
Mike (Kolour): sch's original broke new ground for these guy's sound. it has a nice disco vibe that works really well in the mix. i've been playing it since john sent it moons ago. the mastering on it came out perfect too. really brings the tune to life.damien's remix features more of the vocal and that's never a bad thing as far as i'm concerned. he churned out yet another remix where he takes the original tune and makes it his own. this is definitely something i'll play tom's remix is definitely a departure from the other two versions. he adds a level of filth to it that contrasts the dynamic of the EP just enough to give it that 'something for everyone' feel.
Quell: I LOVED Damien's old/new school remix and the original version of that track and i really like Toms 'programming' track.
Strakes (Lost My Dog): Original mix of Real Thang is sounding good – r
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