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.
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.
Rock Rockwell's remix of "Twisted" - off of YOMO's debut Single on Digital Box Records is out now! Twisted has reached #7 on DjDownload.com's Top Electro Chart! Also, keep an eye out for his stompin new EP "Stomp Your Feet" set to be released on June 26th!!! Preview them on his player!
Click the banner below to download his new remixes and preview his upcoming tracks/EPs! Seriously, it's good stuff!!!
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
...exit hollywood blvd., on my way, (in my hawt-gear), arrive 6555, circle, circle for parking, 25 minutes. "ok," i say lets just park at the venue....yikes $25!! no can do...so sorry to say i didn't make it..i hope you guys rocked out! and i didn't make it home, crashed somewhere else instead so at least i spent all day today in my cute hawt-gear...even had my parents asking me what's that...that HAWT...oh well, i try next month. xonatasha
Word Mikey! Thanks for stop'n through. Thus far, I plan to be in Miami so let me know if there's anything good going on. Glad you dig the mixes! Hope you are well.
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