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-> Click below to read the URB Interview on Potty Mouth (07/15/08)
James Amato’s business-savvy approach to the music industry has kept him balancing roles of promoter, record label owner, DJ and producer for more than a decade. From hosting his first one-off event in 1999 to securing his position as Director of Music and Bookings at Chicago’s historically influential SmartBar since 2006, James has become one of the most widely recognized names on the national & electronic music scene. Most recently, James has established his industry presence further, launching his widely successful fidget/electo/tech house label, Potty Mouth Music, which has earned him notoriety worldwide.
James launched his music career in his native city of Milwaukee, Wis., where he climbed through the promotional ranks of the local and Midwest rave scene in the 1990s. After working at pioneering electronic music venues—including Revolutions Records and Bassment with promoter and mentor Steven Kaye—he landed the position of Saturday Night Music Director and resident DJ at Milwaukee’s Pure nightclub. At the time, Pure stood as the city’s premiere underground music venue, boasting a six-figure sound system and sprawling capacity.
In 2004, James invested back into the industry by becoming co-owner and director of music and bookings at Milwaukee’s Mantra Lounge. Here he launched Kamasutra, a legendary Friday event that ran for three successful years. Kamasutra would go on to host an unprecedented line-up of electronic music talent the city had never seen before, or has ever seen since. As the night’s promoter, James booked a versatile roster of underground artist that defied genre boarders. The consistent success of Kamasutra put the city’s club scene on the national radar, as it garnered press attention from publications including URB and earned James a front-page cover story in Nightclub/Bar Magazine. His success also earned him runner-up for the “Best Promoter” in the U.S. by URB magazine, along with several pictorial Kamasutra spreads throughout 2005. Locally, James earned several press accolades, including “Best Club DJ” in Milwaukee’s 2005 Shepherd Express readers’ poll.
In September 2006, James relocated to Chicago to become the new Director of Music and Bookings at Chicago’s SmartBar, a historic venue with a 25-year tradition of showcasing electronic talent. Under the guidance of owner Joe Shanahan James continues broaden his scope as a promoter and bookings director, debuting innovative artists to Chicago, including Switch, Alan Braxe, Digitalism, Para One, Boys Noize, Erol Alkan and Claude Vonstroke.
In 2008, Club Systems International recognized his efforts to diversify and promote Chicago’s electronic music scene by selecting him as one of its “Next 10 Exciting Up-and-Comers” as part of its annual VIP Edition—“Nightlife’s 30 Most Influential People.” Additionally, James has received critical Chicago fanfare in 2007, when he was named part of NewCity magazine’s “45—45 Most Influential People That Rock Chicago!”
James’ promotional rise on the underground electronic scene led to his creation of two widely success digital/vinyl labels, including his 2007 venture, Potty Mouth Music, which showcases a diverse roster of fidget and tech house producers. With artists including: Santiago & Bushido, Crookers, HiJack, DJ Fame, The Bulgarian, and HeavyFeet, Potty Mouth Music has established itself as an innovative label embracing the newer dirty-quirky union of electro, house and techno. The label earned further notoriety in 2008, when label members Santiago & Bushido claimed the number-one downloaded track spot for their Potty Mouth single, “Head Trick,” claiming the spot for three consecutive weeks on beatport.com. The digital download site is the second most-trafficked music internet site in the world.
James continues to push the industry envelope in balancing his career as a Chicago-based promoter and label-owner. He now DJs exclusively at his resident home of SmartBar, playing only six shows a year in Chicago. His dedication in the studio and in the club continues to the industry standard of the international electronic music scene.
Red Bull Music Academy | Chicago, IL | February 2009 to Present
• Mr. X for Chicago, IL
Potty Mouth Music | Chicago, IL | July 2007 to Present
• Owner / CEO
• A&R Manager (Artists and Repertoire)
• P&D Manager (Pressing and Distribution)
• Promotions & Marketing Manager
• Press & Publicity
• Graphic & Web Design
SmartBar/Metro | Chicago, IL | November 2006 to Present
• SmartBar Music Director / Talent Buyer
• SmartBar Promotions & Marketing Manager
Mantra Lounge, Inc | Milwaukee, WI | January 2004 to January 2007
• CO-Owner / Manager
• Director of Bookings, Promotions, & Marketing
• Press & Publicity
• Audio Technician & Setup
• Graphic & Web Design
Amedia Ent. LLC | Milwaukee, WI | January 2004 to Present
• CEO / Event Promoter / Nightclub Consultant
• Marketing & Promotions
• Talent Bookings & Artist Relations
• Press & Publicity
• Graphic & Web Design
• Studio Engineer (Production/Recording)
Caroline’s Jazz Club | Milwaukee, WI | Dec 2004 to Dece 2005
• Administrative Assistant
• Graphic & Web Design
• Event Promotions
Pure Nightclub | Milwaukee, WI | February 2003 to January 2004
• Music Director / Talent Buyer
• Promotions & Marketing Manager
• Press & Publicity
• Graphic Design
• Audio Technician & Setup
Epiphic | Milwaukee, WI | July 2000 to October 2003
• CEO & Event Coordinator
• Promotions & Marketing
• Sound Engineer (Production/Recording)
• Graphic Design
The Basement @ theRave | Milwaukee, WI | Summer 1999 to Winter 2000
• Assistant to Talent Buyer / Promoter (Internship w/ Steve Kaye)
• DJ Hospitality
• Handbill Promotions & Marketing
Revolutions Records | Milwaukee, WI | Summer 1999 to Winter 2003
• Store Manager
• House Music Buyer
• Store Assistance & Help
DISCOGRAPHY:
"Get Large Miami" - James Amato & Nate Bowen
Large Music (2008)
Track: Simply Sax
"Lets Misbehave EP" - James Amato & Nate Bowen
Neighborhood House Watch (2007)
Tracks: Lets Misbehave, El Chicos Revenge,
Boosco Rosco, SolFire
"Groove Metropolis (Vol 1)" - James Amato & Nate Bowen
Large Music (2007)
Track: Ride It
"Chop Suey EP" - James Amato & Nate Bowen
Neighborhood House Watch (2007)
Tracks: Disco Oops, I Feel, Step Right Up, Hot Monte
"I-94 EP" - James Amato & Nate Bowen
Reb Brunette Recorings (2007)
Track: Way Out West
"When We Swing EP" - Sombionx & James Amato
Q Studios (2006)
Tracks: When We Swing, When We Swing Remix
Kavalcade, Kavalcade Remix
"Looking For You EP" - Danny S
Nine Records (2005)
Remix: Looking For You (J Amato & N Bowen Remix)
HISTORY:
JAMES HAS BOOKED & WORKED WITH THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS: LAST UPDATED: 05.30.09
1200 Warriors (New York) -
Aaron Locrate (Baltimore) -
Acid Cirus (Los Angeles) -
Acidman (Chicago) -
Adam Beyer (Sweden) -
Adam Freeland (Australia) -
Afrikan BamBaataa (New York) -
AK1200 (Orlando) -
Alan Braxe (France) -
Alena (Chicago) -
Alex Peace (Chicago) -
Alex Under (Los Angeles) -
Ame (Germany) -
Andre Harris (Chicago) -
Andy Butler (Hercules Love Affair) -
Angel Alanis (LA) -
Aphrodite (UK) -
A-trak (Los Angeles) -
Audio Jack (UK) -
Baby Anne (Orlando) -
Bad Boy Bill (Chicago) -
Bear Who (Chicago) -
Benga (UK) -
Benwah (New Zealand) -
Black Sun Empire (UK) -
Blaqstarr (Baltimore) -
Bloody Beetroots (Italy) -
Boys Noize (Berlin) -
Brad Owen (Chicago) -
Brazilian Girls (New York) -
Brian Heath (Chicago) -
Brian Tappert (Tampa) -
Bryan Jones (Chicago) -
Busy P (Paris) -
Cajmere (Chicago) -
Caspa (UK) -
Casper (Chicago) -
Charles Feelgood (Los Angeles) -
Christian Smith (New york) -
Christopher Lawrence (LA) -
Chuck Daniels (Detroit) -
Chuck Love (Minneapolis) -
Claude Vonstroke (San Francisco) -
Colette (LA) -
Crookers (Italy) -
Cut Copy (Dj Set) -
Damian Lazarus (UK) -
Dan Bell (Berlin) -
Dan Efex (Chicago) -
Dan X (Chicago) -
Danny the Wildchild (Chicago) -
Darrel Woodson (Chicago) -
Darude (Finland) -
Dave Ralph (Miami) -
Dayhota (Toronto) -
Deepswing (LA) -
Demarkus Lewis (Dallas) -
Derrick Carter (Chicago) -
Dieselboy (Philadelphia) -
Dietrich Shonnemon (New York) -
Digitalsim (Germany) -
Dino G (Chicago) -
Diplo (Baltimore) -
Diz (Chicago) -
Dizzy (San Diego) -
Dj Assult (Detroit) -
Dj Craze (Miami) -
Dj Dan (Los Angeles) -
Dj Dara (Philadelphia) -
DJ DK (UK) -
Dj Falcon (France) -
Dj Fame (New York) -
Dj Food (UK) -
Dj Funk (Chicago) -
DJ Heather (Chicago) -
DJ Homewrecker (Milwaukee) -
Dj Huggie (Los Angeles) -
Dj Hype (UK) -
DJ Icey (Orlando) -
DJ Lego (Chicago) -
Dj Markey (Brazil) -
Dj Mes (San Francisco) -
Dj Micro (New York) -
Dj Monk (Tampa) -
Dj Rap (Los Angeles) -
Dj Rectangle
Dj Rekha (New York) -
Dj Sammy (Spain) -
Dj Shortee (Los Angeles) -
DJ Sneak (Toronto) -
Dj Tuesdae (New York) -
Doc Martin (Los Angeles) -
Dom & Roland (UK) -
Don Vito (Philadelphia) -
Donald Glaude (Los Angeles) -
Drumcell (New York) -
Duke Dumont (UK) -
Dylan (UK) -
East Coast Boogiemen (DC) -
East St Louis Players (St Louis) -
Ed Rush & Optical (UK) -
edIT of the Glitch Mob (LA) -
Ellen Allien (Germany) -
Elliot Eastwick (UK) -
Empress (New York) -
Evil Eddie (UK) -
Faust & Shortee (Los Angeles) -
Flosstrdamus (Chicago) -
Frank Solano (Chicago) -
Frankie Bones (New York) -
Frankie Knuckles (Chicago) -
Fred Everything (Montreal) -
Freestylers (UK) -
Gabriel & Dresden (San Francisco) -
Gantman (Chicago) -
Gein (Milwaukee) -
Gene Farris (Chicago) -
Glenn Underground (Chicago) -
G-most (New York) -
Goldie (UK) -
Green Velvet (Chicago) -
Grooverider (UK) -
Gui Boratto (Brasil) -
Guido Schneider (Germany) -
Guns & Bombs (Los Angeles) -
Hector Moralz (Los Angeles) -
HiJack (UK) -
Hipp-E (San Diego) -
Hive (Los Angeles) -
Hot Chip (UK) -
Hustle & Flow (New York) -
Hyperactive (Los Angeles) -
Icey (Orlando) -
Inbum Cho (Chicago) -
Iz (Chicago) -
J Boogie (San Francisco) -
James Curd (Chicago) -
James Holden (UK) -
James Murphy of LCD (New York) -
Jamie Lidell (Berlin) -
Jask (Tampa) -
Jason Hodges (Toronto) -
JDub (Chicago) -
Jeff Mills (Detroit) -
Jesse Rose (UK) -
Jevne (Minneapolis) -
Jevon Jackson (Chicago) -
Joe Nice (Baltimore) -
Joey Youngman (Oakland) -
John Acquaviva (Canada) -
John Larner (Indianapolis) -
John Tejada (Los Angeles) -
Johnny Fiasco (Chicago) -
Jon Bishop (San Diego) -
Jonn Hawley (Milwaukee) -
Josh Wink (Philadelphia) -
Joshua aka Iz (San Francsico) -
JT Donaldson (San Franacisco) -
Junior Boys (Canada) -
Junior Sanchez (New York) -
Justice (France) -
Justin Long (Chicago) -
Justin Martin (San Francisco) -
Karl Almaria (Chicago) -
Kaskade (San Francisco) -
Keith MacKenzie (Chicago) -
Keoki (New York) -
Kevin Saunderson (Detroit) -
Kimball Collins (Orlando) -
King Britt (Pennsylvania) -
KiNK (Bulgaria) -
Konrad Black (Canada) -
Lady D (Chicago) -
Ladytron (UK) -
Lawnchair Generals (Seattle) -
Lee Mortimer (UK) -
Lego (Chicago) -
Limewax (UK) -
Lindstrom (Norway) -
Louis Osbourne (UK) -
LTJ Bukem (UK) -
Luis Baro (New York) -
Luke Solomon (UK) -
M.A.N.D.Y. (Germany) -
Magda (Canada) -
Magic Mike (Orlando) -
Marc Houle (Germany) -
Marco Carola (Italy) -
Marcus Intalex (UK) -
Mark Almaria (Chicago) -
Mark Farina (San Francisco) -
Mark Grant (Chicago) -
Marques Wyatt (LA) -
Mastiksoul (Portugal) -
Matthew Dear (Texas) -
Matty (Chicago) -
Mazi (Chicago) -
MC Conrad (UK) -
Metro Area (New York) -
Micha Klang (Germany) -
Michael Mater (Germany) -
Mickey Finn (UK) -
Micro (New York) -
Mike Dearborn (Chicago) -
Mike Shannon (Berlin) -
Mike Simonetti (New Jersey) -
Miles Maeda (Tokyo) -
Miss Honey Dijon
Mistress Barbara (Washington DC) -
Mixin Marc (Chicago) -
Moby (New York) -
Moodymann (Detroit) -
Motor (New York) -
Mr Scruff (UK) -
MSTRKRFT (Canada) -
Natural Rhythm (Los Angeles) -
Nephets (Chicago) -
Nick Nice (Madison) -
Nigel Richards (Philadelphia) -
Nique (Chicago) -
No Assembly Firm (Chicago) -
Noel Sanger (Orlando) -
Noisia (The Netherlands) -
Olivier Desmet (San Francisco) -
Paco Osuna (Germany) -
Para One (France) -
Pat Mahoney of LCD (New York) -
Paul Anhony (Chicago) -
Paul Johnson (Chicago) -
Paul Ritch (Paris) -
Paul Van Dyk (Germany) -
Peaches (Germany) -
Peter Hook of New Order (UK) -
Phantom 45 (Chicago) -
Porta Surreal (New York) -
Presets (Australia) -
Prototype 909 (New York) -
Psychbitch (Chicago) -
Q Burns (Orlando) -
Raiden (Estonia) -
Ralphie Rosario (Chicago) -
Raoul Belmans (Belgium) -
Real World Cast Members (USA) -
Reid Speed (New York) -
Richard Humpty Vission (LA) -
Richard Les Cres (New Jersey) -
Richie Hawtin (Berlin) -
Ron Carrol (Chicago) -
Ron Trent (Chicago) -
Rusko (UK) -
Ryan Dunn (Philadelphia) -
Sammy Bananas (New York) -
Sandy Rivera (New York) -
Santiago & Bushido (Chicago) -
Scott Cooper (UK) -
Sharam Jey (Germany) -
Shy FX (UK) -
Simian Mobile Disco (UK) -
Skream (UK) -
Slater Hogan (Indianapolis) -
Slugo (Chicago) -
Slum Science (UK) -
Sombionx & Lindsay (Chicago) -
Soul System (Fox Valley Area) -
Sound Navigators (Milwaukee) -
Sound Republic (Chicago) -
South Rakkas Crew (Orlando) -
Speedy (Las Vegas) -
Spettro (San Antonio) -
Stacey Pullen (Detroit) -
Stacy Kidd (Chicago) -
Stanton Warrios (UK) -
Steve Bug (Germany) -
Steve Lawler (UK) -
Steve Melvage (Chicago) -
Steve Smooth (Chicago) -
Steven Kaye (Milwaukee) -
SuperPitcher (GermanY) -
Surkin (France) -
Swayzak (UK) -
Swirl People (Belgium) -
Switch (UK) -
Tech Itch (UK) -
Teri Bristol (Chicago) -
Terry Mullan (San Diego) -
The Advent (UK) -
The Faint (Omaha) -
The Glamour (Milwaukee) -
The Juan Maclean (Dj Set) -
The Littlemen (UK) -
The Rapture (New York) -
The Twelves (Rio de Janeiro) -
Tiefschwarz (Germany) -
Tiffinay Holiday (Los Angeles) -
Tittsworth (Baltimore) -
TJR (New York) -
Todd Edwards (New Jersey) -
Tok Tok (Germany) -
Tommie Sunshine (New York) -
Tortured Soul (New York) -
Total Science (UK) -
Translucent (Chicago) -
Trevor Loveys (UK) -
Troy Pierce (Germany) -
Troydon (New York) -
Uberzone (Los Angeles) -
Vicious Vic (New York) -
Wally Callerio (Los Angels) -
Wasted Chicago Youth (Chicago) -
Will Bailey (UK) -
Wolfgang Gartner (Austin) -
Woody McBride (Minneapolis) -
Sounds Like
Fidget, Electro, Techno, House, Potty Mouth Music, Chicago, Smart Bar
Hey man, it was good to finally meet you in person last Saturday! You ripped the rooftop apart!!! I hope that we can arrange to get you back here sooner than later...
