Photo by Richard Mitchell

ESCAPE to WORK!
If you’ve been to one of DJ Escape’s parties, you know your going to get served something fierce. The Long Island native has been making a name for himself in the world of dance for over a decade. His parties always have such a great vibe. Once you walk in your ready to hit the dancefloor. There are no off nights with Escape.
From beginning to end he delivers exactly what the crowd wants, and leaves you begging for more. I had the pleasure to ask him some questions during his busy schedule. While he preps for his debut at WORK this weekend. NYC is crazed about having him spin again. It’s been a while, and we’re all excited!

MV You have 17 years under your belt DJing. You began very young. Starting out spinning hip hop how did you cross over to House?

ESCAPE Yes, I started off playing hip hop and reggae teen parties at the age of 13 in a Long Island club. From there, I met DJ Skribble and started playing a lot of other parties with him.
He then brought me to the Arena party at Palladium to hear Junior Vasquez which became the defining moment of my career… I was so amazed. It was such a turning point… I changed gears and started playing dance music. I got my first big break playing at Liquid Miami where I became a monthly resident.

MV Who have been some of your influences in the House Industry?

ESCAPE Junior Vasquez, Johnny Vicious, Razor & Guido, Victor Calderone, Danny Tenaglia, Peter Rauhofer, and Eric Morillo.

MV When many of us hear Groovilicious & Strictly Rhythm DJ ESCAPE comes to mind. You’ve had numerous releases with them. How has the changing of labels over the years helped you continue your success?

ESCAPE For a short time, I worked as an A&R rep for Groovilicious/Strictly Rhythm along side Michael McDavid. Having access to the newest and best music at that time was so crucial to the success of my own compilations.
I released 2 singles and 6 compilations CD’s with them, and 3 singles with Nervous Records. I have also worked with many other labels remixing and continue to do mixes/compilations for everyone else. I just finished my new compilation for Centaur. It helps me keep my name out there.

MV What’s one track you must always play?

ESCAPE Fast Eddie - In The Mix is a true staple for me… I layer it with something in every set.

MV One thing you do know is how to make the crowd move from beginning to end. What is your formula for such successful parties?

ESCAPE Fresh music and old music presented in a new way. I am always doing new mixes and edits. I like to incorporate my own edits in my sets. ( Just as Junior does… playing his own edits and remixes keeps the crowd interested… and always coming back for more… it helps to create a style all your own that you can’t hear from anyone else.) I think the best formula is fresh beats + new mixes/edits + some old classics and crowd favorites = a great party.

MV You’ve been around the world, your always on the go here in the US playing dates in every city. Is there one great party memory that stands out?

ESCAPE Montreal still remains my favorite city to play in. BBCM’s Hot & Dry 2000 at Metropolis, stands out.

MV WERSHIP, ACCEPT ME, FASCINATED, CURSED(which I love), Just a few of the many Hi-NRG Vocal Tracks Pure Escape Style. How do you pick out which tracks you’d like to remix/produce? What calls out to you?

ESCAPE Well, often I get called upon to do these projects. Sometimes I hear a song and say I would love to mix that. Most of the time, I incorporate things that are working in my dj sets to productions/remixes.

MV What mixes do you have in the works now?

ESCAPE Idina Menzel – “Brave” w/Johnny Vicious

Supanova – “Secrets” w/Dom Capello

Sarah Atereth - w/Tony Coluccio

Kristine W – “We Will Meet Again” - a production for her album w/Tony Coluccio

MV Your Mixed Cd’s always become a Classic, filled with insane mixing and tracks to die for. Can we expect another mixed Cd in 08? I think we’re all craving for another.

ESCAPE Funny you should ask… look for the new Global Groove CD I just did with David Knapp available this Spring on Centaur.
Included are 3 remixes I did for Barbara Tucker, Erika Jayne and Sarah Atereth, along with tracks by Celeda, Suzanne Palmer, Kristine W, Inaya Day, Shelia Brody, Offer Nissim, and others.

MV Spirit was a great residency for you. You had Sunday nights on lock. One thing everyone was guaranteed was a night of great music from beginning to end. Are there any plans for another NYC residency?

ESCAPE No residences in NY right now, but I am looking forward to my “Work Saturday” debut this weekend! I will be on the road touring a lot to promote my new Global Groove CD.

MV Describe DJ ESCAPE in 3 words.

ESCAPE Fun, energetic, & creative. DEDICATED, DRIVEN, HYPER.

MV What can we all expect at Stereo this Saturday?

ESCAPE Lots of new music, along with some reworked favorites.
See you all at WORK!!!

Thank you for taking time out for Metrovelvet, and we’ll be on your dancefloor!

You don’t want to miss DJ Escape @ WORK Stereo NYC 555 West 33rd Street Saturday March 1st 2008

You can also catch DJ ESCAPE in other cities
March 15 2008 Parking Montreal Canada
March 29 2008 Wet Bar Atlanta GA
April 18 2008 Pegasus Pittsburg, PA
May 10 2008 Hippo Baltimore MD
May 23 2008 Machine Boston MA

Don’t forget the release of Global Groove Live 3
David Knapp & DJ ESCAPE

For more Information on DJ ESCAPE
myspacedjescape
djescape

By Danny Karan

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Leona Lewis has been making her way into everyone’s Ipod lately.
The winner of The X-Factor (an English version of American Idol) has been making her way up the charts with “Bleeding Love”, her 2nd single off “Spirit”.
Produced by One Republic’s front man Ryan Tedder. Her Album was the fastest selling debut album in England and Ireland.
The 21 year old has already been compared to some of our greatest music divas. Clive Davis fell instantly in love with Lewis. “She understands the music”, Clive says. One thing we can say the girl can sing. One of the best singers to date to come from a reality singing competition.
She has already won numerous awards worldwide. Winning Record of the Year, Best New Comer, & Best British Single for “A moment Like This”.
You might remember Kelly Clarkson singing this during her win on American Idol. Leona Lewis’ Album will debut here in the states on April 8th.
Expect Lewis to swore in the US. Check out “Bleeding Love”

TOUR NEWS - ALICIA KEYS

ALICIA KEYS will be touring, as many of you already know.
She will be joined by NE-YO! Opening up for the Grammy winner is the amazing Jordan Sparks.
Tickets will go on sale on March 1st, 2008. Tickets will go fast since there aren’t as many stops on this Tour. Don’t miss it!
JANET TAKES OVER NYC

Janet Jackson has been all round the big apple promoting her new album “DISCIPLINE”. She closed down Times Square twice in one day, during her morning show at the Nokia Theatre, and once again during her TRL appearance. She has been spotted at many of NYC’s hot spots, even shopping around various Chelsea boutiques. Many places are having “Discipline” release parties, but only one place can bring you Miss Jackson herself!!!!!! If you don’t know by know, ask somebody!! lol Janet is schedule to return to one of the best bars in NYC! Hopefully, we’ll be able to get some footage for you guys who aren’t in the NYC area. Enjoy some Classic Janet.

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Hi everyone, here is Tristan a new upcoming singer that also works as model in New York City. Check his profile and we hope you like his music.

tristanmayfieldnyc

Metrovelvet.com will be presenting soon an exclusive interview with Tristan about his new Single.

Good luck Tristan.

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Madonna showed up at the Beverly Hills Courthouse ready to perform her civic duty as a regular American citizen.

Video courtesy of Hollywoodtv.com

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My dear Metrovelvet readers, I am here to talk to you about Tapestries.
Tapestries are known as a form of textile art.
It is woven by hand to produce a colorful image.
Apart from religious and mythological settings, hunting scenes are
among the many concepts one may find tapestries in.
Tapestries date back to the Third Century B.C.
They reached a new stage in Europe in the early fourteenth century A.D. by initiating the springing of many workshops that mainly concentrated in their weaving, in countries like Germany and Switzerland, and then expanding into France and the Netherlands.
And by the nineteenth century, a resurrection of this art was found depicting medieval style. Thanks to William Morris and company who made successful a series of tapestries for home and ecclesiastical uses.
We can find lots of these valuable tapestries in museum all over the globe. I you’d like to get your hands on one, there are many well-made reproductions out there, just make sure you do your homework. If you need help, let me know.
Enjoy your design.
Sixto Javier

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