Victor Simonelli

Victor Joe Simonelli Victor Simonelli's name is synonymous with the cutting edge of the Dance Music scene. Simonelli is one of the New York’s finest and most prolific DJ's. He was also one of the early pioneers of the unique NYC underground dance music movement that has now become a phenomenon it its own right and religiously followed by the clubbing faithful the world over. A producer/re-mixer, song writer, record label owner, and highly sought after DJ, are just four facets of this multi-talented young man. His discography of production, writing. mixing and editing credits reads like a "Who's Who! Victor's love for music began as a youngster growing up in Brooklyn, New York. At a young age he was intrigued by his father's huge record collection of jazz, blues,electronic,disco,new age,rock,soul,classical,new wave,ethnic, and world music. His parents could see he was talented at an early age and encouraged him to listen to all kinds of music. With this encouragement, and guidance of his parents, Victor took lessons in piano, drums, guitar and bass, as well as voice lessons. But something was missing.I liked trying all of the instruments, but nothing really grabbed me.By the age of 11, he began tuning into NY's Radio Mix Shows on WBLS, WKTU and WXLO, (which later became WRKS,98.7 Kiss fm) and this is where he discovered the Art of mixing. When I started spinning - I just simply got lost in the music," Victor said. Victor's career as a DJ started at a tender age , assisting his father. In 1979 Victor played one of his first parties with his Dad. It was a party which his Dad organized at Dance Hall (which became a seasonal event in the years that followed). In Autumn of 1982 with his Father, he entered a Tommy Boy Records Master Mix contest via Mail, (promoted via Tommy Boy Rec and Dance Music Report Magazine) , sending A master Mix which Victor and His Dad had done (of Tommy Boy Rec's Tracks). The winners of the Contest (who's mix was featured on Tommy Boy Triple Album) turned out to be Tommy Musto, Tommy Sozzi , and Ralphie D (who Victor did not know at the time), though who were also Brooklynites. Within a year Victor started spinning at mobile parties on his own. It was here that he learn his craft and began to develop and fine-tune his ear for music noticing what tracks to play and which ones had the greatest effect on the crowd while he was spinning. His Mother heard had a friend with a small club that was closing it's doors, and bought Victor their whole Record Collection before closing. By the end of High School Victor could not help But notice that , something was not right, “I wanted to not only mix the music," Victor explained, “but I wanted to create the whole production". Attending and graduating from the 'Centre For Media Arts' was the first step in that direction. In 1987 after just about a year of trying to get an entry level position, Victor was hired for the job at Shakedown Studios, owned by the legendary producer, Arthur Baker - a breeding ground to the likes of David Cole (Who taught Victor how to determine the difference btween a succesful hook , and a not so memorable hook), Robert Clivilles (who advised Victor on getting good sound techniques) ,Danny Krivit, Benji Candalario, Albert Cabrera, Junior Vasquez (who gave victor many editing tips), and Bobby Konders (who learned to edit from Victor and who showed Victor Radio from the inside) , to mention but a few. Victor started his internship at the studio, and it was not long before his unique talent was discovered and he was given the opportunity to produce, mix and edit a wide range of projects for artists including: David Bowie, Will Downing, Talking Heads, Quincy Jones, Deborah Harry, Sinead O'Connor and Al Jarreau. During this time , Victor practically lived at Shakedown sound , in room with Tapes from Rick Rubin to Diana Ross , from Paul Simpson to Rolling Stones , from Afika Baambata to Hall and Oates. In late 1988, Victor merged with Lenny Dee to form the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, a remix/production team that worked on projects for Pajama Party, Al Jareau, Denise Lopez, Arthur Baker , Robert Owens , New Order. Lenny had arrived at Shakedown after working for Nile Rodgers (lead member of Chic),Skyline studio, as an intern. It was at this time that Victor completed one of his first productions on Criminal Records. His productions for Criminal, Vendetta (run By Larry Yazgar , who assisted Victor in Learning the importance of a 7" version) and other labels such as Fourth Floor and Nu Groove began to get him noticed. It was not long before a line of labels across New York were beating a path to Victor’s door such as Strictly Rhythm, Eightball and Maxi to mention but a few.He began to collaborate on Projects with other Producers as well , such as Danny Krivit , Satoshie Tomie , to mention but a few and Simultaneously he signed a management deal with 23 West and went on to join a roster that boasted Masters At Work and C&C Music Factory. He then moved over to Def Mix and was joined by Frankie Knuckles and Dave Morales (Who's initials , DM , are the basis of Def Mix) and continued to work with Nu Groove and Fourth Floor. 1989-1991 saw Simonelli involved in many high profile projects, notably, composing Sybil's single, "Oh How I Love You" (Next Plateau/London), arranging and editing James Brown's album, "Love Overdue" (Scotti Bros) as well as BeBe and CeCe Winans single featuring Mavis Staples, entitled, "I'll Take You There" (Capital). Victor was also on the production and mixing team for the Quincy Jones single, "I'll be Good To You" (Qwest) featuring Chaka Khan and the legendary Ray Charles. Yvonne Turner , and Boyd Jarvis called on Victors talents on projects they were working, including Gwen Guthrie and Hamilton Bohannon. Brian Chin ex Billboard columnist , introduced Victor to Hamilton Bohannon , and Bohannon invited Victor to his home , where he explained to Victor the importance of Confidence in Self in connection with success. During this time Victor also wrote and produced for Martha Wash (unreleased project) and Sabrina Johnston (first recording as solo artist). When Danny Tenaglia moved back to NY during this time , (after spending most of the eighties living in Florida) , he saught Victors advise on one of his first Productions , playing demo for Victor before anyone else. Upon listening , it was clear for Victors ears what label it would work with. After Victor put his Edit/Arrangement touch to it , at the new Shakedown studio what became "The Harmonica Track" was ready , and then released on Arthur Bakers Minimal Records (which in later years was to be licensed onto Maxi ,and also be contained on Dave Mancusos Loft Compilation Box Set). Nile Rogers (Of Chic) and Victor met during this time , and Nile told Victor the importance of remembering Dreams (Reinforcing lesson Victors Mother taught him earlier in life) , and How many of the Chic tunes that he wrote were dreamt , having his guitar in his room with him , he would awake and put them down as they came. By 1992 Victor began receiving calls to DJ at clubs from countries as far away as Japan , thanks to Victors engineer of the time , Gomi. It was also at this time that two of Victor's tracks, "Feel So Right" by Solution and "I Want you To Know" by Groove Committee (which Larry Levan championed in his sets at some of his final gigs in Japan) went on to become a significant piece of the ‘Simonelli Sound’.Todd Terry , approached Victor to commend , him on his works , and to license Production from him. Todd told Victor , "When you got a sound thats working , just keep on with it". 1993 saw Victor working on "In The .Closet" by Michael Jackson, featuring The Mystery Girl, Madonna (their only ever duet). At this point he began pumping out productions steadily,such as the blinding, "It's So Good" by Creative Force , which then new to the business Mathius Heilbronn Engineered. The unforgettable , “I Know A Place” by Sound Of One , which Roger Sanchez released on his first Label at the time , and the classic "Dirty Games" on Nu Groove (USA) and Vinyl Solution (UK). Street Players Vol 1 EP was also made this year , which went onto inspire the making of Kenny Dopes "The Bomb" (which was created a couple of years later by Kenny). Deep Dish had not yet formed but both Sharam and Dubfire approached Victor and asked his advise on making tracks , equing , mixing , etc.Shortly thereafter they formed Yoshi Toshi Records and began Producing themselves. During this year Victor made his first of many trips to England,and helped set up Suburban Records with Tommy Musto who also owned Fourth Floor Records at the time. 1994 Victor worked on a variety of re-mixes for many artists including T-Connection , Jon Secada , Sabrina Pope (her first record) , Red-Light , Michael Proctor , Connie Harvey , Take That , and Fonda Rae as well as having written, produced and mixed songs for various underground dance music artists on Sub-Urban, Vinyl Solution UK, Eight Ball,Centre Stage Records,and many other independent labels around the world.This year saw Simonelli making his first trips to Italy, Germany, San Francisco, L.A., Australia, Switzerland, Portugal, Ibiza, and France, which this in turn opened the flood gates and calls for him to DJ. Boy George connected with Victor , complementing him on his works , and asked to be informed of all of Victors Releases. Kerri Chandler early on in his production years , borrowed victors talents on his Ionosphere EP All Join Hands track this year. In late '94, Victor met up with Barry Koven and Vincent Dimino to form BASSLINE Records and BIG BIG TRAX. Most notable releases on the label have been New York's Finest's, anthemic, "Do You Feel Me", Connie Harvey's gospel inspired, "Thank You Lord", Urban Blues Project’s unforgettable, "Deliver Me", Colonel Abrhams classi., “Not Gonna Let”, and Mone's soulful, "Better Way" and “Never Gonna Be The Same”. It was also during this time that he launched his own production company, V.J.S. Productions, Inc., where he nurtured the likes of (and in some cases actually discovered and introduced to the business) , DJ Angel Morales (aka Angel Moraes), Jazz ‘N’ Groove, (Brian Tappert - Roy Grant), Urban Blues Project, (Marc Pomeroy), Federal Hill ,Harlem Hustlers, and Jay Jay (Hernandez) and Julius Papp to name a few.It was also at this time that John Ciafone approached Victor for guidance and advise on business and Music Making , which after several conversations, and introduction to Lem Springsteen , lead to creation of Mood to Swing 1995-1996 saw Victor signing a record deal with MCA Records for a compilation series entitled, Sound of Simonelli. His DJ Gigs had reached the point of another weekend, another country. Due to so much European work, Victor decided to expand his corporation and set up VJS Productions, Inc. Europe.In NY, amongst his many mixes/productions in the works Vocalist Michelle Weeks feautured on her first fully credited release , Groove Trend ft. Michelle Weeks - Don't Stop was mixed by Victor and Tommy, introducing and launching Michelle Weeks onto the scene. By late 1996 VIctor was putting the final touches on the European extension of his company in Rome. 1997 saw Victor broaden his business by setting up a Recording Studio in Rome. In addition he began his own Record Label called West Side Records which had three releases as of October ‘97. As well as cultivating new talent such as Kings of Tomorrow/Sandy Rivera (whos first Remix ever , was for Victor) , Johan S. and Soul Creation, (Jose Burgos, and Duece Martinez), (On West Side's first and second releases) as well as his own productions on the label.DJ Sneak just beginning for the most part , utilized Victor talents on his Polyester vol 2 Ep on track , Come Together , released on Henry Street Records this year.AM-PM Records new to the scene , started to call on much of the Talent that Victor assisted in bringing forward , and based theirselves initially on this sound for the most part.After a Few Years of Productions/Mixes Created and Released for Bassline Records / Big Big Trax with Victors assistance , Mark Pomeroy and Brian Tappert branched out around this time to form their own label , Soulfuric Records. 1998 Victor spent much if his time in the studio, continuing to focus on new songs, productions and mixes. January of ‘98 saw West Side Records arranging a distribution deal with Northcott Productions, Ltd. who also distributed for Soulfuric, Basement Boys, Suburban Records, 4° Floor and Yoruba Records. Victor was also approached by Couleur3 Radio of Switzerland and asked to become part of a new House Music Radio/Internet Program called Groove Lift. Broadcast Throughtout all of Switzerland, Eastern France, Southern Germany, Northern Italy, and Western Austria on Couleur 3 Radio, and from their website on line, as well as satellite. 1999 Groove lift, now about a year old, Began to take form. Mr. Mike (of Switzerland, and the Host of the Program.) along with Charles Schillings (Paris) Djamin and Victor were now residents, rotating monthly and bringing the world the best of the worlds cutting edge Dance Music. Each Program Broadcast live from Select Clubs in Switzerland and by mid 1999 had millions of listeners and followers. WestSide Records continued it's growth as well by releasing Latin Impressions 1 & 2, containing the famed, "Bateria", Laura Alford's “Hold on To Your Good Thang" mixed by the up and corning Pound Boys. “How Many Tears" featuring poetry by New York's Liquid Sound Lounges, Jeanie Hopper, Containing Victor's own, "Soft and Sweet" on the B Side, and "Take Me" by Roberta Gilliam, written with Satoshie Tomie and Remixed by E. Smoove.It was also this year that Eddie Amador released "House Music , (A Spiritual Thing , A Body Thing , A Soul Thing)" , which based itself over and around base track of Victors "Feels So Right". 2000 Victor began the Millennium in a big way by forming his European Label, Stellar Records and signing a distribution deal with Level One Distribution (owned by Joe T Vannelli at the time) , based in Milan. With an initial release schedule including singles by Mr. Mike, Connie Harvey, Robert Owens, DJ Ray Roc, Davidson Ospina, and the cultivation of many new talents, such as Junia Ovadose , Sergio Matina , and Vincenzo Sortino The new century looks "Stellar". In 2001 Victor mixed the Groovelift Vol 3 compilation for DJ Beat Records.Amongst many remixes done,some highlights of the year we're " I Wanna Rock You" by Giorgio Morodor and "Dance Little Dreamer" by Kym Mazelle. Victor spent some time in the studio on Productions as well,of which included "If Ever You're Lonely" by Joi Cardwell on Stellar.The end of the year brought administration and staff change to Couleur 3, which closed the Groove Lift chapter.It was also this year that "Salsoul Nugget" (Produced by Ricky Morrison) was released , which in few words , was simply a re work of Victors "I Know A Place".Label Defected (where AM-PM Rec left off) starting to pick up release schedule and utilized much of talent that Victor assisted in introducing to the scene including Jay Jay , Jazz and Groove , Angel Moraes , John Julius Knight , Julius Papp , Sandy Rivera , and many others , all of whom did (in most cases many of) their first releases in collaboration with Victor. 2002 Now working with numerous distributors around the world,this year Saw the first collaboration between Victor and Keith Thompson on "Living On The Frontline" by Keith Thompson (Produced,Mixed,and Arranged by Victor), released on Westside (WSR011) as a single, and licensed onto South Africa, and France. Originally recorded by Eddie Grant in 1982,Keith,Victor and Victors Dad, James, lyrically updated it for the times,and Victor and Keith then spent much time with it,in the studio in Italy, Trinidad, the U.K, and NY. This year Victor also Remixed Gotcha Back for Hole Reocords and More To Love for Liquid Sound Lounge. Boca de Bandoneon by Latin Impressions was licensed and released by House Afrika Records in South Africa, and for Mark Farina Connect comp on Ohm Records. Never Too Late by Robert Owens (Produced and Co-Written by Victor) was licensed and released by Essence Records UK. Just Play The Music by Groove Committee was Licensed and Released by News Records Belgium.Our Groove by 21st Century Body Rockers (which is first record ever, which Haldo is credited on), was licensed by BMG/Ariola Germany, for inclusion on their MusicHaus Volume 3 compilation. Member(s) of the Band Jamariquai, Produced “Clouds (Breezin)” with Victor, (which Victor Wrote) which was released on Chillout Sessions Vol 2 , Ministry Of Sound Records. Latin Impressions Vol 4 EP was released on Stellar Records. I've Got To Feel It by Groove Committee was released on the Scream 5 Compilation Let It Be Known by Instant Exposure feat Connie Harvey was remixed by Aston Martinez and released on Stellar Records. “Planetary Deterioration” (which Victor , Lenny D, and Gordon Chin created in 1989), was licensed and released by DJ Hell for his label in Germany.”Come Close To Me Baby” was released by Eddie Lock in the UK. With the popularity of internet on the rise,the idea of WWW.VJSPRODUCTIONSINC.COM, came about.In the summer of 2002,initial designing began,and continued untill mid 2003 2003 With only intention for vjsproductionsinc.com to offer it’s various in house labels product online in new format (mp3/wav) it unintentionally created and became the first Legal Dance Music only download site in existence and set the stage for sites that followed. “I Wanna Get Close To You” and “Satisfaction”, was licensed and released by Barrel House records in Italy. “Feels So Right” by Solution was Licensed for Ministry of Sound comp MOSCD76. “Do You Want Me” by Cloud 9 was licensed for Ian Pooley comp. Victor remixed the Calypso/Soca classic, “Dollar Wine” by Colin Lucas this year. :Boca De Bandoneon” by Latin Impressions, was licensed to Summer Dance Album Beach Life the Salinas Sessions 3 UK on Sony/Incredible. “Bateria” by Latin Impressions was licensed and released by Flux Records UK. .As space Victor had for studio had now become to small, Victor closed his studio in Rome , and put all studio gear in storage. Victor first trip to Jerusalem for Gig occurred in Autumn of this year with gig being at Hoaman 17. 2004 “Thank you Lord” by Connie Harvey (originally released by Bassline in 1994) was licensed to Soulfuric Records (Soulfuric is label started and owned by old Bassline Records label mates of Victor’s , Brian Tappert and Marc Pomeroy, who released some of their first works ever through Bassline). At the Time they also had a website, named traxsource, on the drawing board , and with vjsproductionsinc.com site being noticed, Victor’s advise was sought with set up. Other labels from around the world, (outside of the Production Company Labels) seeing website started asking if they could also put their material online on the the site, offering in downloadable formats , and this is where and how other labels started to come and offer their material from the site.Amongst many gigs this years Victor made his first trip to Mexico City for gig playing at NY Grooves party at Acanto (www.Loisada.com) Mexico City. Victor also played the newly opened Crobar N.Y this year, and met Victor Rosado (ex Paradise Garage DJ) for the first time at this gig. Living On The Frontline by Keith Thompson (Produced by Victor) was Licensed and Released by Netsworks Records (Italy) and EMI South Africa as part Moloko compilation. Boca De Bandoneon by Latin Impressions was also licensed to EMI for South Africa for inclusion on Magic Rythms Compilation. Extremely Rare Accapellas Vol 1 (WSR012) was released on Westside Records. Other labels started contacting Victor, in order to offer their material from website as mp3s and wavs. 2005 “Do You Feel Me” (Initially released in 1993) was licensed and released by Mountain Records UK with the assistance of Deli G Victor and Keith created “Dance In Our Time” by Keith Thompson this year, which was released as part of the Africaribbean Connections (WSR013) which also included Victor’s remix of “Dollar Wine” by Colin Lucas as well as track by New Comer Afro Blu From Botswana. “Living On The Frontline” and “Dance In Our Time” was licensed by Cirque Du Soleil for their Alain Vinet Comp. “Bateria” (Remix), was Licensed to Jeff Mills Compilation. New comers to the Scene Mr V teamed with Halo and Atewater and recorded “Change” written by Victor and Mike Dunn (aka “Nothing Stays The Same”) for Large Records, introducing Mr V’s talents to the Dance Music World as well as up and comer Jask remixing it. Lucky 13 and The Downtown Scene EP was also released on Stellar Records (STLL013). Amongst many gigs this year including in Washington D.C. (Red) , Belgium, etc, Victor did his first gig ever in Boston at Underbar, thanks to old friend Angel Moraes, who designed the sound system at the club, and also Did his first Gig in Bogota’ Colombia at Club Cinema, thanks to DJ Fruto and Mario Castro. Another first this year was Victor’s first time playing in Bulgaria which was at Club Metroplolis in Varna. LSL Summer Boat Party in N.Y. was another gig highlight of this year. Victor Rosado who Victor S met the previous year while playing gig at NY’s Crobar Backroom, introduced Victor S to Tom Moulton this year also. 2006 Nicky Siano called on Victor to Remix “Power Of Love” which Nicky released on his own label, Inspira. Soulfuric licensed “Thank You Lord” to various compilation albums around the world. Amongst many gigs this year, Victor made his first trip to Denmark for gig playing at the MTV European Awards After Party at www.hotelsktpetri.com in Copenhagen.First gigs for Victor in Brazil and Argentina took place this year with Victor doing a month long tour at numerous clubs throughout Brazil and Argentina. 2007 With Production Company, Digital Download Site, Vinyl For sale, Promo Tapes/Souvenirs, Personal Site info , being alll crammed onto one site, it was time for dividing. Production Company/Catalog became one site www.vjsproductionsinc.com , Personal info (including Bio, Discog, Clubog, Radiog, Schedule, Pics, Etc) became www.victorsimonelli.com, The Download Store (Wavs and Mp3s) / Rare Vinyl/ Promo Tapes/ Souvenirs became www.vjsinc.com ( with the VJS this case standing for “Virtual-JamS” , www.Virtual-JamS.com). The first Annual Dance Parade in N.Y. took place this year, ending with a party in Washington Square Park, and Dj Kook Herc (aka The Inventor of Hip Hop) playing, who Victor had the honor of sharing the DJ booth with. With much thanks to Paul Simpson and Tom Moulton , Victor remixed “I Like It Like That” by Inner Life feat Jocelyn Brown. This year also saw the launch to a new Label to Victor’s Label Group, named UNKWN REC. .Amongst many gigs played this year, Cooper Hewitt Open Air Summer Party in Garden , on Central Park East (N.Y.), was stand out.. 2008-2009 Includes First trips playing in Poland, Dubai, Thailand, Phillipines, and mainland Spain, for Victor. (updates in progress) Victor has spent his entire lifetime committed and devoted to music, making his own inimitable contribution in DJ'ing, production, mixing and song-writing. It is his unique sound of uplifting and spiritual music that has propelled him to the forefront of the Dance scene, and acknowledged him with the credit of being one of its leading exponents.For Further information on Victor Simonelli at VJS Productions, Inc. vjsinc@aol.com VJSInc@AOL.com Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.