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ARTIST  DJ ANIMAL |
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In the world of the night club DJ and the music industry,
people come and go more often than one might think. It
takes perseverance, persistence and talent in order to
become a mainstay in the ever morphing world of the music
industry. Fortunately, for Jose “Animal” Diaz, these are all
traits which he possesses. As a result, they have helped him
stay at the top of his game.
Jose “Animal” Diaz has been on the music scene for over 2
decades. He is versatile both in the studio as he is in front of
the turntables and he approaches both with the same
ferociousness of a savage animal, hence his moniker;
Animal. “He needs no verbal calling card. All you had to do
was listen for a wolf’s howl and you knew who was on; the
inimitable Jose “Animal” Diaz.” – In The Music Magazine.
Raised in Queens, New York, Animal was constantly
surrounded by music. “My mother was an opera singer and
was always singing. I wanted to do something related to
music so I chose to take up the guitar”, he says. However,
years later his passion would shift gears when he was in his
late teens. At the insistence of a friend who was spinning at
a local club, Animal decided to try to see what would happen
if he took over the one and twos. To his surprise the crowd’s
response was an adrenaline rush. He was hooked and at the
same time, found himself a new passion.
With that, DJ Jose “Animal” Diaz began his assent into
DJing. The gigs offered to him at that point were small, but
Animal accepted them and every time felt the same
exhilaration he felt the first night he stepped behind the
turntables. Animal’s skills could not be denied. He possessed
an undeniable ability to read a crowd and discern what would
send them running, frenzied, onto the dance floor,
screaming, for the entire night. Word spread quickly and
Animal soon found himself spinning for capacity crowds at
many of New York City’s world renowned night spots,
including The Kit Kat Club, Club Expo, the legendary
Palladium, Visage and China Club, just to name a few.
The demand for DJ Animal was so great; he was soon
fielding offers to play his sets live on the radio, an
opportunity garnered only by the best NYC DJ’s. As a result,
DJ Animal’s sets were heard live to thousands of listeners
on top New York City radio stations such as, WKTU - 103.5,
WHTZ - Z100 and WQHT - Hot 97.1. With his popularity
soaring, DJ Animal was content, however, he was now ready
to advance to the next phase of his career.
Always one to push himself further, the only logical
progression for DJ Animal was to venture into the recording
studio. The list of entertainers he has worked with is
extensive. His resume boasts remix work for the likes of
Madonna, Cyre and Lime. In addition, his production credits
include Brenda K. Starr, Joey Rolon, Susan Clark and the list
goes on. Animal has even produced several CD’s for various
record labels, including Tommy Boy Records’ greatest hits
compilation “Take It to the Max” and Brass Construction’s
“The Perfect Beats”.
In 2000, Animal was tapped to spin at Nagoya Dome in
Japan for their Millennium Party. The part was a rousing
success. He even touched down in Turkey, where he was
asked to tour the country and appear on national television
shows like Sabah Starlari, 7 Tepeden, 100 PCT Erkece and
Rengarenk. His tour of Turkey also included live radio
broadcasts on stations such as, Power 95 and Power 86. As
always, the same wild frenzy experienced by club goers in
the states was experienced by Turks and Europeans alike, as
DJ Animal took to the turntables and concocted feats of
techno-wizardry in clubs from Istanbul to Eskisehir. His
success has made him a sought after commodity not only in
the US, but all over Europe.
Things do not show signs of slowing down for the genius.
With dates already confirmed in the US and in Europe, DJ
Animal could not be happier with his career. It is evident
that whether he is winning over crowds around the world
with his ferocious live sets or if he is solidifying his status as
a remix/producing virtuoso, DJ Animal loves the challenges
that comes with both.
He says, “I can always count on the fact that when I am
playing, I will have a great time and enjoy myself at a great
party.” If that is what it takes for Animal to keep turning
things out the way he has, I say keep having a good time.
Hopefully, the party will not end anytime soon.
Radio:
103 (WKTU)
September 1997 - September 1998
DJ for Special Programs
Z-100 (WHTZ)
January 1991 - April 1995
Special Feature DJ; Digitally remixed & edited songs for
radio play; Highlighted DJ in 100th Anniversary Special.
HOT 97 (WQHT)
December 1987 - June 1990
Exclusive DJ for Live Broadcasts from "The Underground"
night club; Responsible for new music selection for on-air
programming; DJ for annual "Hot Night" radio event.
HOT 103 (WQHT)
June 1986 - September 1987
Director of New Music and Special Programming; Featured
DJ for Friday nights and weekly "Lunch Break" shows.
92 KTU (WKTU)
February 1979 - June 1982
Featured DJ for daily Lunch Beak 92 show; Reviewed and
selected new music for on-air play; Remixed songs for radio
play; Received Gold Record in the "Battle of the DJs - NYC"
contest.
Night Clubs:
Kit Kat Club, Club Expo, Palladium, China Club, 1018, The
Underground, 4D, Visage, The Saint, Studio 54, Club
Elegante and Club Passion.
Producer & Engineer:
Cyre, "Last Chance" / Soul Sonic Force, "Planet Rock" /
Joey Rolon, "Body to Body", "Mi Merengue", "New York,
New York" / Susan Clark, "Kissing You" / Brenda K. Starr,
"Turn the Beat Around" / Madonna Medley Remix LP /
Tommy Boy's, "Greatest Hits" Album ("Take it to the Max" &
"Salsa Smurph") / Timber Records, "The Perfect Beats"
compilation CD ("Cybertron") / Brass Construction / Y2K
records' Trance/House album
Knob is very proud to bring you DJ Animal's highly
anticipated track feat. Cyre titled, "Last Chance 2006".
For additional information, check out his official website:
www.djanimal.com
www.myspace.com/djanimalcom
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| ARTIST DJ ANIMAL |
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