LOCAL LOVE MIAMI’S RESIDENT DJS Building a career from the humble beginning as a local DJ is no easy task in any city around the world. And while some view this rat race merely as a popularity contest, the fact is that popularity alone doesn’t cut it. To stand out, local DJs must climb their way from the bottom up with consistency, passion, quality taste, technical skill, forward thinking and music production. As one of the most competitive DJ markets in the world, rising to the top as a local DJ in Miami is paramount to scaling Mount Everest.
Damaged Goods Obi Tawil aka Damaged Goods has developed a career out of “stretching the borders of musical sanity”. From a Downtown dance spot, mega South Beach club, or an underground speakeasy, there isn’t a venue Damaged Goods hasn’t stamped with his signature high energy and ever-evolving style. Past accolades include residencies at venues such as Mansion, Louis, Mokai, Set, as well as securing an international sponsorship with Smirnoff Vodka. In 2011, he kick started his producing career with the release of “Devastating” alongside co-producer Sydney Blu. They went on to release their second single together, “Giving It Up,“ which took off on Beatport’s Top 10 Progressive charts. Obi reimagined his sound with releases on Fool’s Gold, Mad Decent, and a forthcoming release on one of Spinnin’s top sub-labels, “Oxygen.” 2017 has been off to a great start as he secured residencies at LIV, E11EVEN, Hyde Beach (Miami) and Create (LA). Expect more releases and shows to come in what seems to be stacking up as Damaged Goods’ breakout year.
For many years, Miami has birthed artists that have transcended the local scene to gain worldwide recognition. Today, as we survey crop of talent here, it’s clear that it is as ripe for the picking as ever. After weeding through the endless list of local DJs and producers, we selected ten of the most respected, up-and-coming talents that Miami has to offer. Below are ten audience-pleasing DJs we believe deserve recognition for all the energy they dedicate to curating music for Miami’s local community. Make sure to keep an eye out for them as they perform at numerous events around MMW.
Donnie Lowe Anyone who has had the opportunity to see Donnie Lowe perform will undoubtedly tell you he is more than just a “House Head.” Donnie’s eclectic music style draws on years of immersing himself in a wide array of genres and music communities. Today you can often see Donnie at the newest Miami venue, Heart Nightclub, where he plays several times a month and is the go-to Resident for Heart’s nowinfamous after-hours parties with the promotions team Humans Alike. His sounds incorporate chunky hip-hop bass lines, synths and percussion all within the realms of techno, minimal and deep house. Donnie is taking the South Florida scene on a funky and melodic ride through house music with no signs of stopping anytime soon. soundcloud.com/donnieloweofc
soundcloud.com/iamdamagedgoods
Ella Romand
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Hardline
Influenced by the sounds of electronic music and her background on classical piano, Ella Romand plays deep house with a harmonious taste. In Miami, Ella can be found playing regularly at Treehouse, The Electric Pickle, East Hotel, or Do Not Sit On The Furniture among other popular venues. Brought up in a nurturing musical environment, the Franco-Brazilian listened to a variety of music, from Bossa Nova to classical music. Thanks to a natural ear, she began playing the piano at an early age, picking up songs from the radio before composing her own. Additional to her solo career, Ella’s newest track in collaboration with vocalist Emilia Garth and music producer DAN.K was released by Bobbin Head Music under the electronic music group name Dsided.
Dedicating more than 10 years of his life to Miami’s nightlife, Hardline has made it his playground. For over seven years, Hardline has been a resident DJ with LinkMiamiRebels - one of the most respected underground music promotion teams in Florida. He has traveled and resided on the island of Ibiza, earning himself opportunities to perform at events at Cova Santa, Café Del Mar, Ibiza Global Radio and Sankeys Ibiza, where he currently holds a residency. Hardline considers himself to be a very versatile DJ. He’s able to play many different styles depending on the night’s context, but always has a cutting-edge approach in his track selection. After getting an audio technology degree from SAE Institute Miami, he continues his journey as a musical artist by getting deep into music production.
soundcloud.com/ellaromand
mixcloud.com/hardline
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