Events: Dance

The Otakurave is a dance party featuring local djs from the central PA, NY, MD, VA, and DC areas. Friday and Saturday night the DJs spin everything from remixed pop songs to drum and bass, anime remixes, and everything in between. The Otakurave occurs from 9pm to 1:30am Friday and Saturday night with two rooms of music. If you like loud music, a great crowd, and dancing all night, then this is where you want to be!

This year we will be featuring the following DJs:

• Tony Contino
• Joe Kopasek
• bitchSLAPhappy
• Rave Killa
• DJ Maiku
• Eikkon
• DJ YuVi
• Monsterz Under the Bed
• Jerramey Sin
• Muramasa
• Encryption
• Gkyelow
• Xodus
• Leni K
• Jungle Jessie
• Proxxy and Lantern

We will also be featuring the following Video DJs:

• The Fourth Floor
• Michael Dur
• Faith in the Glitch

Set times, bios, and pictures forth coming. We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

Music provided by…

DJs

RAMIRO

Ramiro started listening to EDM at the age of 14 after first hearing the 1993 album United Stance of Techno. Since then, his love for electronic music has only grown. He started spinning records for the first time in 2000 and has been going strong ever since. He’s dropped tracks in clubs up and down the DC metro area, including Edge, Shorty’s, Nation (Cubik), Five, Avenue, Fur, and Bridges. He has open for such notable international dj’s Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyke, Hybrid, and Monk. In addition to bars and nightclubs, you can just as easily catch him at random house parties and field events — anywhere there is a need for quality sound and an energetic vibe. Ramiro’s style ranges from house, trance, breaks and techno, but his greatest passion, lies in progressive. With his unique track selection and seamless mixing — not to mention his boundless energy and consistent ability to move a crowd — Ramiro has quickly becoming a well-known name throughout the metro area.
www.giveproductions.com

Jungle Jessi

A junglist since day one, Jessi broke into the drum and bass scene in the late 90s and immediately immersed herself in it. She was a constant presence at most every local DnB event, which soon landed her the nickname “Jungle Jessi.” In 2002 she took herself to the next level and started DJ’ing. She began landing gigs almost immediately; playing the award winning “Buzz” in a matter or 6 months. Since then Jessi has been a local favorite, hitting most of the DC/Baltimore club nights and beyond. She has played up and down the East Coast, including a guest spot at the world renowned Konkrete Jungle NYC for founder, DJ ODI’s birthday party.

Over the years Jungle Jessi has experimented with a variety of sounds playing a little bit of everything. She has specialized in hip-step and ragga, and is currently dabbling in dark DnB. She has shared the decks with many of the top names in Drum and Bass, including, Ed Rush and Optical, Deiselboy, Dara, DJ Rap, Kemal, Marcus Intalex, Pish Posh, Simon “Bassline” Smith, ODI, J-Smooth, Total Science, Baron, Stakka, Fabio, Reid Speed, Hive, R.A.W., Tester, Human?, General Malice, Technical Itch, Gein, Unknown Error, Mason, Misanthrope, Fixation, and Submerged. Other notable performances include the countdown to midnight slots at both the 2002 and 2004 Buzzlife “You Pick the DJ” competitions, “Freaks United II,” featuring industrial band Hanzel Und Gretyl, Alias at Nation following The Prodigy Live, and “The Sorry State of the Union” anti-war protest, staged on the lawn of the Capitol during the broadcast of the 2003 State of the Union address, featuring Thievery Corporation and Mr. Lif.
junglejessi.com and www.myspace.com/junglejessi

Xodus

Xodus started listening to edm and attending clubs and parties in the early 90s. As a natural progression and search for enlightenment, he picked up djing in late 96. Xodus was invited to be an Instructor at DC’s Metatrack Studios in 2001 and was able to share his passion for djing with countless students. With influences spanning many different genres of music, His current sound has elements of electro, fidget and funky house and breaks.

Xodus has played at such DC landmarks as Buzz at Nation, The Edge and tracks as well as many other clubs and parties in Washington DC, Baltimore, and various places in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
www.elementaldc.com

DJ LENI K

Leni K has been a professional DJ for over 23 years. Leni’s DJ style is an eclectic combination of infectious basslines, progressive tribal rhythms, house, tech, and electro house and, of course, that special vocal track thrown in for excitement. Dramatic builds, and “hands in the air” energy are the trademarks of Leni’s DJ sets, which consistently leave crowds cheering for more. One of Leni’s main goals is to bring all types of people together for one thing: THE MUSIC!

Leni has been producing music since 1997! Leni has four original tracks signed to various record labels and fourteen commissioned remixes credited to his name with three of the remixes going to #1 on the Billboard chart!

Over the years, Leni has played along side international “heavy hitters” the likes of: Paul Oakenfold, Superchumbo, Starkillers aka Nick Terranova, Junior Vasquez, Billy Carroll Boy George, Danny Howells, Tall Paul, Keoki, Max Graham, Scott Henry, Micro, DJ Dan, Bad Boy Bill, Jerry Bohnam, Feelgood, Donald Glaude, Layo & Bushwacka, Sandra Collins, & DJ Icey!
myspace.com/djlenik

Joe Kopasek — Buzzlife, Kidz That Groove, joekopasek.com

As one of the Tri-State area’s leading break beat deejays, Joe Kopasek never fails to turn heads with a music selection unlike any other. Driven by a passion to find the latest and greatest sounds the world has to offer, Joe will go to great lengths to bring what he finds pleasing to his ears… to yours. Be it acid, funky, new school, or progressive, one thing is for sure… it will move your feet.
www.joekopasek.com and www.myspace.com/kopasek

Frankie Bass

Frankie Bass is not only one of the tri-states most booked and followed dnb dj/producers but also its biggest unsung hero… working his way up from the very bottom and honing his dj and production skills along the way. Frankie has become quite the adversary, he obtains his strength from his ever growing numbers of followers that are only known as (BassHeads) who attend every show and wait on his every note, praying for the day to come when the man that has given them such joy and hope thru his music and skills of mixing vinyl… is seen and recognized for his almost unmatchable skills of being able to bring an almost healing flow of sounds that makes us all forget our worries and dance the night away…
www.myspace.com/djfrankiebass

Jerramey Sin

A true staple in Central PA and Baltimore for over 18 years, Jerramey Sin has gained a strong reputation and respect within the electronic dance music scene.  With a blend of electro, rock-remix/top 40 remix, bmore club, and fidget, Jerramey always keeps the crowd moving with unexpected twists and turns through his entire DJ set. With an ever-changing industry, Jerramey’s DJ sense shines through his sets as well as the dance floor while keeping club goers wanting more

Eikkon

A prominent figure in the Baltimore metro area for over 5 years  Eikkon has made his mark on the underground scene. Already a name growing in demand, he has played numerous events and clubs in the local area.  With a blend of electro, progressive, fidget, and Eikkon always keeps the crowd in suspense. He has proven to be a DJ to watch out for and years to come.

ENCRYPTION

This DC native has had a deep passion for drum and bass for nearly a decade. A few years after being in the scene, Encryption was drawn to the sound of neurofunk after hearing DC heroes Sinthetix and Telemetrik playing all around the Washington, DC area.

Now after years of playing mainly neurofunk, Encryption has collaborated with many of the area’s finest DJ’s and MC’s having opening up for artist like The UpBeats, Gein, The Chosen, Mayhem, Catacomb, FreakyFlow, Shimon, Dara, and MentalSharp. Expect to hear plenty of dark, tech-heavy runners from this guy.

RESONANCE

Has had a long standing passion for drum and bass that has spanned from 1996 to the present day. In 2003, she decided to take of the reigns of djing for herself, playing the local scene in her hometown of Roanoke, VA to making her way into the DC drum and bass scene. Over the years Resonance has had the opportunity to play with artists such as Monk of Rabbit in the Moon, Charles Feelgood, Dara, Freaky Flow and more. Through the years Resonance’s ear for drum and bass has evolved from heavy tech-step to the fluid, melodic style of liquid that she plays today. Coupled with Encryption’s bass heavy style of nuerofunk and Resonance’s melodic yet brooding style of liquid, together they both bring the right elements that is sure to rock the dance floor.

Monsterz Under the Bed

Fresh for 2009, Monsterz Under The Bed have taken the Baltimore metro area by storm. The DJ duo have been making a statement up and down the east coast with their blend of electro, progressive, fidget, and bmore club sound. Not to mention their appearance. The DJ team’s trademarks are the monster disguises they wear at each show. Keeping a sense of mystery behind the disguise, the two of them remain an anonymity to the general public. Keep an eye out for this duo as they are ever changing in appearance and sound and don’t forget to look under your bed for monsterz!

gKeylow

gkeylow (Jamie Henley) has been frequenting the DC scene since the late 90s.

Growing up in a musically inclined family, it was only natural that EDM became the next stepping stone in his musical life. Attending many events, Jamie fell in love with what the DJ had to offer. From the environment and the overall mood they bring to the night.

Not one to specify or limit himself to a single style, he’s there to bring a unique blend of breaks to keep the crowd up and moving.
www.breakbeatenergy.com/gkeylow

Proxxy and Lantern

(Essential Events, Ravers Only, Afterdark Talent,Midnight Sons)

For over ten years, DJ Proxxy has been embedded with the electronic dance music scene. Co-Founder of Essential Breaks, which throws monthly and “one-off” Breaks events in the DC area, Proxxy has been traveling all over the U.S., and recently the UK, delivering his ability to mesh Drum and Bass with Old and Nu Skool Breaks tracks together. Raised in Northern Virginia, Lantern has risen to the top of the D.C./Baltimroe club circuit at an unmatched rate. Having a number of high profile gigs, he has gained much respect in the local surrounding DC area. Tonight Proxxy and Lantern will once again team up to bring you their patented Drum & Breaks!!
www.EssentialBreaks.net, www.myspace.com/djproxxy, www.myspace.com/djlantern

BitchSLAPhappy

BitchSLAPhappy (aka DJ Kevin S. and Kev-e-Kev) began DJ-ing 20 yrs ago in Harrisburg, PA. His first residency was at The Vault nightclub (now Eclipse) located in Harrisburg, PA. He spun there for 10 yrs 1991-2001 and often played out parties in other cities nearby. He was also the first in the area to play EDM and in 1993 held the first “rave” in his local area. After the success of this party, he starting having EDM nights at The Vault which was the birth of the EDM in the Harrisburg, PA area. After the Vault closed in 2001, he teamed up with Baltimore area producer and DJ Leni K. They began producing music under the name K & S Project in 2003. They had their first remix of Kristine W’s “fly again” (Tommyboy Records) go to #1 on Billboard’s Dance chart. In 2005, they released their first original track, “The Music,” on *69 records, which made it to #25 on Billboards Dance chart.

In 2006, he and Jerremey Sin started ‘Structure” which later became Spy Club in Harrisburg, PA. This club caters to all styles of EDM and is open Friday and Saturday nights. In 2007, he began producing music as Dj Kevin S. He later changed his name to BitchSLAPhappy due to so many producers and DJs already using that name. He has had great success with the remixes he had produced since then, one being Britney Spears “Circus.”
www.myspace.com/bitchslaphappy

Tony Contino

Tony Contino, aka The Little Trooper, is a house DJ from the Washington DC metro area. He is no stranger to Otakon, having played every year since 2002. He has also played hundreds of raves and parties throughout the DC, MD, VA, and PA areas and has never disappointed the crowd. Tony has shared the stage with worldwide sensation Darude twice and also with local star Scott Henry. He runs a weekly event, Tsunami Tsundays, at Cafe Japone in DC. This year expect a dose of his smooth mixing and impeccable track selection to start the night off just right.

DJ Maiku

DJ Maiku has graced the stages at shows all around the country. With a roster of over 60 anime con appearances, he is a veteran of the con scene going way back to the late nineties. Aside from holding residencies at clubs in Ohio, Maiku has developed his production skills in the studio and has been lucky enough to have his remixed tracks appear both stateside and in Japan. Maiku will be playing an ALL-JAPAN-NRG set at the dance, featuring some new remixes of anime series themes, J-Pop songs and the latest from the best DJs out of Japan. www.djmaiku.com

DJ YuVi

An Otaku Raver since 2004 ;), YuVi has been in the Electronic Dance Music scene since a young age of 14. But YuVi’s story actually begins with his friend and former room mate — Kyle aka Jenny from the Park/Dj Aris. Jenny from the Park, an 11 year veteran of the House music scene and having spun in NYC, Connecticut, Philly, Baltimore and D.C., began practicing with YuVi nearly every day for a solid 2 years. By the end of the first year, YuVi had already begun to spin out at after parties in Philly and Baltimore. He was quickly recognized and signed to Essence Productions for mainstage performances. By blending the crowd jumping Electro House that Jenny exposed him to, and his true love — Trance — his sets have become something really unique, giving everyone a style they can connect to. A special thanks to all the supporters: Kyle, Nobi, Obscure, The NoVa and Essence crew, and all the friends who got me here.

Video DJs

The Fourth Floor

The Fourth Floor, aka Tim, hails from the Pennsylvania area. He will be providing visuals in the side rooms of the Otakurave this year. A first timer to Otakon, lets be sure to give him a warm welcome!
www.fourthfloorphotography.com

Michael Dur

Michael Dur is a nerd. He has used this to his advantage and provided visuals for raves, experimental electronic performances, and for thousands on a regular basis at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. His visuals often include custom programmed effects and generative elements.

Faith in the Glitch

Faith in the Glitch is the VJ moniker for DJ Masamune. Everything in life has a rhythm. He lives for that magic moment when all things are in sync — their rhythms and tempi reacting and building off one another. The slicing of video and audio to a rhythmic and musical structure is more than a technique for him; it’s how he views the world. By combining turntablism, electronic music, and video art he’s creating a seamless integration. He wants to remix reality. To reconstruct memories and inspiration from the past, present, and future, disassemble them, and create new works from a wide range of sources is the nucleus of his work.

If you would like to submit a demo for Otakurave 2010 please send an email to otakon_djs@yahoo.com or go to www.myspace.com/otakurave. Thank you!!