Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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.
Muramasa
After starting DJing in 1999, Muramasa bounced around musically,
finally playing drum and bass exclusively. Eventually he got his foot in
the door with the legendary Buzzlife Productions and it was less than a
year later that Scott Henry hired him up to work full time for the
company. Things picked up over time, and today he can humbly admit,
thanks to a good deal of hard work he’s played in almost every
megaclub between NC and VA, headlined a few shows, etc. Muramasa returns
to Otakon to deliver a pounding Drum and Bass mix loaded with Japanese
tunes, and remixes, that will tear the roof off the convention
center!
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!!
