Award winning DJ ~ Writer ~ Producer ~ Remixer ~ Billboard reporter ---- Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.... my love for music started at the age of 11, when I won my first record collection from a local radio contest. After voraciously collecting for about 5 years, I got my first DJ job at the age of 16 in a Bourbon Street club. The jazz culture of New Orleans perpetuated my love for music of all styles. In high school and college, I studied music theory, learned the guitar...and went on the be trained in the opera, performing leading roles for numerous regional productions. I have also had extensive training in video editing & production, with many of my visual works being seen in clubs all over the world. Also, I was one of the first "VJs" in the country to actually beatmix music video (VHS!), before all this technology made it so easy for practically anyone. In an age where technology has compromised talent, I try to remain true to my musical roots while taking my skills to the next level. After spinning in the deep South for a while, I moved to NYC in 94-95, at the peak of the club frenzy, immersing myself in the presence of some of my most revered influences. Since then, I've proven myself in many of the prominent clubs in NY nightlife, and have maintained my career primarily here in the Big Apple. In addition to occasional remix projects, I have been writing & producing. My first songwriting effort resulted in a grande prize songwriting award for Billboard magazine in 2001....that song ("Resurrect Me") was signed to the legendary West End recording label, which spawned the famous DJ Larry Levan & Paradise Garage. Then again in 2004, I won an additional Billboard songwriting award with another original piece, "He Gives More". With over 50,000 records and CDs to my collection, my training has been vast and influential, with genres including classics, house, tribal, circuit, NRG, disco, soul, funk, rock, new wave, electronic, alternative, trance, techno and so on. While many DJs & producers adhere to one "style", I try to draw from an eclectic well of experience, and apply all that inspires me to create distinct moods. I never understood why some people feel as though ANY DJ or musician should be "boxed in"... I grew up in an atmosphere of diversity, and so the music was always a changing force in my life. Every party, event & occasion is unique; each one demands an appropriate sound... but the redundancy and consistency of trends create a common thread which can tie the entire spectrum of sound together, and that's what I strive for....range, drive and flow. This may sound a bit complicated, but basically it's about balance. And without diversity, balance just doesn't exist ! For more info, go to www.ReedMcGowan.com