Finbarr Massi is a worldly and cultured DJ adept in the business of molding noise into sound and sound into music for the masses. Grandstanding has long been a strength of DJ Massi’s career, not through his donned sunglasses or tantalizing biceps (though crowd pleasing nonetheless), but through his eclectic signature arrangements and sets consisting of progressive house, afro-beat and electronica.

DJ Massi first made his mark on the San Diego club scene during a competition held at Rich’s, one of the oldest gay establishments in San Diego. The competition was widely referred to as “DJ Idol,” where numerous local DJs squared off to gain the affections of the patrons. With his unique selection of driven beats and melodic continuity, DJ Massi successfully claimed victory over his contenders, gaining a permanent residency with the Rich’s hotspot night called “Heaven.”

Born in South Carolina, DJ Massi quickly relocated to Luxembourg when he came of age. The “European capital of culture,” as Luxembourg is often called, made a resounding impression on the young clubgoer/stockbroker with its infectious trance and Euro dance wave. Luxembourg’s progressive music scene, in concert with Boston’s house influences where he later lived, accounts for the backdrop of experience that continues to hone and permeate DJ Massi’s unique production today.

The anatomy of DJ Massi’s discography is one of constant contrast. His customized sound can be described as an adhesive with the ability to cause two opposing magnets to suddenly surrender, gravitating toward one another to form one. The DJ List, self-proclaimed as “the world’s largest DJ directory,” articulated DJ Massi’s sound best as a medley of “lush melodies and pulsing bass lines; structured arpeggios and organic grooves.” It’s almost as if one is mounting an emotive rollercoaster of peaks and valleys when listening to his elative mixes. No wonder he’s been dubbed the “DJ Idol” of San Diego.

Idol or not, this local sensation doesn’t hesitate to bow down to idols and influences of his own, including Victor Calderone, Junior Vasquez, Paul Van Dyk and Mezo.

“I’m loving Mezo. His voice and songwriting stand above and beyond all the noise out there,” DJ Massi says about the Orlando-based talent.

From the onset of his career – with his first single, “Mas Duro” harnessing mega success and recognition from fellow DJs and critics worldwide – DJ Massi continues to grow his status and resume. He’s collaborated with Latin heartthrob Alejandro, American crotchthrob Lenny Kravitz and Toni Ann Bardell, and is best known for the “He Gives More” remix and “The Funhouse.”

Most recently, DJ Massi released the tribal house/deep house track, “Jungles of Jupiter” and remixed “Let Me Hear the Music” by L.E.X. featuring Niki Haris.

DJ Massi has mixed an exclusive CD specifically tailored for his Jan. 20 performance at Bacchus House. The event will include a free CD giveaway that night. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab some freebies and listen to the indescribable audio experience that only DJ Massi can offer. To get a taste of what to expect, visit DJ Massi’s Web site, www.finbarrmassi.com.

Rocket: What do you think most distinguishes your sets from those of other prominent DJs?

DJ Finbarr Massi: As a remixer and producer, I’m fortunate enough to meet and work with a lot of artists and DJs from around the world and I bring these experiences into my live sets. My sets are about fresh approaches to universal themes.

Rocket: It’s been widely published that contrast is a defining element of your signature sound. Can you give an example of how you incorporate such contrast?

FM: For example, I might play an upcoming Beyoncé track, but with a driving, Iberican beat. Or maybe throw a Christina Aguilera vocal on an obscure but infectious South American progressive stormer. Add to that some unreleased and private mixes from likes of Hex Hector and Victor Calderone plus a couple of my own secret weapons, and you’ve got quite a unique and fun night out in San Diego.

Rocket: Can you describe the energy and feel of the CD that you mixed exclusively for Jan. 20 at Bacchus House?

FM: The CD is a journey through my sound: driving beats and bass lines, and beautiful melodies popping up when you least expect them.

Rocket: How do the tracks facilitate the evolution of the mix, from start to finish?

FM: I begin the first part of the CD with a fusion of soulful house and electro, anchored by a collaboration between Chus & Ceballos and Victor Calderone, a.k.a. Cubic, called “Superflyin,” then Fatboy Slim ushers in a funkier, bass-driven vignette that is punctuated by Tom Novy’s fierce remake of Snap’s “The Power.” Pedro Diaz’s “This Is the Sound (Massi & De Leon Freq Mix),” just released on Midnight Society’s Soundgroove Records, paves the way to a tribal progression that ends with one of the “the illest bootlegs of all time” – Prince Quickmix’s surprisingly danceable tribal remix of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.” With 16 tracks and well over an hour, the CD is the perfect way to take the vibe of the night home with you.

Rocket: Who have been your favorite artists to collaborate with?

FM: My favorite artist is up-and-comer Breathwaite. Songwriting with him and De Leon has been an awesome experience. We’ve worked with him on two original singles and are heading into the studio for the third. “Don’t Lie,” which Kult Records highlighted on their Pump It 2 CD compilation last month, and “Show You” will be out in February on Stereo Productions, Madrid. Additionally L.E.X. – DJ Eddie X and Luigie Gonzales – have been mentors to me. When you’re on the shortlist of remixers for Madonna, Ricky Martin and Bette Midler, you must be doing something right! Co-producing with them on a few tracks this past year has been a trip!