Joe Bermudez
On the Beat
It’s tough not to objectify a DJ who looks like Joe Bermudez. Angelic, innocent and distinct, his face is a jaw-dropper – but a pretty face isn’t his shtick. In fact, this international DJ and accomplished producer could be playing with a bag over his head and he’d still get what really matters to him – the ears of thousands of fans in the U.S. and beyond.
On April 22, Bermudez will be at the helm of Pulse Media’s Shipwrecked Party at Rich’s.
Admittedly, it’s a tad difficult to reconcile his outward appearance with his energy behind the decks. A devil-may-care abandon of what is played by most conventional jocks is matched only by his talent in the studio, a skill that has attracted clients ranging from Jessica Simpson to Kelly Clarkson and Jesse McCartney.
Throw into the mix his mantle as a Billboard reporter, his weekly show on XM Satellite Radio and some upcoming high-profile TV, radio and recording gigs, and what you’ve got is a true professional on par with or surpassing any on a small list of peers.
All that said, it’s spinning live that gives this 28-year-old Bostonian, who grew up in Maine, the greatest rush and has earned him a solid fan base that turns out en masse in every venue and in every city he plays.
Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear Bermudez spin knows that his style is anything but common, that his mixing and weaving of divergent genres and talents is flawless, and that his penchant for taking chances is legendary. The roster of clubs and parties for which he’s been tapped is impressive: Avalon in Hollywood, Blue Ball in Philadelphia, Unity II in Montreal, Cherry in Washington, D.C., Living Room in Mexico City and Blu in Atlanta.
Driving tribal is his signature sound, but like any good jock, Bermudez is just as comfortable spinning low-key house in an intimate room as he is blowing the roof off of a huge warehouse.
“Nowadays, DJs have to be versatile because trends in music are not universal, and we’re all looking for the best gigs around,” Bermudez says. “But, the truth is, it takes a really strong DJ to step into a booth in any club in any city in the world, size up the crowd and take some chances. Versatility goes both ways, but I find that looking for that hook and then latching on for the night is key.”
Bermudez knows something about pleasing a huge crowd. In just the past few years, he has gone from making a name for himself nationally on John Garabedian’s Open House Party to becoming a superstar in the small stable of highly visible circuit and club DJs. Even though he has no desire to give up the touring (he admits sleep is a rarity), some of his greatest achievements have come in the past two years from his home production studio in Brighton, Mass.
Just turn on your radio, your XM Satellite console, or tune to Music Choice from your local cable company. What you’re likely to hear is one of the dozens of remixes tooled by Bermudez.
From his most recent, Kelly Clarkson’s “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” to standards like Pink’s “Get This Party Started,” Bermudez’s indelible mark has been made on music, and anywhere you go you’re likely to hear his musical concoctions in heavy rotation.
“It’s never really something I could have pictured myself doing, and, in the past couple years, it has really come together for me,” says Bermudez of his production, a skill that has garnered him an unusual following.
While most artists prefer to dole their vocals out to a number of different producers, they seem to return frequently to Bermudez. Hilary Duff has just tapped Bermudez for the sixth time, while Kelly Clarkson and Pink have each come back for three songs. Jessica Simpson, Mis-teeq and Jesse McCartney can claim two cuts, while Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake all appear on the very long list of Bermudez’s clients.
“They keep coming back for more,” Bermudez says. “That’s really rewarding.”
Centaur Music recently tapped Bermudez for the first of their two CDs benefiting the upcoming Gay Games in Chicago.
“It is quite an honor to be selected to mix the official CD of the Chicago Gay Games,” Bermudez says. “I put together an energetic mix to be enjoyed by all. For the athlete preparing to compete or the fan looking to enjoy the festivities, these songs will provide some musical motivation while simply making you feel good.”
The CD is in stores nationwide.
Don’t miss Bermudez at Pulse Media’s Shipwrecked Party at Rich’s on April 22 starting at 9:00 p.m. General entry presale is $12. VIP entry presale is $20.
VIP tickets include access to the Boiler Room with express service bar, complimentary frozen treats to cool you down and a free CD featuring the music of DJ Joe Bermudez or free entry into Shipwreck’s official afterhours party, Into The Blue, presented by Juice! at Shooterz. Into The Blue will feature internationally-renowned DJ Adien from Los Angeles, as well as water-themed dancers and unique undersea décor. For more information, visit www.sdjuice.com.
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