4 local DJs take spotlight

MANILA, Philippines — Singers can easily take center stage in the music scene after earning awards. Sports personalities can often brag about the trophies or medals they win in a competition. However, it is rare that local DJs take the spotlight and be recognized for their accomplishment.

After an informal search last year for local DJs and record producers, four guys were chosen to be part of the pool of official remixers from this part of the globe.

The search was initiated by CNR Music Belgium, official label of Tomorrowland Festival, through Curve Entertainment and Mannix Manalo, formerly of Tonedef Music and Bounce Music DJ School. After a number of candidates were screened, four names were eventually chosen to be part of the exclusive group.

The new DJ-record producers are Dimas Johan Xanthus Ong, John Sedano, Aldo Legarda and Mark Nicosia. They will soon churn out official remixes of works by CNR artists and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) giants such as Dutch pair Bassjackers known for their electro house tracks, Australian DJs Nervo, Belgian DJ and record producer Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike brothers duo, Dutch DJ Blasterjaxx, Belgian DJ Regi Penxten and Dutch DJ-musician Sophie Francis.

From Left:John Sedano, Mark Nicosia and Aldo Legarda

“We are truly pleased to work with CNR Records Belgium and bring the international spotlight to talented Filipino DJs,” says Narciso Chan, head of Curve Entertainment. “It’s about time these DJs are recognized by a bigger market. They undoubtedly bring pride to the Philippines.”

This collaboration, according to Narciso, is only the start of many other things to come that will highlight the working partnership of CNR Records Belgium and Curve Entertainment.

“We are looking forward to many more exciting things to come after this,” Narciso assures. “Not just with the DJs but in the music scene, as well.”

The first track to be remixed is You Have a Heart, by Belgian DJ and media phenomenon Regi and featuring female singer OT. As a composer-producer and studio owner, Regi has written tracks for an extensive list of artists and recent collaborations with Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Moya and Yves V. Music buffs can listen to the local remixes during the DJ sets in various clubs and events.

 CNR Music is the parent company for such sub-labels as Smash the House and Mostiko Records. For nearly a decade now, CNR has been responsible for the rise of such names in international disc jockeying as Felguk, Wolfpack and Dimaro, including international releases for Diplo, Buscemi, Moloko, Katy B, Jomy, Hardwell and many more.

This will soon pave the way for our local dance music proponents to be placed on the world EDM map. It will not be long before we listen to remixes for new, original music.