New York, is and always will BE, a place for a certain brand of artists, specifically DJ’s, to express themselves and BE themselves. Today in dance music, DJs play an intriguing role, night to night, day to day and yes, it has been years. Who are these infamous magic mixers of the night? And out of them, WHO could possibly turn down a chance to open for the man himself, the maestro, DJ Danny Tenaglia? A “Big Hearted Italian”, from New York that’s who. DJ Michelangelo(NYC) turned down the offer only to make it his goal to accept the offer a year later to open at Vinyl with Tenaglia. Proving himself worthy, he played 6 more times at Vinyl/Arc until it finally closed its doors in 2004. The rest as it seems is taking Michelangelo on a fun musical journey.
Emerging himself into the blend of tribal, acid and deep house mixing, he comes from the same musical background many of us share, early 90’s hip hop, HA! Remember making mix tapes, Yo! MTV raps, Z. Cavaricci jeans and Cross Colours. Michelangelo is no stranger to droppin 80’s and 90’s music into his sets. His recent Miami, Las Vegas, Mexico and Toronto gigs have pumped up the fun factor for these world-renowned venues. A business man, an entrepreneur, an art collector and an entertainer, he’s doing what he loves. And for him, Djing “is just a hobby”. We got a chance to reconnect with Michelangelo after his brief visit to San Francisco.
VM: What were you like growing UP? Danced in front of the mirror, hung with the boyz, watched mom cook, played videos games?
M: I was a little wise ass! Always stirring something up. I hung out w/ “the older kids” & was into graffiti….been playing hockey since I was 10 which kept me out of trouble the rest of the time 
VM: How did you start Djing, what did you start with, first tracks you loved playing with…..
M: A friend had DJ equipment & I started out using his set-up. It was a decent rig. Tech 1200’s (that’s vinyl turntables for some of you) & a nice Vestax rotary mixer. I can’t recall a specific record I loved to play at the time but I was into the semi-cheesy BXR & Platipus records.
VM: You are quite a character. You are business minded, love music, a jokester…What best describes your character and how you entertain people who love the music you play?
M: Many people think they are either to old or to cool to do or act a certain way. My take on that is: There is a time & a place for EVERYTHING. I’m just tapping into my inner child & trying to get others to do the same…Lately I have been getting really silly…. I basically DJ all the time w/ that propeller hat. Last week in Toronto I busted out some new toys. Lucce Libre mask, clown nose, few other things but I’d rather it be seen live I try to apply this “inner child” to my work projects as well. You can’t be afraid to fail or mess up….Mistakes are the currency of creativity!
VM: What would you say is the underlying factor in getting “the call” to open from Legendary Danny Tenaglia himself?
M: Well I was going to Vinyl every week & I had some tracks which I would have LOVED to hear out. My good friend Special Agent Eric Ortense intro’d me to Danny & I was dropping off CD’s in his music bin ever so often. At the time Danny lived on my route to work so it was an easy drop. I think Danny appreciated that I was giving him UNmixed music & not trying to prove that I was a DJ. We also have similar personalities & taste in other things.. but over all I think its the fact that we are lil I-talians w/ big hearts
VM: Most memorable moments from playing around the world?
M: My most memorable moment is closing for Danny one night @ Vinyl. He had to leave early to drive up to a Montreal-Stereo gig. I played from 5am-10am & really felt like I had something going in there. I really gave it my all… once I stopped I was so drained I couldn’t even drive home. Hats off to any DJ that plays extended sets!
VM:What artists move YOUR body?
M: Anyone from the likes of: Mr. G, Switch, Dousk, Jorvis Voorn, Len Faki, Paul Ritch, Mateo Murphy, Maskio, Samuel L. Sessions, The Fix…all I can think of now.
VM: You are an urban art collector and shop online. What piques your interest for a purchase?
M: I love collecting pieces from some of the graffiti legends I saw growing up. Especially “Ghost” (www.cousinfrank.com).
VM: In the world and society we live in today, what is your biggest hope in change for the near future?
M: Energy Independance…
VM: DO you have any productions you are currently working on?
M: I’m in the process of setting up a new studio….stay tuned but don’t hold your breath!
VM: You are very busy with your family businesses, music, clothing line, traveling…. what is your bottom line for rest and happiness?
M: Finding the balance & not letting any one aspect get overwhelming. Have big dreams but enjoy the ride as you go.. & ALWAYS be thankful for what you have…especially HEALTH.
VM: Favorite early 90’s hip-hop album?
M: Nice & Smooth – Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed
VM: You love New York because……
M: You can find anything & everything! NY will always be my home base…
VM: Upcoming Gigs?
M: I’ll be playing w/ Victor Calderone 7/5/2008 in the Hamptons & I just got confirmed to play with Danny Tenaglia at Space in Ibiza 8/21/2008.
Michelangelo, keep doing your hobby and we look forward to seeing more of you and around the globe. Check out the fresh gear from Michelangelo’s T-shirt company www.ASTROSAUCE.com.
Listen to Michelangelo’s Mad Hatter Mix (May 10th, 2008) Live at Pacha, NY with Danny Tenaglia
[audio:http://djmichelangelo.com/uploads/Michelangelo_Live_PachaNYC_Danny%20Tenaglia_Mad_Hatter_Party_5_10_08.MP3]
Links:
www.djmichelangelo.com
www.myspace.com/michelangelonyc