I've been surrounded by music since my early childhood. My father loved to collect discs, and he transmitted his passion for music to the whole family when he use to do small jams sessions, on Sunday mornings. My father left me a priceless heritage: a passion for the music and the desire to share my passion with others.

My first musical experience was a long time ago but I remember it as if it were yesterday. I used to buy the latest hits that were playing on radio at a small music store called Belisle Music close to my house. The kind of music I liked then was the one that was played on radios on Saturday nights, live from the always-popular Club Limelight, THE night club of the time. During this show, we could hear a sound so different from the one heard on traditional radio! In 1981, I bought my first 12-inches: Carol Jiani's "Hit & Run Lover", my whole family wondered why I had spent my money on a record made of a single song! Without hesitation I answered, with all the passion that can demonstrate a young music-maniac, that it was because that single song was the extended 8 minutes 10 club mix version…!.


A little later, I started to make my first parties with my younger sister, who was instructor at the district school and in charge to organize events for the youngsters. Thanks to the budget granted by the leisure committee, we organized dance parties in the gymnasium. More than 400 students attended our parties. They have been my first audience and witnessed the development of my passion for the turned tables. Of course, all this was only for fun my education and the mentalities of the time preventing me from believing that a career in the music could be possible.


Never the less, I never put aside my great interest in music, and it is in 1986 that I officially began my career as VJ resident at " Pete & Marty's ". At that time, " Much Music " began and became very popular; 75 % of my evening was dedicated to videos clip, and I played music the remainder of the time. I kept buying record until I realized, five years ago, that I had to make this more profitable and live my passion to the limit. With time, I developed a good contact network, made friends who helped me to slowly integrate Montreal's nightlife and to start organizing my own events. My audience grew up from 50 people to 100 and 150, and it hasn't stopped growing since then.


I performed in several Montreal clubs such as the Lézard, the Silver, the Sky Club / Pub, the Unity Club / Pub, the Resurrection, the Sisters, the Stereo, the Groove Society, the Spectrum and the Metropolis. I've also had the privilege to perform in such famous places as the Salvation of Miami, the Hollywood Athletic Club and the Factory of Los Angeles, as well as in the Queen, in Paris. My local influences come from Robert de la Gauthier, Stéphane Grondin and Mark Anthony. At the international level, they come from Julian Marsh, Junior Vasquez, Peter Rauhofer, Neil Lewis and Tiesto, who all have a style, I affection particularly.


The Circuit Parties, just a few years back, were an escape from traditional club music. These parties provided access to trend setting music from around the world, and not just the top 10 America dance hits. It seems that more traditional club DJs have been hired in recent years to play Circuit parties, and as such, the sound has changed. Harder club music has become more the norm leaving very little difference between a Saturday night out at a local club and a special event. Call me a traditionalist, but I still believe in giving a different experience when I DJ. The advent of the circuit parties was a revelation to my career. Since about six years, I develop a style influenced by large cities like New York, South Beach, Palm Springs, etc. I have met some incredible people, and was able to establish good relationship with some promoters, but I especially became aware that we, Montrealers, could be lucky enough to party with the best local DJs and to share fame with international DJs during these events. I think, amongst others of Manny Lehman, David Harness, Escape, DeMarko, Kimberly S, Gonzalo, Billy Carroll and Chris Cox.


As for the promoters, I cannot overlook the Bad Boy Club Foundation, which is not foreign with the success that I know today. It enabled me to play during ten events under it's banner: Sleaze Ball 1999, After Wild and Wet 1999, Twist 1999, Black and Blue Recovery 1999, Christmas Xtravaganza 1999, New Millenium 2000, Ski Bump 2000, Hot and Dry 2000, Halloween 2000, Fever 2001, etc.


At the time being, I cannot be prouder of my career than I am. No one can tell when my passion for the music will get to an end, but one thing is sure: as long as I will feel people dancing and having fun with my music, I will be there! Knowing that nothing is eternal; I perform every night as if it was the last one. And unlike what I used to believe, I can now say that being a DJ is not only a job; it is also an art!


I am currently resident DJ at the Club Sisters, on Sunday afternoon. I would describe my musical style as a combination of progressive house music and trance music with a tribal touch, being also very vocal.

Epilogue

Is it the DJ that controls the dancing floor or the energy released of the dance floor that gives all its ardour to the DJ? The answer is simple: one does not go without the other. Everyone creates the energy present on the floor. To develop a party atmosphere, everyone needs to collaborate. My music can transcend you, but your presence and your energy are essential to my performance. Music takes an enormous place in my life. Thank you to have believed and to continue to believe in me. I consider myself very lucky with the evolution of my career, but don't be afraid: I'm staying very grounded.

CPI News Page

Fierte.com

Ce week-end « Wild » comporte plusieurs activités dont les deux plus importantes sont le party Wild & Wet qui a lieu au Medley dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche ainsi que le party Hot & Dry qui se déroule au Club Métropolis le dimanche soir.

Le DJ producteur Peter Rauhofer, détenteur d’un trophée Grammy, ainsi que le DJ montréalais Gilles Jr. animeront le party Wild & Wet qui comportera des effets spéciaux avec de l’eau. Les danseurs du Bad Boy Club de Montréal présenteront un spectacle intitulé « Get Naked ». Les mêmes danseurs présenteront leur second spectacle « Amazons in Heat » le lendemain soir, lors du party Hot & Dry, animé par les DJ new yorkais Escape (NYC / Grouvilicious) et montréalais Gilles Massicotte. C’est au milieu d’une atmosphère chaude et « tribale » (décor et effets spéciaux) que les fêtards s'en donneront à coeur joie.

Drop The Needle: May 11, 2000

1999 Circuit Party Award Winners

Runner up
Black and Blue, Mega Recovery Party
October 11, 1999
Spectrum De Montreal
DJ Gilles Massicotte
DJ Manny Lehman
Official Hostess/ CircuitMom Chicago

The CircuitDog.com Review of Montreal Black and Blue

Tetu.com

Top Dog Winners Circle

Man Around