DJ John Rizzo
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DJ John Rizzo

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The best kept secret in music

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"Heavy Makes You Happy"

How will this summer's dance music be remebered? Judging from MIXPOINT, the new mixed compilation CD from DJ John Rizzo, 2006 was a good year for big-diva vocals and a return to some of the feel-good tribal beats that used to dominate dance floors. The Bronx native's uplifting debut features six Billboard Top 10 dance hits and relies heavily on anthems, including a note-worthy DJ Escape/Dom Capello remix of Kim English's "CesLa Vie" and Dolce's ubiquitos "I Will". The affair wraps up with a fresh and surprising cover of Heavy D's "Now That We Found Love," reworked here as a late-hour-let's-leave-before-the-lights-come-on-finale. Sounds like our summer alright.

Mixpoint by DJ John Rizzo (D1 Music), out now.
www.d1music.biz - HX Magazine October 27, 2006


"Exceptional Compilation!"

John Rizzo makes a "kick the door down" entrance with Mixpoint, his first mixed compilation, and is determined to be the one guy you remember through all that swirls around the circuit world. Mixpoint features a number of headlining artists, including L.E.X. feat. Niki Haris, Kim English, Dolce, Taborah and Antoine Clamaran, along with a handful of promising prospects such as Barry Huffine feat. Kareema Castro, Randy Freiss, Supanova, and the revival of Bunny Rugs' "Now That We Found Love" by Norty Cotto. Unlike many other first time mix CDs, John Rizzo isn't depending solely on the talent of others to guarantee his success, 4 of the disc's 13 tracks are remixed by Rizzo himself. Also, his tracklisting isn't exactly a "Hits List", the majority of these tracks appear to be selections made based on his own tastes as opposed to what's going to grab the eye, and after listening to the disc the reason for the selections is pretty clear-these are undiscovered gold. Watch this one, we may have a rising star on our hands.
- Perfect Beat - December 14, 2006


"DJ Rizzo in the hizzo"

THE JET-SETTING DJ SPINS AT CHEZ EST FOR HARTFORD PRIDE

William Henderson September 06, 2006



Saturday afternoon after spinning the night before in New Jersey and DJ John Rizzo is still barely awake. He spins upwards of four times a week, does New Jersey on a bimonthly basis, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. once a month, and makes his Chez Est debut this Saturday.

It's a career some 20-odd years in the making, a career carved initially out of weekend gigs at roller skating rinks and birthday parties, which turned into house parties, which then turned into residencies at SBNY, Feathers, Pure, Escandalo, Apex, Triangles, Mor and Rise.

"Rise is one of my all-time favorite places to play," said Rizzo during said Saturday afternoon telephone interview. "It's intimacy, it's people, the energy, the sound system, the fact that it's an after-hours place - there's just something magic about that room. It's just such a great place to play."

He's heard similar things about Chez Est, most often from his girlfriend, DJ Lady Tita, a club staple, who is spinning this Friday.

"She filled me in on everything," said Rizzo. "So that night, whatever I'm feeling, whatever is happening, people will have a good time."

He does little to prepare for his gigs, brings in no pre-made set lists, though he does travel with more music that he could ever hope to play in the course of one evening. Give him a week of nights and he might exhaust his extensive collection of music. The key to his music, he explains, is versatility.

Whether he's creating a night woven with dark and mysterious beats, or charging up the dance floor with electrifying vocals backed with hard grooves, Rizzo said he intuitively works a room with his creative mixing and programming style and feeds off of the room's energy. He likes to give people what they want.

"I just want everybody to have fun, you know?" he said.

A Bronx, New York native, Rizzo has owned and operated his own nightclub, promotes his own events, has had several mix shows on some of New York's most elite radio stations - KTU, WLIR, WSIA - and, alongside Barry Huffine, launched a fully digitized record label named Purchase Musik earlier this year. The label's first album spawned a number six Billboard hit, and Rizzo is gearing up to release a second album this fall.

He has also recently been commissioned to remix and produce tracks for artists such as Suzanne Palmer, Supanova, RuPaul, Amuka, Jason Walker, Matthew Duffy and Taxidoll, whose music is featured on the television show "Veronica Mars."

Coming to Hartford and participating in its Pride celebration, he said, should be exciting.

"It'll be a good time. But it always is," said Rizzo. "And it's the power of music that keeps me going." •



- In News Weekly - Boston, U.S.A.


"Putting the cool back into the culture"

DJ JOHN RIZZO, A REGULAR AT RISE IN BOSTON, IS ONE OF THE JOCKS TRYING TO DO JUST THAT

Tony Giampetruzzi April 12, 2006


John Rizzo is proof that it's the quiet types that you have to watch out for. When he's not in the studio producing today's biggest dance hits, the Bronx, New York native is on the road, igniting the dance floors of the nation's biggest clubs, including New York's SBNY, Philadelphia's Pure, Boston's Rise and Washington DC's club Apex.

He's become popular for his musical versatility, switching from dark and mysterious beats to charged-up, electrifying vocals with hard grooves. "I love creating music on the fly," he says. "I am a percussion junkie. I also love melodies and brilliant vocals but all in all I have one simple rule: If it doesn't make me dance, I won't play it."

Last year, Rizzo produced the #1 Billboard dance hits "Set It Free" by Jason Walker and "New Horizon" by drag extraordinaire, SupaNova ... and the list of productions goes on.

That's a good thing, because Rizzo is among those joining the chorus that dance music is on the decline. But, he's not sitting back - he wants to be among those to make the genre "cool" again.

With songwriter/producer, Barry Huffine, Rizzo recently launched a fully digitized record label, PurchaseMusik.com. With worldwide digital distribution already in place, the label will feature original productions by new and established dance music artists - a good first step in turning things around.

"Our first four releases have been completed including the new single by Dolce, who we just signed," he explains. "I will be producing and/or remixing every release from the label." With a grin, John Rizzo quickly adds, "I will also still be accepting remix work from outside sources. There are a lot of great artists I hope to work with ... classic divas like Deborah Cox, Mariah, and Whitney."

Rizzo recently spoke with In Newsweekly about his thoughts on club culture.

In Newsweekly: I've heard you point out that dance music is on the decline - what exactly do you mean by that?

John Rizzo: I just think there is a new generation of kids coming up who just don't understand it, and they're not exposed to it as much as they should be

IN: Why do you think they're not exposed to it - they're not seeking it, or it's not available to them?

JR: Well, they don't understand it ... I don't know, there's just something missing. I hear it all the time when people come to request songs, and they're asking for stuff that just isn't fresh. But, then again, when you travel around, things are different everywhere you go. It's hard to pinpoint.

IN: In New England, it seems that clubs are very transient let alone full all the time. People going out is definitely on the decline - why do you think that is?

JR: Umm, a lot of factors. Music is one factor. MTV, they doesn't expose anything as far as dance culture goes. But, there's a lot of different little reasons. For some it's just not cool anymore, people don't understand it, the new generation of kids want what they want, you know?

IN: What do you think it's going to take to turn it around?

JR: It's gotta become cool again. It has to become hip, it has to become excitable. Something people can grab onto.

IN: How do you fit into that scheme of changing things?

JR: I'll continue to make music, produce music - my part is just keeping everything going, keeping everything alive.

IN: Everyone you talk to these days says there is a shift in sound, from tribal to vocal. Good or bad?

JR: I believe it's definitely turned more vocal. It's hard to keep their attention on the dance floor when there aren't any vocals. I see them coming back, and it's definitely worked better for me , but I think you need elements of both. I always try to put a dark track over a vocal to create a vibe that will keep Everyone happy, and everyone on the dance floor.

IN: You're at Rise from time to time - are you more of an after hours guy?

JR: I do both. I love the versatility of being able to change it up because it makes you more distinct. They're both gratifying - I love them both.

IN: What are your thoughts on Rise?

JR: I love it, it's one of my favorite places to play. You can go in there and start playing, and when it pops, it's amazing.

IN: You've had a very long career, what has been your favorite gig?

JR: I have to say Rise is one of the best. I can't get over a gig I had in Italy once, though. It was amazing, a different crowd, a great energy, and a different feel.

IN: You primarily play for a gay audience, but you're a straight guy ­- what draws you to the gay clubs?

JR: I think they are attracted to me. I guess and feel that they're my audience. They understand what I'm trying to do as far as my musical style, and I'm pretty open-minded. It's a perfect fit.

IN: Your production work is impressive. What's in the works?

JR: Amuka and Taxidoll are current, and ther - In News Weekly - Boston, U.S.A.


"John Rizzo's New D.C. Residency"

Date: 10/21/2005
Location: Washington, DC (USA)
Dear Friends of Apex,

Coming to you directly from New York City, the staff and managment of Apex is proud to present Producer, Remixer and DJ extraodinairee JOHN RIZZO to the club this Friday, October 21st. As of August of this year, John has accepted a residency with Apex nightclub and Friday night marks his second appearance to date.

John's last appearance in August had the party goers of Washington talking for days. With incredible precision and ability, John creates a vibe in the dance hall that will carry you directly to the floor with your hands raised in the air screaming for more.

Won't you join us this Friday night as we welcome DJ JOHN RIZZO to his new home.

Warm Regards,

The Staff and Management of Apex Nightclub


- JustCircuit.com


"DJ Spotlight: John Rizzo"

John Rizzo is proof that it's the quiet types that you have to watch out for. When he is not in the studio producing
today's biggest dance hits, the Bronx, New York native is on the road igniting the dancefloors of the nation's biggest clubs.
Together with songwriter/producer, Barry Huffine, Rizzo is launching a fully digitized record label, Purchasemusik.com.

You're known as the "nice guy" DJ.
Quiet yes, Nice? Thats questionable. It depends on who you ask.LOL

What's the meanest thing you've ever done?
Beating people senseless on the dancefloor is as mean as I get.

Is it hard to remain nice in today's cut throat music industry?
From time to time, you fight fire with fire, but for the most part, I just roll with the punches.

What does it take to succed in today's music industry?
Talent, passion, consistency, a little bit of luck and most importantly...patience.

Buisness savvy is important too.
Yes, Definitly.In this buisness you are your own boss, so it is important to maximize the potential
of everything you are involved with. I am a true entrepeneur and I have my hands in everything: writing, production, marketing, and distribution.
I'm striving to make an impact on the scene with my music and my shows.

Tell us about your newest project, Purchasemusik.com.
Purchase Musik is a new record label that I own with producer/songwriter Barry Huffine (formerly of the Housekeeperz).
The label will be fully digitized will worldwide distribution.The label will feature original productions by new and established dance music artists.
Our first four releases have been completed including the new single "I Will" by th every talented Dolce. The first official release is set to drop this month.

How does a dance music artist sell his.her work on Purchsemusik.com?
Purchase Musik will operate as a traditional label. We accept demos for review and we will be selecting projects that we feel are right for the label.

What do you see as the future for dance music?
It is definitly leaning more toward house and vocal tracks, which is cool. But it all depends on the room and crowd you are playing for.
The electro/pop/rock sound is also big in dance right now.

Who is leading the new direction of dance?
Independent labels like Purchase Musik and individual artists taking control and putting out their own music.

What do you love most about dance music?
The energy and the feeling. The ride you can experience under the control of a great DJ. No other genre of music can give you that.


Catch John Rizzo at one of his area residencies: Feathers (NJ), Pure (Philadelphia), Apex (DC), Rise (Boston), SBNY (NYC), Escandalo (NYC),
Mor (CT), and Triangles (CT). Go To www.djjohnrizzo.com for more information and www.purchasemusik.com for more information on the label. - PM Magazine - May, 2006


"Music Reviews"

(Dolce - I Will)
Love this Girl so glad to see her back with another smash, while "Fire" remains a favorite for me, this song feels better and better with each play. Just cant figure which i Like More, Ellis Miah from Orange factory's orginal , John Rizzo or Penton. They All pretty much work me! Welcom Back Dolce!!!!! (e.M., 05/14/2006)
Wow! Finally, Dolce's back on the dance floor again, and it was well worth the wait. This track is absolutely fierce, and the John Rizzo mixes are great. Buy this! (W.A., 05/11/2006)
Nice track indeed. John Rizzo really turns it out. Even better, IMO, then his solid job of remixing Taxi Doll's "Waiting" a few months back. (B.S., 05/11/2006)
John Rizzo's mixes are definitely very good on this one, but don't overlook Thomas Penton as well. He is definitely someone to watch as his work is pretty amazing, although most of it seems to be only available by download or vinyl. Nice track, I prefer the previous "Fire", but this is pretty good as well. DJ Mark Bisson (M.B., 05/11/2006)
Dolce has finally put out her 4th single. Great, but I am not sure if it's enough. This song is not as bitng and bitchy as the instantly recognizable "Fire", that was released on Tommy Boy or the single "Sorrow", with it's leave him he don't love you bitch message. However this single is miles away from Dolce's last single Feels Good, as this single is really good, even without the big noticable and well labeled presense of Orange Factory! The big mix is from Mr. John Rizzo and is the one you are most likely to succeed from your graduating class. Let's see if it really can, or if the kids were just being nice... (V.S., 05/11/2006)


(Taxidoll - Waiting)
Silly, infectious, adorable. Everything a pop dance track should be. Rizzo's mix is by far the best, capturing the song's playful in-your-face attitude. djmark marquis (M.M., 02/10/2006)
Good song! All the remixes seem to be a different take on the same theme, using the same notes in the same places with different beats. It needed a simple trance remix, but what we got was definitely good. The Rizzo remix is great! Anyway, get this while ya can! (B.N., 02/01/2006)
The Rizzo Remix is really pretty good. I've had this a couple months now and it is definitly worth picking up. DJ Mark Bisson (M.B., 01/28/2006)
Wow!!! Thanks, Perfect Beat! I've been waiting for this release for quite some time. This is a really great song and the John Rizzo Club Mix is absolutely amazing. Love it!!! (W.A., 01/26/2006)
Great single. Love the John Rizzo Mix. (g.c., 01/26/2006)

(Taborah - All I Gave To You)
Great follow up to "I Am (The Rising)" indeed. John Rizzo & Barry Huffine (the latter being one half of The Housekeeperz w/ Alyson Calagna) turn out the best mix of this song. The ever improving Joe Bermudez comes in a close second with a solid mix, but no near as good as the energy from Rizzo. Guiseppe D's mix is a bit too fast for the song, and Josh Harris (of remixing team The Passengerz) gives us a nice lighter house mix, but definitely not for the peak set. (B.S., 05/25/2006)
If you listen closely, the Rizzo & Huffine Mix has a similar sound to the Collaboration Mix of "The Theme to Brokeback Mountain". It is probably my favorite mix of this track, although I really like Josh Harris's Mix as well and the other 2 aren't bad either. Definitely not an uplifting song like "I Am", but nice vocal from Taborah. DJ Mark Bisson (M.B., 05/25/2006)
- Various


Discography

2006 Mixpoint Full Length Mix Compilation from d1music.biz
2006 D1 Feat. Lisa Hunt & Wanda Houston "Unity" remix
2006 Taborah "All I Gave To You " Remix Taborah.com (Top 40 Billboard)
2006 Dolce "I Will" Remix Purchase Musik (#6 Billbaord Single)
2006 Darrell Martin ft. Ramona "I Got Me" Remix U-Phonic Records
2006 Rupaul "Free To Be" Remix Ruco,Inc.
2006 Barry Huffine ft. Kareema Castro "Empower" Remix Purchase Musik
2005 Taxidoll "Waiting" Remix taxidoll.com (top 40 Billboard)
2005 Inaya Day "Movin Up" Remix Music Plant
2005 Matthew Duffy "Electric Shock" Remix MPD Musique (Top 40 Billboard)
2005 Jason Walker "Set It Free" Remix JVM (#1 Billboard Single)
2005 Ru Paul "Work Out" Remix RuCo, Inc (#9 Billboard Single)
2005 SuperNova "New Horizon" Remix D1 Music (Top 40 Billboard)
2005 Sheila Brody "U Ain't That Good" Remix Star 69 (#9 Billboard Single)
2004 Gerald Goode "Beautiful" - BlueRoom Electro Mix production BRM
2004 Stacey Burket "Love Me Right" remix Star 69
2004 Lisa Hunt "The Joint Is Jumpin" remix D1 Music (#5 Billboard Single)
2004 Courtney Love "Dying" production BRM
2004 BlueRoom ft. Nina Simone "Feeling Good" production BRM
2004 BlueRoom ft. Lisa Heile "The More I Get" production BRM
2003 Suzanne Palmer "Come Getcha' Luv" production Star 69
2003 Charlotte "Skin" (2003) remix Nervous/JVM
2003 Hipshakers "AdiMantra" production BRM
2003 Randy Friess "Proud Mary" remix Harlequin (Top 40 Billboard)
2003 Gerald Goode "Shine" production BRM
2003 Blue Room "And The Beat Goes On" production BRM
2003 Vivian Greene "Emotional Rollercoaster" remix Columbia (Top 40 Billbioard)
2003 Evanescense "Bring Me To Life" remix Epic
2003 Mariah Carey "Emotions" (2003) remix Columbia
2003 Fortune 500 "Dancing In The dark" remix black gold
2003 Blue Room "Poseur" production BRM
2002 Barbara Tucker "Give Me Something" remix Virgin/France (Top 40 Billboard)
2002 Blue Room "Oxygen" production BRM
2002 Gerald Goode "Free" production BRM
2002 Veronica "Release Me" remix h.o.l.a.
2002 Whitney Houston "Whatchalookinat" remix Arista (Top 40 Billboard)
2002 Missy Elliott "Work It" remix Elecktra
2002 Lenny Kravitz "Believe In Me" remix WB
2002 Madonna "Secret" remix WB
2001 Mary J Blige "Rainy Days" remix MCA/wht label
2001 Shakira "Whenever, Wherever" remix Sony
2001 Madonna "Deeper" remix WB
2001 Madonna "Ray Of Light" remix WB
2000 Rizzo & Fat Cat "Take A Chance" production BRM

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

DJ JOHN RIZZO

John Rizzo is proof that it’s the quiet types that you have to watch out for. When he’s not in the studio producing today’s biggest dance hits, the Bronx, New York native is on the road, igniting the dance floors of the nation’s biggest clubs, including New York’s SBNY, Philadelphia’s PURE, Boston’s RISE and Washington DC’s club APEX.

He’s become popular for his musical versatility, switching from dark and mysterious beats to charged-up, electrifying vocals with hard grooves. “I love creating music on the fly,” he says. “I am a percussion junkie. I also love melodies and brilliant vocals but all in all I have one simple rule: If it doesn't make me dance, I won't play it.”

He follows the same philosophy with his production work. In 2005, Rizzo produced the #1 Billboard dance hits “Set It Free” by Jason Walker and “New Horizon” by drag extraordinaire, SupaNova. He also was a featured producer on Suzanne Palmer’s “Home” album and charted on Billboard with hits by RuPaul, Amuka and Taxidoll, whose music is featured on the UPN-TV show VERONICA MARS. He’s become one of the leading dance-music hit makers and many in the industry are counting on John Rizzo to pull the ailing genre from its slump.

“It's no secret that the popularity of dance music is on the decline, especially with the newer generation,” he continues. “I always keep that in the back of mind when I’m making new music. I strive to find the freshest, most slamming beats that will make party people throw their hands in the air. My mission is to show people the real joy of dance music.”

John Rizzo began studying music and playing the piano at seven years old. He discovered dance music at 13, listening to radio mix shows by Tony Humphries and Frankie Knuckles on his local house music station. “I tuned in and recorded their sets every week and then would go out to record stores and find as much of the music as possible so I could create that vibe myself.”

“My family wasn’t surprised when I decided to pursue a career in dance music,” he says. “They’re just surprised I’ve been able to make a great living from it.”

Oh and what a career it has been. In addition to maintaining his nationwide tour schedule and creating radio hits, Rizzo’s hosted his own radio mix shows on two New York dance stations, formed his own production studio (Blue Room), and has even owned and operated his own successful New York dance club! He promises it’s still only the beginning. Together with songwriter/producer, Barry Huffine, Rizzo is next launching a fully digitized record label, PurchaseMusik.com. With worldwide digital distribution already in place, the label will feature original productions by new and established dance music artists.

“Our first release by Dolce, reached the #6 position on the Billboard Top Ten Dance Chart. We are excited and eager to put our our next set of releases."
“I will be producing and/or remixing every release from the label.” With a grin, John Rizzo quickly adds, “I will also still be accepting remix work from outside sources. There are a lot of great artists I hope to work with… classic divas like Deborah Cox, Mariah, and Whitney.”

“I aim to be the P Diddy of dance music. Like him, I’m a true entrepreneur and I have my hands in everything: writing, production, marketing, and distribution. I’m striving to make a powerful impact on the scene with my music and my shows. I’m going to push the industry as far as it can go.”
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