tribalwinds-innermusic.com For a taste of Antonio's music, click HERE You'll need realplayer to play the file. Antonio Ocasio grew up in the South Bronx where the neighborhoods were booming with a rich sound in music that included both, the African American and Puerto Rican culture. The combination and sometimes integration of both cultures made an excellent arena for Antonio to have a broad and wonderful musical experience. At a very early age, his older brother exposed Antonio to the music of Carlos SANTANA. I was instantly hooked on his music. Santana has been a major musical influence in my life." In 1972 Antonio met a neighborhood DJ by the name of Rookie. "He basically took me under his wing and not only was he teaching me the art of mixing but also allowing me to play with him at parties." We also played music at public parks. "This is a very important aspect of the underground music scene that is rarely mentioned, but it was an integral part of the movement." During his upbringing in the South Bronx, Antonio was exposed to several genre of music especially the old boleros, Latin, Latin Jazz, African rhythms (due to religion), Soul, Funk, Disco, Gospel and Rap. As a teenager Antonio started to drift towards the disco/funk/soulful & jazz sound,. but he especially remembers getting into rap music as it was being developed right in the neighborhood he grew up in. "We would hang out in the project hallways and while we banged on the walls with our hands or whatever we had to make music the fellas would just make up rhymes." "The first records I bought was with a friend of mine Louie Cosme, it was around 1972. I have not stopped buying records since. Antonio is the proud owner of an extensive record collection that thoroughly consist of: Latin, Latin Jazz, All eras of Jazz, Disco, Soul, Funk, Dance & World Sounds. "Today I am at a point musically whereas I am open and seeking all kinds of music." "The main thing that I focus on is how does the music make me FEEL." "I listen to the message in the music and the story the music presents, especially in instrumental songs." I don't believe that a song has to have words to tell a story!" About this same time (1974-75), although he recalis being under-age, he managed to get into many of the New York Clubs (Bonds Int'l, Latin Times, Starship Enterprise, etc.) but for the most part he dedicatedly & religiously went to "The Loft," "The Garaget' and "'The Funhouse" on a weekly basis, for years. I did not go to either one of those clubs to hang out with David Mancuso, Larry Levan or Jellybean Benitez. I went to listen to some dope music and , DANCE. "When I first went to "The Loft" it cost $3.99 (1974)." "I practically grew up in "The Loft" and much of my dance/music roots & experiences are based there." "When I play music, I am very much into playing jams that other people, for whatever reasons, do not play." Antonio credits his courage to present different music, although not popular or mainstream, to his love for music. "Yeah, it takes courage to play from your heart and truly believe that the music lover & dancer appreciate what you're playing and not worry about clearing a floor. In January of 1998, Antonio Ocasio developed his own label so as NOT to have to COMPROMISE producing the music that was in his heart - hence TRIBAL WINDS. In addition to his label, his love and dedication to the music has given him the oppurtinity to DJ worldwide. SNC Community Reviews: Sean Badger a.k.a. dj Senbad Antonio did not disappoint, playing deep as shit and true to his NY roots and production style. Sorry for those of you who missed out, you never know what could happen while you are at home I guess. I know during Batu's run we had a few surprise visits from Eddie (Amador) which were great. Thanks to SNC crew for putting together a cool party with an amazing talent like Antonio. Pete 'Supermix' Salaz Antonio Ocasio was hot! I was totally engaged into what he was playing....some of the dopest AfroLatin tracks I've ever heard. I wanted to steal his cd book! I had a good time at SNC as I always do when I go. Thanks Jose! & Well, I now have to say that Antonio Ocasio is in my top five favorite producers/djs. I heard him at SNC on Friday and at Lemon Drop on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed his set both times. He is quite known for his AfroLatin styled productions. He spun like he produces on Friday. At Lemon Drop on Saturday he was a bit more 4/4 but still had that ethnic thang goin' on. Mixin' was flawless. He is also a great person...at least that is the feeling I get from talkin' to him. Thanks again Joe for bringin' him out and lendin' him to us. Mark Chai The man played some of the juciest deepest jazz, tribal?, and latin bombs that I didn't even know were possible. Guess I've been sleeping. Or maybe in school. Anyway, it made me think of those little places you stumble upon in NYC that are a restaurant by day and then you pack into the attic after hours to dance til dawn... Rani "g" Big Up fellow chaps, geezers, birds and dee rest... I got off work, which was a bit hard, for this event, and mind you, I had no clue who it was gonna be.."special treat" is what I gathered. I almost sort of figured it out.. before the arrival of THE man who is responsible for one of my favourite house tunes, that sounds like the best carribean cruise music you will ever encounter, yet it has a deepness, that can uplift you several times throughout its length.... ' Echu Aye'.... and yes he dropped it, like a ton of bricks, at the right time.... it was as if he built up most appropriately and then lashed out with this massive tune. His set was immaculate, his vibe was electric, he was feeling his music as if he had just completed it... and he played some WICKED tunes, and remixes, and I know I say wicked a lot, but when I say it this time, it's as if the word was revamped to mean wickeder than the wickedest... I got to stay till the last tune and then some... I got to meet him and I must say he is one of the most benevolent "big name" DJ/producers I have ever met. A down to earth, cheerful and welcoming individual.. Surprises can be shite, they can be good... this was one was bleeding fabulous.. This just shows us that the times one has a feeling for going out, they are given a hint too, and they don't... then they will never know what they've missed.. till they read the posts and weep... I almost missed.. but something in me, and of course the way Joe expressed himself when telling me bout this.. made me reconsider... keep dat in dee back of your minds... Also Antonio was selling some wicked music at a bargain price... hard to find vinyl and a cd, which is wicked.. I was lucky to acquire all 6 different tracks and dee CD... Grand cheers to Joe and the SNC massive for putting this surprise together.. mind you the bands before were great too, they ALWAYS are... I was there for most of the evening..7 pm - 2:30 am, so I soaked up most of what was offered.. I got to try the food, absolutely mouth-watering.. I heard that the Quail dish was really good too... The vibe was refreshing and ever-changing as the different crowds came in left and new ones came and left... and so on... a very evolving evening... Cheers, Peace and love to all