DJ Manny The Greek
Like a Sultan that reins the throne of a House Musical Underworld, with pervading talent likely to muster up many of the ocean’s most precious pearls, “his follower’s”. Far & wide, long and strong DJ Manny the Greek has navigated the music seas for over 20 years, starting from NJ, to NY, Miami, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Yugoslavia, Cancun, Mexico Medellin, Colombia, as well as Greece. With a demeanor so appeasing it has a rippling effect on the crowd and his nightly sets.
At the age of 7 years old, he had the capacity to read as well as write music. He was aware that music was his quintessential calling and that it would govern his life. He was a member of the grade school band as well as high school, being musically inclined in various areas, but his forte was the Trombone, .His very first DJ ing gig was June of 1987, and the very first “Club” gig was in his hometown in 1993 called “Bojos”.
He was branded with the name “Manny the Greek” in High School and it had resided ever since. Consistently, “DJ Manny the Greek” started to DJ all of his Fraternity parties while attending Rutgers College,(graduating with a Degree in Computer Science & Economics). A stretch of 20 years Djing entails a very lengthy list of venues, of dedication to his follower’s and to the Entertainment Company he has also given his craft to for many years called JTK Entertainment, specializing in Weddings, Sweet 16’s etc. where he has 6 DJ’S that are employed by him .As he tends to focus on Larger scale weddings, and the Nightlife scene. DJ MTG recollects” One of the most infamous nights to have been a DJ was back in 1997, where “ABYSS” held a party that was called “Wild Life Wednesday’s”, which was comparable to going to see Jonathon Peter’s at Sound Factory on Saturday nights. ” This is where DJ Manny the Greek held an 8 year residency, at Abyss, which helped his name become more recognized at other venues in NJ such as, five straight summer residencies at Club XS, in Seaside Heights.
T.S.”In my opinion, there is quite the musical War of Worlds taking place.” America is the only place that Hip Hop dominates, as opposed to over seas where House Music is primary, as both DJ MTG and I agree.” DJ Manny the Greek states” I have a respect for Hip Hop because, they connect their music to fashion, automobiles, jewels, etc. and that’s what get’s the attention of the public eye, through the media, music video’s, car’s, clothing, much of these things help these other genre’s of music enhance in status because all of the recognition it get’s due to Actors, Athlete’s, etc as they promote these assets everyday life.”
“It is unfortunate that there is no direct connotation to House music in America, Perhaps Runway shows promote House Music, but it is not backed by radio or television enough.” The recognition is well deserved, even though it is not my genre of music, I respect it.” This leads me to ask DJ Manny the Greek “Are you afraid, that the effects of not wanting to play Hip Hop have hurt your career at any point in time?”
With an unpretentious tone, Manny replies ,”It’s not that I don’t want to play anything other than HOUSE Music, I want to please my follower’s who have been so loyal, thus far, but I as well want to please the newer crowd that may not have an idea of what the party me be like , so I will play Top 40, Up tempo dance, something I normally wouldn’t have played five or six years ago in a club, so from 11:30-1:00am the latest I will try to please all aspects of the crowd, the owner’s as well as promoters. Then it is my time where I delve in to the House Music that is not so easily accessible, what people come to hear at my Friday Night residency at Chris Michael’s Lounge, Woodbridge NJ.” Manny the Greek does many guest spots such as Deko Lounge, Club 4 Sixty 6, and Show in NYC (Asseteria), as well as he will Headline Gemma Lounge during the WMC (Winter Music Conference) this year. Where besides being a headliner, he’s planning to get inspired by one of his favorite DJ’S, Steve Angelo from Swedish House Mafia., as well as other’s, including a friend and fellow DJ Erick Morillo, himself. All of whom help inspire him, Roger Sanchez, Tiesto, which whom he opened for at Abyss of 2008, “opening for Tiesto was the highlight of DJ Manny the Greek’s career.” His lists of venues are infinite, opening for Richie Santana at Pacha twice, Erick Morillo at XS, Club Envy etc.
It is only evident that the amount of dedication and patience as well as gratitude for the music is nothing but resounding through the speakers along with his tracks the moment he drops his bombs. His follower’s come like schools of fish flocking to their food, needing to be musically fed by a most likely dependable source, DJ Manny the Greek. Everything about him is consistent, the energy he exudes each and every time he plays, his personality never skips a beat, and the best part about him is that he is so positive about life you cannot help but be nurtured by this enchanting DJ. There is something magical his music provides because it is as if he has stepped into the “Fountain of Youth”. DJ MTG states “When you love what you do, it keeps you young .I plan on producing much more and in hopes of becoming a Global House Music DJ, as well as securing my residencies, and the whole time says the “key” is to truly be humble at all times.” Was the best advice Manny had to give every DJ “young, older, makes no difference, experience is what gives you knowledge.” A Sultan, is one who is known for being noble, humble, and worthy of adoration, you tell me, this DJ is not worthy of ruling his House Musical Underworld, and I will tell you to not only listen to his music….listen to him speak….