Bicycle Corporation feature guest DJ Bert Bevans on the tenth edition of their Roots show on Scientific Sound Asia. Scientific Sound Asia is an Asian electronic music radio station, DJ agency and promoter that publishes a music-news platform for audiences across Asia and internationally.
Bicycle Corporation is the partnership of Marco Mei and Stefano Ugliano, who is also known as 6884. Together, they have made more than 50 productions and remixes across French House, Deep House, Tech House and Techno.
Marco began his musical work in the early 1990s as part of the crew behind House Music and Techno events including Urban People. His work brought recognition within the Italian music scene and led to bookings in Italy and internationally.
Originally from Torino, Italy, Stefano showed musical promise from an early age. He explored classical piano, percussion and drums, while developing an appreciation for Chopin and the rhythmic complexity of the West African djembe.
Stefano's broad musical interests also led him towards DJing and records whose beats were rarely heard on Italian radio at the time. He and Marco formed Bicycle Corporation, combining that interest with their shared work in electronic music.
Marco and Stefano have revisited their earlier work through a Bandcamp page, where they share their music. The archive offers listeners a way to reconnect with the project's catalogue and its earlier releases.
The weekly Roots radio show spotlights artists from Asia whose engagement with Afrocentric sounds has influenced their electronic music careers. It provides a space for artists whose musical backgrounds are closely connected to those influences.
Alongside Roots, Bicycle Corporation have presented House Music and Techno radio shows within the Asian electronic music scene. These programmes share their approach to the genres and contribute to cultural exchange within the region's electronic music community.
Guest DJ Bert Bevans.
This week, Bicycle Corporation welcomes guest DJ Bert Bevans to their show. Bert Bevans, originally from British Honduras, boasts an illustrious career in the music industry. He first made waves by spinning records at "Block Parties" in Hollis, New York City (NYC), before gracing the decks of iconic NYC clubs such as Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Xenon, Electric Circus, Bonds, and the Playboy Club.
Bert Bevans' family immigrated to New York on July 27, 1969, and made their home in Jamaica, Queens, before later relocating to Hollis, Queens, where Bert spent his teenage years. Following his schooling, Bert pursued studies in aviation, however, he never completed his education. In his own words, he explains, "If I had graduated, I would have had to go to Vietnam, so I left. I still love flying though!"
Bert Bevans describes his journey into becoming a DJ as a "Natural Progression." It all began with spinning records at "Block Parties" in Hollis, Queens, where he honed his skills and ignited a passion for music. From there, his career trajectory seemed to unfold organically, with opportunities presenting themselves along the way.
Bert Bevans never set out with the intention of becoming a DJ. However, fate had other plans for him. While working at Melody's Record Shop, located in New York City, Bert found himself at the epicentre of the city's music scene.
As one of the go-to spots for DJs seeking the latest releases, Melody's attracted a who's who of NYC's DJ community. Bert's genuine passion for music and affable personality resonated with these DJs, leading to invitations to their clubs. From these humble beginnings, Bert's journey as a DJ unfolded, with each club appearance contributing to his rise to prominence in the music industry.
In April of 1977, the legendary Studio 54 opened its doors in New York City, quickly becoming the epitome of nightlife extravagance. It wasn't long before Bert Bevans found himself behind the decks at this iconic venue, spinning tunes for private parties. His debut performance at Studio 54 marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the club, as Bert became a regular fixture at its exclusive events.
Studio 54 DJ Richie Kaczor was dispatched to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands to spearhead the opening of a new Studio 54 venue. Following the successful establishment of Studio 54 in St. Thomas, Richie was enlisted to launch yet another iteration of the famed nightclub, this time in Barcelona, Spain. As Richie departed from St. Thomas for his new venture in Barcelona, he entrusted Bert Bevans with the esteemed residency at Studio 54 in the Virgin Islands.
After spending two successful years in the Virgin Islands, Bert Bevans returned to New York City. Shortly thereafter, he received a compelling offer from Steven Hatter, the proprietor of The Embassy, a renowned club in London, UK, to take up a residency.
Bert's exceptional talent and reputation preceded him, earning him another prestigious residency at Xenon, another emerging hot spot in the vibrant London nightlife scene. This period marked a significant chapter in Bert's career as he continued to make waves on both sides of the Atlantic.
Bert Bevans seamlessly integrated into the vibrant London club scene, making notable appearances at venues like Camden Palace, owned by Rusty Egan and Steve Strange of Visage fame. Here, Bert shared the DJ booth with esteemed colleagues such as Colin Favor and "Evil" Eddie Richards, further solidifying his presence in the global electronic music community.
His magnetic performances and undeniable talent led to a whirlwind of opportunities, resulting in Bert frequently jetting between London, New York, and various other cities around the world. This nomadic lifestyle became synonymous with Bert's career as he continued to captivate audiences across continents, leaving an indelible mark on the international club scene.
In 1991, Bert Bevans crossed paths with his old friend Justin Berkmann, who was in the process of constructing a revolutionary "Paradise Garage type sound system" for a groundbreaking new club in London. This club, set to open its doors in September, was none other than the iconic Ministry of Sound.
Bert's involvement with Ministry of Sound marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became an integral part of the club's legendary lineup of DJs, contributing to its status as a global dance music institution. Despite his commitments at Ministry of Sound, Bert continued his jet-setting lifestyle, travelling extensively around the globe to perform at various venues and nightspots.
For the past few years, Bert Bevans has been lending his expertise to Santeri in building "Seduction" in Phuket. This renowned venue has hosted esteemed tours from the Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for electronic music enthusiasts. Additionally, Bert played a pivotal role in securing a partnership deal with Café del Mar Ibiza, further elevating Seduction's status within the global dance music community.
In a testament to his versatility and commitment to expanding the electronic music scene, Bert recently contributed to the opening of Ice and Spice Bar in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bicycle Corporation's Roots show with Bert Bevans opens with Ten City's That's The Way Love Is in its Extended Mix, setting a vocal House Music foundation from Ultra. DJ Spen's As Always and The Discoboxers' Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige Vs Doctor Love follow with a sequence of edits and blends.
Neil Pierce and DJ Rae bring Paradise before Basement Boys' Love Love Love receives DJ Spen's Classic Reproduction. TSOS and Benjy's Kalamba then introduces Afro House percussion through Moon Rocket Music, followed by Aretha Franklin's DJ Spen re-edit of Love Is The Respect.
Julie McKnight's Still Here in the David Morales Disco Juice Mix leads into Kings of Tomorrow's Reach Out, with the K.O.T.S NYC Mix issued through deepvisionz. Scott Diaz featuring Letta follows with Work It Out, a Deep House selection released on Sub_Urban.
Rhemi's Everything Is Good receives the DJ Spen and Gary Hudgins remix before Kelis' Milkshake appears in X-Press 2's Triple Thick Vocal Mix. Bibi, Sami Dee and Da Slammin' Phrogz then bring Somethin' About Da Music in Roger Murttock's Ultimate Mix from The FUTURE Digital.
Soulista featuring Karmina Dai shifts the selection towards Nu-Disco with Symphomaniac, released by Groove Culture. Soul Avengerz's Funkatomic remix of Heard It All Before and Fusion Groove featuring Steve Lucas' Liem remix of If Only I Could extend the set's vocal and remix-led focus.
Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes' The Love I Lost brings the programme to Philadelphia International/Legacy, where its Disco character provides a fitting late-set lift. Teddy Pendergrass and Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes close with Don't Leave Me This Way from Philadelphia International Records, Epic and Legacy.
Roots 82 show with Bert Bevans
Ten City - That's The Way Love Is (Extended Mix)
DJ Spen - As Always (DJ Spen Edit)
The Discoboxers - Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige Vs Doctor Love
Neil Pierce & DJ Rae - Paradise (Original Mix)
Basement Boys - Love Love Love (DJ Spen's Classic Reproduction)
Tsos & Benjy - Kalamba (Original Mix)
Aretha Franklin - Love Is The Respect (DJ Spen Re-edit)
Julie Mcknight - Still Here (David Morales Disco Juice Mix)
Kings of Tomorrow - Reach Out (K.O.T.S NYC Mix)
Scott Diaz Feat. Letta - Work It Out (Original Mix)
Rhemi - Everything Is Good (DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Remix)
Kelis - Milkshake (X-press 2 Triple Thick Vocal Mix)
Bibi & Sami Dee, Da Slammin' Phrogz - Somethin' About Da Music (Roger Murttock Ultimate Mix)
Soulista Feat. Karmina Dai - Symphomaniac (Original Mix)
Soul Avengerz - Heard It All Before (Funkatomic Remix)
Fusion Groove - If Only I Could Feat. Steve Lucas (Liem Remix)
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - The Love I Lost
Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't Leave Me This Way
Listen on Mixcloud here.