Bicycle Corporation announce Bert Bevans for thirteenth Roots show

Bicycle Corporation presents guest DJ Bert Bevans for his thirteenth edition of their Roots show on Scientific Sound Asia. The platform operates as an English-language electronic music radio station and DJ agency for Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, India, South Korea and the wider Asian region.

The dynamic pair known as Bicycle Corporation consists of Marco Mei and Stefano Ugliano, also recognised by the moniker 6884. They have created an extensive collection of over 50 tracks, traversing a range of genres such as French House, Deep House, Tech House, and Techno.

Marco began his musical career in the early 1990s, initially working with the crew for House Music and Techno events such as 'Urban People.' His skill and commitment quickly gained him recognition in the Italian music scene, resulting in highly sought-after bookings both in Italy and abroad.

Stefano, hailing from Turin, Italy, demonstrated musical talent from a young age. His passion for music led him to study classical piano, percussion, and drums, while also cultivating a deep appreciation for artists like Chopin and the intricate rhythms of the West African Djembe.

Among his varied musical interests, Stefano was especially drawn to the art of DJing, particularly the excitement of mixing tracks that were rarely played on Italian radio at the time. Driven by passion and vision, Stefano, together with Marco, founded Bicycle Corporation and embarked on an extraordinary musical journey.

Despite their continued success, Marco and Stefano remain humble, revisiting past works and establishing a Bandcamp page to share their music. This step reflects their appreciation for their beginnings and their commitment to building a deeper connection with their audience.

The weekly Roots radio show features Asian artists whose exploration of Afrocentric sounds has greatly impacted their electronic music careers. This carefully curated platform showcases the diverse talents emerging from the region, emphasising artists whose music is closely linked with Afrocentric influences.

Alongside their Roots show, Bicycle Corporation's House Music and Techno radio broadcasts have become notable in Asia's radio and electronic music scene. These programs not only showcase their expertise in these genres but also foster a dynamic cultural exchange within Asia's electronic music community.

Guest DJ Bert Bevans.

This week, the Bicycle Corporation is excited to host guest DJ Bert Bevans on their show. Hailing from British Honduras, Bert Bevans has had a distinguished career in the music industry. He began his journey by playing records at "Block Parties" in Hollis, New York City, and went on to perform at legendary NYC clubs like Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Xenon, Electric Circus, Bonds, and the Playboy Club.

Bert Bevans and his family moved to New York on July 27, 1969. They first lived in Jamaica, Queens, and later settled in Hollis, Queens, where Bert was raised. After finishing school, Bert began studying aviation but did not complete his studies. He says, "Had I graduated, I would have been deployed to Vietnam, so I chose to leave. Nonetheless, my passion for flying remains."

Bert Bevans recounts his evolution into a DJ as a "Natural Progression." His journey started with playing records at "Block Parties" in Hollis, Queens, where he sharpened his skills and developed a deep passion for music. His career path unfolded naturally, with opportunities emerging as he progressed.

Bert Bevans never intended to become a DJ, but destiny had different plans. While working at Melody's Record Shop in New York City, Bert became a significant figure in the city's vibrant music scene.

Melody's became a hub for DJs in search of the newest tracks, drawing a notable crowd from NYC's DJ scene. Bert's authentic love for music and his amiable nature struck a chord with them, resulting in invitations to spin at their venues. It was from this modest start that Bert's career as a DJ took off, with each gig at a club marking a step in his ascent within the music industry.

In April 1977, the legendary Studio 54 opened its doors in New York City, swiftly becoming the pinnacle of nightlife luxury. Soon after, Bert Bevans was at the turntables, providing the soundtrack for private parties. His initial gig at Studio 54 commenced a lasting association with the club, as he became a staple at its elite gatherings.

DJ Richie Kaczor of Studio 54 was sent to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands to lead the opening of a new Studio 54 location. After successfully establishing Studio 54 in St. Thomas, Richie was recruited to open another branch of the iconic nightclub in Barcelona, Spain. Upon leaving St. Thomas for Barcelona, he passed on the prestigious residency at Studio 54 in the Virgin Islands to Bert Bevans.

After enjoying two successful years in the Virgin Islands, Bert Bevans made his way back to New York City. Shortly after his return, he received an enticing offer from Steven Hatter, the owner of The Embassy, a famous club in London, UK, inviting him to become a resident DJ.

Bert's remarkable talent and reputation had already set the stage for him, leading to a prestigious residency at Xenon, a rising star in London's dynamic nightlife. This period was a significant chapter in Bert's journey as he continued to make waves across the Atlantic.

Bert Bevans effortlessly integrated into London's vibrant club scene, making notable appearances at venues like Camden Palace, owned by Rusty Egan and Steve Strange of Visage. There, Bert shared the DJ booth with respected peers such as Colin Favor and "Evil" Eddie Richards, further establishing his status in the international electronic music community.

His captivating performances and undeniable talent opened numerous opportunities, leading Bert to frequently travel between London, New York, and other global cities. This nomadic lifestyle became a hallmark of Bert's career as he captivated audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the international club scene.

In 1991, Bert Bevans reconnected with his old friend Justin Berkmann, who was developing a groundbreaking "Paradise Garage type sound system" for an innovative new club in London. This club, set to open in September, was the now-iconic Ministry of Sound.

Bert's association with the Ministry of Sound was a pivotal point in his career, establishing him as a key figure in the club's iconic roster of DJs and enhancing its reputation as a worldwide dance music authority. Even with his responsibilities at the Ministry of Sound, Bert maintained his globetrotting ways, performing at a multitude of venues and hotspots across the world.

In recent years, Bert Bevans has contributed his expertise to Santeri in the development of "Seduction" in Phuket. This venue has become renowned for hosting esteemed tours from the Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi, making it a top destination for electronic music fans. Furthermore, Bert was instrumental in establishing a partnership with Café del Mar Ibiza, enhancing Seduction's reputation in the global dance music scene.

Bicycle Corporation welcomes guest DJ Bert Bevans for Roots 095, with a selection centred on Soulful House, Disco House, Afro House and Classic House. First Choice open with Let No Man Put Asunder in the Dam Swindle remix, placing the show inside Disco House through a disco classic reshaped for modern club use.

Re-Tide, Mattei and Omich follow with Piano Lover, keeping the early section bright, piano-led and dancefloor-focused. Candido’s Jingo then appears in the Alan Dixon remix, moving into Afro House through Salsoul’s Latin and disco heritage.

Lucas Frota and Blakkat’s Change arrives in the David Morales Red Zone remix, bringing the set into House Music through a deeper and more rhythmic remix structure. George Cynnamon’s My Possessions in the Natasha Kitty Katt remix then returns to Disco House before Inaya Day introduces Soulful House with Feelin’ Feelin’.

Stim Dzyl’s Kilomanjaro in the DJ Spen re-edit brings another Afro House passage, adding percussion and movement to the middle section. Ten City follow with Devotion in the DJ Spen and Thommy Davis extended mix, returning the programme to Soulful House through one of house music’s recognised vocal groups.

YASS, LT Brown and Jay Sebag continue the vocal-led sound with Deliver Us, keeping the set warm and gospel-rooted. Diana Ross’ The Boss then brings a Motown disco source into the show, placing the track inside a Disco House setting for the club context.

Louie Vega’s Another Day In My Life appears in his own re-touch, giving the mix a polished Soulful House centre. JT Donaldson and Liv.e then move into Deep House with Stay Inside in the Sandy Rivera extended remix, adding a smoother and deeper passage.

Teddy Douglas and Byron Stingily’s We Belong Together in the Monday Night Vocal Dub returns to Soulful House through a strong vocal and Baltimore house connection. Everything But The Girl’s Missing in the Todd Terry Club Edit then introduces Classic House through one of the best-known 1990s crossover house remixes.

Afefe Iku’s Mirror Dance brings the rhythm back towards Afro House, adding a deeper and more percussive late-stage turn. Vega and Romero’s El Ritmo then returns the show to House before Molly and Tacos move back into Soulful House through MicFreak and DJ Spen’s remix of Everything I Do.

Donna Summer’s I Feel Little Pills in the Super Disco Club bootie restores the Disco House thread near the end. Jerome Drouot and Liquids close Roots 095 with Sunshine in the Eric Kupper mix, ending Bert Bevans’ guest show on a bright Disco House selection after a route through Soulful House, Afro House, Classic House and vocal club material.

Bicycle Corporation Roots 095 show with Bert Bevans.

First Choice - Let No Man Put Asunder (Dam Swindle Remix)

Damond Ramsey & Sheila Ford - Feel Like Making Love (Thommy Davis & Damond Ramsey Afro Love Dub)

Mark Knight & Michael Gray - Love Is All We're Living For Feat. Gia (Extended Mix). 

Tony Touch - Sacude (Louie Vega Brooklyn Mix). 

Joseph Capriati, Eric Kupper - Love Changed Me Feat. Byron Stingily (Masters at Work Remix Vox Mix)

Diridim - Still Here (David Morales Disco Juice Mix)

Junior Jack - Stupidisco (David Penn Extended Remix) 

Inaya Day, Sting International - Feelin' Feelin'

Zepherin Saint, Miranda Nicole - Shine (Original Mix) [Tribe Records] 

Molly & Tacos - Everything I Do (MicFreak & DJ Spen Remix)

Fen City - Feel It Too (Extended Mix)

David Morales & Mr V - Everyday of My Life (Vocal Mix)

David Morales & Mr V - Everyday Of My Life (Drum Mix)

Byron Stingily, Teddy Douglas - We Belong Together [Monday Night Vocal Dub]

Louie Vega - Another Day In My Life (Louie Vega Re-Touch) 

Quinten Harris - One Dance

Jocelyn Brown - Believe (Kurd Maverick Extended Revamp)

Cevin Fisher - Now Let's Go House David Morales Vocal Remix)

Ultra Nate - Free (Bob Sinclar Remix)

Listen on Mixcloud here.