Bicycle Corporation present guest DJ Bert Bevans in the thirteenth edition of their Roots show on Scientific Sound Asia. Scientific Sound Asia is an English-language electronic music radio station, DJ agency, promoter and music-news platform serving Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, India, South Korea and the wider Asian region.
Bicycle Corporation consists of Marco Mei and Stefano Ugliano, who is also known as 6884. They have made more than 50 tracks across French House, Deep House, Tech House and Techno.
Marco began his musical career in the early 1990s, initially working with the crew behind house music and techno events such as ‘Urban People’. His skill and commitment brought recognition in the Italian music scene, leading to bookings in Italy and abroad.
Stefano, from Turin, Italy, showed musical ability from a young age. He studied classical piano, percussion and drums, while developing an appreciation for artists including Chopin and the rhythms of the West African djembe.
Among his musical interests, Stefano was particularly drawn to DJing and to mixing tracks that received little radio play in Italy at the time. Together with Marco, he founded Bicycle Corporation and began their shared musical project.
Marco and Stefano revisit earlier work through a Bandcamp page, where they share their music. The archive acknowledges their beginnings and offers a closer connection with their audience.
The weekly Roots radio show features Asian artists whose exploration of Afrocentric sounds has shaped their electronic music careers. The programme presents artists from the region whose music is closely connected with Afrocentric influences.
Alongside Roots, Bicycle Corporation’s house music and techno broadcasts have a place in Asia’s radio and electronic music scene. These programmes demonstrate their knowledge of both styles and encourage cultural exchange within the region’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.
DJ Bert Bevans opens Roots Episode 095 with First Choice’s “Let No Man Put Asunder” in a Dam Swindle remix before Damond Ramsey and Sheila Ford take the programme further into contemporary vocal house. Mark Knight and Michael Gray then bring in House Music with “Love Is All We're Living For,” whose extended mix is officially classified as house.
Tony Touch’s “Sacude” follows in Louie Vega’s Brooklyn Mix, bringing Latin percussion and Afro-influenced club rhythms into the set. Joseph Capriati and Eric Kupper then move firmly into Soulful House with Byron Stingily on the Masters At Work Vox Mix of “Love Changed Me.”
Kings Of House NYC featuring Julie McKnight continue the soulful emphasis with David Morales’ Disco Juice Mix of “Still Here,” followed by Junior Jack’s David Penn remix of “Stupidisco.” Inaya Day and Sting International, Zepherin Saint with Miranda Nicole, and Molly & Tacos featuring Bee Honey keep vocal house at the centre of the programme.
Fen City precede David Morales and Mr. V, whose Vocal and Drum mixes of “Everyday Of My Life” introduce a clear Afro House section. Both versions are officially classified as Afro house, giving the middle-to-late portion of Bert Bevans’ set a stronger percussive emphasis.
Byron Stingily and Teddy Douglas lead into Louie Vega’s “Another Day In My Life,” followed by Quentin Harris’ house track “One Dance.” Ministers De-La-Funk and Jocelyn Brown then return to classic vocal house through Kurd Maverick’s revamp of “Believe,” before Cevin Fisher keeps the New York house connection prominent.
Ultra Naté closes Roots Episode 095 with Bob Sinclar’s remix of “Free,” completing a set built predominantly around soulful and vocal house with Afro, Latin and classic-house influences. Bert Bevans’ selection draws heavily on producers and remixers including Louie Vega, David Morales, DJ Spen and Masters At Work, making soulful house the clearest overall category.
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.