Bicycle Corporation announce Bert Bevans for twelfth Roots show

Bicycle Corporation presents guest DJ Bert Bevans for his twelfth 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 launched his musical journey in the early nineties, initially collaborating with the crew for House Music and Techno events like 'Urban People.' His talent and dedication quickly earned him recognition in the Italian music scene, leading to sought-after bookings both domestically and internationally.

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

Among his diverse musical interests, Stefano was particularly captivated by the art of DJing, especially the allure of mixing tracks rarely heard on Italian radio at the time. Motivated by passion and vision, Stefano, along with Marco, founded Bicycle Corporation and embarked on an extraordinary musical journey.

Despite their ongoing success, Marco and Stefano stay humble, revisiting past creations and setting up a Bandcamp page to distribute their music. This move demonstrates their respect for their origins and their dedication to forging a deeper connection with their listeners.

The weekly Roots radio show showcases Asian artists whose exploration of Afrocentric sounds has significantly influenced their electronic music careers. This thoughtfully curated platform serves as a showcase for the diverse talents emerging from the region, highlighting artists whose music is intricately connected with Afrocentric influences.

In addition to their Roots show, Bicycle Corporation's House Music and Techno radio broadcasts have gained prominence in Asia's radio and electronic music scene. These programs not only demonstrate their expertise in these genres but also encourage a vibrant 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 relocated to New York on July 27, 1969, initially residing in Jamaica, Queens, before moving to Hollis, Queens, where Bert grew up. After completing his schooling, Bert started studying aviation but didn't finish. He explains, "If I had graduated, I would have been sent to Vietnam, so I decided to leave. However, my love for flying persists."

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 planned on becoming a DJ, but fate had other ideas. Working at Melody's Record Shop in New York City, Bert emerged as a key figure in the city's lively 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 two successful years in the Virgin Islands, Bert Bevans returned to New York City. Soon after his arrival, he received an appealing offer from Steven Hatter, the owner of The Embassy, a renowned club in London, UK, inviting him to become a resident DJ.

Bert's exceptional talent and reputation had already paved the way for him, resulting in a prestigious residency at Xenon, an emerging star in London's vibrant nightlife. This period marked a significant chapter in Bert's journey as he continued to make waves across the Atlantic.

Bert Bevans seamlessly integrated into the lively London 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 esteemed peers such as Colin Favor and "Evil" Eddie Richards, further cementing 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 lent his expertise to Santeri in developing "Seduction" in Phuket. This venue has gained fame for hosting prestigious tours from the Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi, establishing itself as a premier destination for electronic music enthusiasts. Additionally, Bert played a key role in forming a partnership with Café del Mar Ibiza, further elevating Seduction's standing in the international dance music arena.

Bicycle Corporation welcomes guest DJ Bert Bevans for Roots 091, with a selection centred on Soulful House, Disco House, Classic House and Afro House. The Brothers Johnson open with Stomp in DJ Meme’s Definitive Remix, placing the show inside a funk and disco-rooted club framework.

Re-Tide, Mattei and Omich follow with Piano Lover, moving the programme into Disco House through a piano-led re-edit structure. Candido’s Jingo in the Alan Dixon remix then introduces Afro House, connecting Salsoul’s Latin and disco catalogue to a modern percussive club sound.

Lucas Frota and Blakkat’s Change appears in the David Morales Red Zone remix, bringing the set into House Music through a deeper and more rhythm-led remix context. George Cynnamon’s My Possessions in the Natasha Kitty Katt remix then returns to Disco House before Inaya Day adds a vocal Soulful House entry with Feelin’ Feelin’.

Stim Dzyl’s Kilomanjaro in DJ Spen’s re-edit adds another Afro House passage, using percussion and chant-like movement to widen the middle section. Ten City then move the show back towards Soulful House with Devotion in the DJ Spen and Thommy Davis extended mix, bringing a recognised vocal house group into the flow.

YASS, LT Brown and Jay Sebag continue the vocal-led sound with Deliver Us, keeping the selection warm and gospel-leaning. Diana Ross’ The Boss follows on Motown Records, returning to a Disco House setting through a classic disco source shaped for the dancefloor.

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

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 brings a Classic House crossover reference, with Terry’s remix widely recognised for moving the song into global club culture.

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 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 091 with Sunshine in the Eric Kupper mix, ending Bert Bevans’ guest show on a bright Disco House selection after a route through Funk, Soulful House, Afro House and Classic House.

Bicycle Corporation Roots 091 show with Bert Bevans

The Brothers Johnson - Stomp (A DJ Meme Definitive Remix)

Re-Tide, Mattei & Omich - Piano Lover (Mattei & Omich Re-Edit)

Candido - Jingo (Alan Dixon Remix)  [Salsoul Records]

Lucas Frota & Blakkat - Change (David Morales Red Zone Remix)

George Cynnamon - My Possessions (Natasha Kitty Katt Remix).

Inaya Day - Feelin' Feelin'

Stim Dzyl - Kilomanjaro (DJ Spen Re Edit)

Ten City - Devotion (DJ Spen & Thommy Davis Extended Mix)

YASS - Deliver Us Feat. Lt Brown & Jay Sebag

Diana Ross - The Boss [Motown Records]

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

JT Donaldson - Stay Inside Feat. Liv.e (Sandy Rivera Extended Remix).

Teddy Douglas, Byron Stingily - We Belong Together (Monday Night Vocal Dub)

Everything but the Girl - Missing (Todd Terry Club Edit)

Afefe Iku - Mirror Dance.

Vega & Romero - 'El Ritmo'

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

Donna Summer - I Feel Little Pills (Super Disco Club Bootie)

Jerome Drouot, Liquids - Sunshine (Eric Kupper Mix)

Listen on Mixcloud here.