Frankie Feliciano

Frankie Feliciano

Frankie Feliciano is a Brooklyn-born house and deep house DJ and producer, born in 1970. He grows up in a musically active family: his grandfather is a musician in Puerto Rico, and his father plays and sings regularly in bands in New York.

Early development

As a teenager in the early 1980s, he is drawn to New York City hip-hop culture and persuades his parents to buy him DJ equipment. He begins DJing at around fourteen, learning to cut and scratch while imitating what he hears at block parties and on underground hip-hop radio. A few years later, he is introduced to house music by older cousins who frequent the Paradise Garage.

His first club-going experience is at Hearthrob’s, where Little Louie Vega is the resident DJ. As his style develops, he takes inspiration from Shep Pettibone, Tony Humphries and Timmy Regisford.

Career

After a short period working in promotions at Strictly Rhythm Records in 1990, he moves into DJing and production full time. His first paid serious gig is at Ministry of Sound in London. He then plays internationally, including in Italy, Japan and New York City.

He is known for technical DJ skills and programming, and he also builds a reputation as a producer. His productions include “Don’t Ever Give Up”, “Hindsight” and “Invitation”. He also makes remixes of tracks including “Flight” by Monique Bingham, “To Be In Love” by India, and “Father” by Kenny Bobien, along with many others for Masters At Work and King Street Records.

Labels and projects

He works with his own production company and label, Ricanstruction Label, and is associated with Sound Asylum Music. He also develops downloadable podcasts and is among the early adopters of MP3s for dance music.

Reputation

Feliciano is widely respected within the house music community and is often approached for advice by emerging DJs and producers, some of whom go on to international success.