Antonio Ocasio is a DJ and producer who was born in El Barrio and was raised in the South Bronx, New York. From buying his first record at the age of 12 to early clubbing experiences in the mid-70s, Antonio's childhood was filled with music everywhere around him. In January of 1998, Antonio launched his own record label TRIBAL WINDS with the sole purpose of releasing quality dance music with a spiritual foundation. Scroll down to discover some of the finest gems in his discography.
Written by DJ Tracksuit
I don’t remember exactly where I first heard Antonio Ocasio’s music - I think it might have been a musclecars set somewhere 2 years ago, I know they’re big fans of his music as well. After digging and buying every record I came by for the past 2 years, it’s time to share his music with the world. In this article, you can find 10 of my favorite Antonio tracks and on September 8th he’s playing an extended DJ set at Radio Radio for Locomotion, including some unreleased stuff.
'Echu Aye'
The track that got me into the rabbit hole that is Antonio Ocasio’s discography is ‘Echu Aye’ and up til this day I need to stop myself from playing it in every set. As with a lot of Antonio’s music, percussion takes the lead and it’s hard to sit still when listening to the track. The vocals, flute, and bass line take you on a journey and it can elevate the energy on almost any dance floor.
2. 'A Celebration of Life'
Antonio has been releasing deep & spiritual house music on his label ‘Tribal Winds’ for the better part of 30 years, including the album ‘Raices-Roots - Musica del Corazon’. I have listened to this album in full many times and it’s the perfect soundtrack of a normal day in life. I guess that’s why it’s so easy to press play :) The stand-out track is ‘A Celebration of Life’ which sounds exactly like you’d expect from the title. The album artwork is one of my favorites in my collection and it’s been a feature in my living room ever since I got it.
3. 'Pa'Que Gozen'
Another favorite from the album - but sadly not on the 2LP - is 'Pa'Que Gozen'.
Luckily the track got a separate vinyl release.
4. 'Joaquin'
Another deep spiritual groover and a tribute to one of house music’s living legends is ‘Joaquin’ - a tribute to Joe Claussell.
5. 'Amor Puro, Mandado Del Cielo'
I didn’t know many people in “our scene” knew Antonio’s music - at least I haven’t heard many DJs play his music aside from maybe Hunee, musclecars & Suze Ijó. So I was quite surprised when Chew Chew sent me ‘Amor Puro - Mandado del Cielo’ (Pure Love, Sent from Heaven) - a track I didn’t know yet. Especially because it immediately became one of my all time favorite tracks. I’ve closed a couple sets / nights with this one and will do so many more times in the future. Love is the message!!
6. 'The Rhythm Poet'
'The Rhythm Poet' - appropriate name for this album and what a title track this is. Apparently you can make poetry with rhythm? Another all time favourite track, which I’ve used to start many sets / nights with. The track is also a tool in my musical tool box that I use to get going if I’m in a lazy mood. Hard to sit still if this groove starts. It’s like someone is inside of you commanding your body to move. Rhythm is movement and movement is rhythm.
7. 'Spirit Dance'
Antonio has roots in Puerto Rico. I’ve never been but when I close my eyes and listen to his album ‘Full Moon in Culebra’ I feel like I travelled to one of Puerto Rico’s beaches for a dance under the stars. 'Spirit Dance' fits with just about any other genre and it’s a great tool to move from one genre or vibe to another in a dj set.
8. 'Soulmate feat. Josh Milan'
Josh Milan on the vocals, a deep soulful groove that can get any dance floor going. What more do you need?
9. 'La Fievre'
Both the 'Rhythm Poet' & 'Full Moon' album have a CD to go with the 2-3LP. Since I play mostly records, I kind of forgot that the rest of the albums (on the CD) is banging as well. Shoutout to Eliza for helping me rediscover the tracks on the CD, specifically this sexy house track ‘La Fievre’.
10. 'Iramo - Tierra Mia'
‘Iramo - Tierra Mia’ on Ibadan is one of my latest finds. Absolutely beautiful spiritual house. A lot of the music I play is about a feeling of home (or longing to / lack thereof). The vocal on this track hits me deep in my core.
Want to discover more of Antonio’s music? My latest radioshow is 2 hours of strictly his music. Check it out here:
Or go to Antonio's Bandcamp to support him directly!
On September 8th he will play an extended set for Locomotion at Radio Radio. It’s his first time playing in Amsterdam so I hope you’ll join us for a celebration of life & his music.
Ticket link: bit.ly/ocasio
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