Joey Llanos, was born and raised in New York City. His love of music appeared at an early age when he studied rudimental percussion. His skills led him to The Bayonne Bridgemen Drum & Bugle Corps winning many national titles on the Drum Corps International competition circuit. As a teenager he frequented the Latin nightclub scene in Manhattan and the Bronx.
His introduction to the “underground” club scene came in 1978, when a friend took him to Manhattan’s legendary Paradise Garage. It was here that Joey came under the influence and tutelage of famed Garage DJ, Larry Levan. As an accomplished martial artist, Joey joined the staff as head security consultant for The Paradise Garage. The many hours spent at the club allowed Joey to hone his skills as a DJ. By 1983, Larry Levan was confident enough in Joey’s abilities to let him do what many DJs only dream about – play the Garage’s monster sound system for the first time. He became one of Larry’s trusted relief DJs at the Paradise Garage, a position Joey held until the close in 1987.
Guest spots at some of New York’s hottest post – Garage (Mars, Lovelite, and Bassline Sound Factory) bistros were next in his musical odyssey. By late 1988, Joey teamed with fellow DJ, Richard Vasquez to open The Choice. It was here that his reputation as an innovator was firmly established. Joey’s blend of Reggae, Rap, world music and other forms web into a musical tapestry that audience’s love.
New York City’s crackdown on clubs forced The Choice to close after two years. This time allowed Joey to widen his audience on the national and international scene. Body and Soul, Summer Stage Central Park NYC, San Francisco, L.A., Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Tokyo and Saporro Japan, London are just a few of his frequented appearances.
Mr. Llanos is currently doing 7th Heaven the bi monthly party at The Goodroom in Brooklyn NY. Is an audio consultant for M*POWER Productions Inc., Head security consultant for Body & Soul NYC and performing to record breaking crowds with David Depino at the famed Paradise Garage Reunion Parties, which are now a much-anticipated annual event to date.
(Courtesy of Bobby Shaw Promotions)