Who da what...

Some would say 'revolutionary' DJ, graphic artist, and producer. 40+ year old continue's the grind in successfully working in the commercial (and underground) creative industry breaking new trends and creating original work that remains timeless.

His experience comes from since the early 80's notably connected with the late pop artist Keith Haring whom he became close friends with while attending the School of Visual Arts in NYC. In '82, he assisted Keith in doing an installation at the legendary Paradise Garage nightclub. In '85, he was involved in distributing the famous ‘Free South Africa’ posters in Central Park NYC and in '86 helped open Keith Haring’s POP SHOP Store. He's DJd at Keith’s ‘Party of Life’ in the Michael Todd Room at the Palladium nightclub. It was Keith Haring that introduced him to the legendary DJ Larry Levan and many other prominent artists. It was also Keith & Larry that perhaps influenced what he still has a deep passion for today - mixing art, music & technology.


- LISTEN TO RAVEN's LATEST DJ MIX @ http://www.SOULFULHOUSEMUSIC.COM

Being immersed in the Pop Art and Club culture of downtown 80s New York City, Raven had the unique opportunity to experience exactly what it took to create the magic of nightclubbing. Having worked behind the scenes at some of the best clubs of the time, AREA, Limelight, Danceteria, Palladium, Studio 54, Latin Quarters, Red Parrot, The Underground, Mudd Club and Heartbreak (to name a few) - it soon became instinct to him of what worked and what was just a passing fad. Many turned to him for his creative guidance or endorsement. Raven has had something or another to do with some of the past and presents most influential movers and shakers in NYC downtown culture including Kenny Scharf, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Ramellzee, Fab Five Freddy, The Rock Steady Crew, Spike Lee, Andre Walker, Patricia Field, Junior Vasquez, Steven Rubell, Ian Schrager, Grace Jones, Isaac Hayes, Frankie Crocker and many more.

In '97 he was appointed the art director / resident lounge DJ for Club Shelter in NYC. He sponsored, co-produced and designed stage & lighting for shows including Grace Jones, Femi Kuti, Mary J. Blige, Stephanie Mills and Patti LaBelle. He also DJ'd marathon musical sets in the clubs lounge and main floor to capacity crowds.

He received the 2000 Italian Music Conference/Volkswagon International DJ Award while connected with DJ Tony Humphries and Yellorange Productions. He also DJd at the Miami Winter Music Conference and various venues in the U.S. and abroad.

In 2002, he was inducted into the Disco DJ Hall of Fame and shares those honors with some of Dance Music's greatest spinners, movers and shakers.

He produced his debut solo music album in 2003 titled "Fashionably Late" released on the ReMarkable Music record label. He's also mixed remixed and produced countless scores of music exclusively for nightclub DJs and syndicated programs.

In 2005, Raven was commissioned by the Brooklyn Museum of Art to DJ for the annual Brooklyn Ball held at the museum. It was in conjunction with the Jean Michel Basquiat exhibition of the artist. It was no coincidence that he was associated with JMB back in the day.

His signature DJing style is an eclectic and infectious mixture of past, present and future music designed to take the listener on a musical journey. His sound is unmistakable as he blends many genres into a seamless groove of funky new wave, rock, jazz, rhythm blues, disco, deep house and afro-latin world beats.

What da' who?

Busy heading up RFO Media - his downtown St. Louis based office / studio, he continues to fuse art, music & technology in ways that make his work unique and consistently in demand. Raven is always dedicated and passionately involved in helping others succeed in their creative endeavours. Some notable clients he's done creative work for recently include Brooklyn Museum of Art, Adidas, Dreamworks, Ecko Unlimited, Crobar Nightclub, ALIVE Magazine St. Louis and countless many other independent projects.

I've posted 28 comments, one live chat message, and I've been spotted 80 times.