Born and raised in Chicago, I’ve always loved how music and the arts brings people together. Not having the patience to become an expert violin, piano and guitar player. I started making mixtapes with a dual cassette deck (before CD-R’s). Combining music from TV and radio shows like Soul Train, Star Search, American Bandstand, Late Night at the Apollo and so on.
At the age of 18, I was mesmerized by the entertainment at night clubs like Circus, Crobar, The Drink and various Chicago hotspots. I then became a bouncer, promoter and then started Dj’n after realizing great musicians needed the marketing exposure that a Dj could provide.
At the age of 20 with a computer science degree, I traveled the U.S., Canada and Mexico as a system’s engineer during the week. I also developed a live internet radio website/program (inlineradio.fm) to capture a larger audience for myself and entertainers alike. With thousands of monthly unique visitors from around the world. I then realized the importance of marketing/advertising planning for its sustainability.
I then found a residency working along side Chicago’s top Dj’s at Alacart Entertainment. Dj’n 100+ gigs per year for AlaCart’s 30+ night clubs/bars. I left after a few years to get away from the some what strict “pop” programing and embraced the artistic freedom of an independent DJ once again. Which is what got me started in the first place.
In 2006 I started a marketing communications company, now called JRChicago. Geared to helping small business entrepreneurs develop and manage their marketing plans better. Going to High School with the creator of YouTube has taught me that one person can in fact do the unthinkable. Which I’m continuously planning to impacting the world just as much through music and the arts with your support.
I can honestly say i will rock any demographic crowd and have been told I “over stimulate” my audience. Not only because I play what the majority wants hear with a diverse playlist. But because I constantly monitor the impact of every song like a finely tuned marketing campaign.
DJ MIXES: http://johnnyromano.podomatic.com/
PROFESSIONAL RESUME: http://tinyurl.com/jromano-resume
With love,
JR
“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney
