http://ricanstructionlabel.com Originally from Brooklyn and raised in a universe where rhythms from all over the world were heard, FRANKIE FELICIANO has been inspired by music since childhood. Music was intimately interwoven through his family life: his grandfather played several instruments in Puerto Rico, and his father played in a New York City band. When he was 10 years old, he heard about hip hop for the first time from the other kids in his neighbourhood. But it was when he heard a DJ scratching and remixing, and seeing the crowd's reaction, that it became a fanatic about Djing. He got his hands on some equipment, and he was off! In 1986, he discovered the appeal of house, one night at Paradise Garage, where he heard none other than the famous Louis Vega, who became just like his big brother. Those who recognized his talent included DJs Roger S., Shep Pettibone, Tony Humphries and Timmy Regisford. Feliciano is self-described as an emotional person, and this moodiness is reflected in his music. What does he himself like to hear? Dark jazz, and certain Brazilian composers whose darkness is both poetic and ironic. * Born on November 19th, 1970 in Brooklyn NY, Frankie Feliciano was inspired by music starting with his childhood experiences. Music was always in the family; Frankie's grandfather played instruments in Puerto Rico, his father played and sang in bands in NY. And with that he grew up watching a lot of Spanish language variety shows that showcased music from all over the world. When Frankie was 10 years old, the older kids in his neighborhood were already into what was to become "Hip Hop" and at a block party, out of his window, he saw someone scratching and mixing for the first time in his life. The way the crowd reacted was all that was needed to generate an almost fanatical curiosity. Frankie's older cousin let him touch turntables for the first time and he proceeded to convince his parents to buy him some gear. And that's how it all began; A 14 year old, cutting, scratching and mimicking what he heard on the underground hip-hop radio shows. In 1986 Frankie got into house music when he was already playing freestyle. Frankie's cousins kept telling him about the Paradise Garage, which he never ended up going to, and the music that the club played. He couldn't get into it at all until he heard it at a club for the first time and the DJ that night was none other than Louie Vega. When asked about his talents, he indicated, "I know my instruments enough to help me with my productions to date. I wish I had Stevie Wonder's voice, but I don't." As for the future, he doesn't know. "No one can really say. hip-hop was supposed to be dead over 10 years ago, and look where it is. I think that the less talented and creative people in the industry are pushing house music, and music in general, to get to a more futuristic area. With that, it becomes easier for their computers to create music for them. I'm not worried about the future, or what it holds in store for us, musically. Creativity is the key. There are too many records out there that copy the hot style of the moment. Copycats will always kill any industry. The dependency on technology as your sole creative engine is also contributing to the stagnant state of the industry. "Go out, learn to play something, write a lyric, and do something that doesn't involve a mouse." He continues "I'm a moody person, so I guess I make moody music. Rarely would I want to make a 'stomp your feet and shout' type of record. I listen to a lot of dark jazz, and Brazilian songwriters, which are always dark, poetic and have a lot of irony to their songs. I don't work well with others, so collaborations are pretty much out of the question. A label will be up and running in the very near future, I'm just waiting on some trademark issues, and we'll be on our way. Along the way I've made a lot of friends in this jaded industry. Roger S. was a big help to me in the early days, but Louie has always been like a big brother to me. Shep Pettibone, Tony Humphries, Timmy Regisford are some of the other DJ's that have inspired me as well." Releases: Albums/compilations: Realthing - The Kiss [12", KNG 013] (1994) (Nite Grooves) The Return Of Gigolo Supreme [12", NC 20209] (1996) (Nervous Chill) The Real Thing [12", KNG 094] (1998) (Nite Grooves) Club Nervous, Vol. 2 (1999) (mix album produced by Kerri Chandler) (Nervous) Frankie Feliciano presents Boogalu - A Place In The Sun / One Note Samba [12", MAW 039] (1999) (MAW Records) Frankie Feliciano presents Realthing - Wonderland [12", KNG 131] (2000) (Nite Grooves) Mix The Vibe (2002) (King Street Sounds) Frankie Feliciano presents Realthing - III : Hydra / Living Proof [12", KNG 182] (2003) (Nite Grooves) Remixes: We Are One (Ricanstruction Vocal) on We Are One Les Remixes, 12" (Yellow Productions) We Are One (Broken Dub) on We Are One Les Remixes, 12" (Yellow Productions) What A Surprise (Vocal2000) on What A Surprise, 12" (Sole Music) Come On (Frankie Feliciano Vocal) on Come On, 12" (Wave) Come On (Frankie Feliciano Vocal) on Come On, 12" (Wave) Cantos A Ochun Et Oya (Frankie Feliciano Mix) on Yoruba Records: El Primer Ano, 2x12" (Yoruba) Time Waits For No One (Feliciano's Broken Down Dub Mix) on Time Waits For No One, 2x12" (Strictly Rhythm) Closer I Get (Classic Vocal Mix) on Closer I Get (Remixes), 12" (Yoruba) Hillbilly Song on MAW Sampler, 12" (MAW Records) Father (Frankie Feliciano Mix) on nite:life 8, 2x12" (NRK Sound Division) Come To Me (Ricanstruction Vocal Mix (By Frankie Feliciano)) on Come To Me (The Frankie Feliciano Remixes), 12" (King Street Sounds) Come To Me (Ricanstruction Instramental Mix (By Frankie Feliciano)) on Come To Me (The Frankie Feliciano Remixes), 12" (King Street Sounds) Come To Me (Broken Down Dub (By Frankie Feliciano)) on Come To Me (The Frankie Feliciano Remixes), 12" (King Street Sounds) Come To Me (Ricanstruction Broken Down Mix (By Frankie Feliciano)) on Come To Me (The Frankie Feliciano Remixes), 12" (King Street Sounds) Ain't No Running Away (Broken Down Instrumental) on Ain't No Running Away, 12" (Estereo) Ain't No Running Away (Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on Ain't No Running Away, 12" (Estereo) Ain't No Running Away (Groove-A-Pella) on Ain't No Running Away, 12" (Estereo) Freedom (Make It Funky) (Frankie's dub ) on Freedom (Make It Funky) 12"(1 of 2), 12" (Positiva) It's Yours (Ricanstruction Mix) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 2, 12" (Chez Music) It's Yours (Dance Ritual Edit) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 2, 12" (Chez Music) It's Yours (Guitarapella) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 2, 12" (Chez Music) Backfired (Frankie Feliciano Edit) on Backfired, 12" (MAW Records) What A Surprise (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Body&Soul NYC Vol 4 Mixed By Francois K Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell Danny Krivit, CD (Wave) Father (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Body&Soul NYC Vol 4 Mixed By Francois K Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell Danny Krivit, CD (Wave) Stay Together (Feliciano's Broken Down Dub) on Stay Together, 12" (Positiva) Let Love Live (Frankie Feliciano Vocal Mix) on En Linje - Calle Dernulf Samlar House, CD (EMI Records) Father (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Motivation, CD (Definity Records) Time For Love (Frankie Feliciano Reprise) on Higher Things, CD (Nervous) Don't You Ever Give Up (Ricanstruction Vocal) on Body&Soul NYC Volume 2, CD (Wave) Father (Frankie Feliciano Mix) on Nite:Life 08, CD (NRK Sound Division) Keep Love Going on The Purist, 3x12" (Nervous) Blessed (Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on Blessed (Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Blessed (Instrumental Mix) on Blessed (Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Blessed (Kenny Pella) on Blessed (Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Blessed (Broken Down Reprise) on Blessed (Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Blessed (Rico "Sterling" Mix) on Blessed (Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) The World Is Love (Frankie Feliciano's Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on The World Is Love, 12" (Club Tools) The World Is Love (Frankie Feliciano's Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on The World Is Love, 12" (Club Tools) Cantis a Ochun & Oya (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Respect Is Burning Presents Respect To DJ Deep, CD (Labels) The Boss (Reprise Mix) on Better Days (Classics Vol. 2), 3x12" (Labels) It's Yours (Kaze Retro Mix) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 1, 12" (Chez Music) It's Yours (Pinky Beats) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 1, 12" (Chez Music) It's Yours (Instrumental) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 1, 12" (Chez Music) It's Yours (Retropella) on It's Yours - Frankie Feliciano Remixes Pt. 1, 12" (Chez Music) Father (Ricanstruction Vocal) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Father (Harmonica Mix) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Father (Rhodesapella) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Father (Broken Down Mix) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Father (Broken Down Stomp) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Father (Broken Down Beats) on Father (The Remixes), 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Main Vocal Mix) on Movin', 12" (AM:PM) Cantos A Oochun & Oya (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Respect Is Burning pres Respect to DJ Deep, 2x12" (Labels) Father (The Remixes) on Respect Is Burning pres Respect to DJ Deep, 2x12" (Labels) Ain't No Running Away (Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on True Spirit, 2x12" (Chillifunk Records) Time For Love on Nervous House Beats vol. 5, 12" (Nervous) Stay Together (Funky Piano Mix) on Hard Times - The Album, 3x12" (Narcotic) What A Surprise (Rican Vocal Mix) on What A Surprise, 12" (Sole Music) What A Surprise (Rican Instrumental) on What A Surprise, 12" (Sole Music) After The Storm (Stolen Moments Mix) on After The Storm, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) After The Storm (Beats And Strings) on After The Storm, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) After The Storm (Supreme Remix) on After The Storm, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) After The Storm (Deja Vu Dub) on After The Storm, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) Don't You Ever Give Up (Ricanstruction Vocal) on Don't You Ever Give Up, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) Don't You Ever Give Up (Ricanstruction Instrumental) on Don't You Ever Give Up, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Main Vocal Mix) on Movin', CD5" (AM:PM) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Main Vocal Mix) on Movin', CD5" (AM:PM) Movin' (The Deesel Dub) on Movin', CD5" (AM:PM) Stay Together (Funky Piano Mix) on Hard Times - The Album, 2xCD (Narcotic) Cantos A Ochun & Oya (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Respect Is Burning Presents: Respect To DJ Deep, CD (Virgin France) Blessed on Blessed "A Gospel Dance Theory", 4x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Voices In Harmony (Broken Art Club Mix) on Voices In Harmony, 12" (Nervous) Missing You (Ricanstruction Mix) on Missing You, CD5" (Nervous) Unbelievable (Frankie Feliciano's Instrumental Mix) on Unbelievable, 12" (K2 Recordings) Don't You Ever Give Up (Frankie Feliciano Ricanstruction Vocal) on Don't You Ever Give Up, 12" (Slip 'n' Slide) Life Is But A Dream (Ricanstruction Mix) on Life Is But A Dream, 12" (MAW Records) Life Is But A Dream (Bonus Beats) on Life Is But A Dream, 12" (MAW Records) Life Is But A Dream (Broken Down mix) on Life Is But A Dream, 12" (MAW Records) Keep Reaching (Frankie Feliciano Mix) on Keep Reaching, 12" (Nervous) Elle (Alt. Mix) on Elle, 12" (Faya Combo) Voices In Harmony (Original JTV Mix / Broken Art Club Mix) on Club Nervous - First Five Years Of House Classics, CD (Nervous Records) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Main Vocal Mix) on Movin', 2x12" (AM:PM) Stay Together (Feliciano Broken "Edit" Mix) on Stay Together, CD5" (Strictly Rhythm) Missing You (Ricanstruction Remix) on Missing You, 12" (Nervous Records) Missing You (Broken Arts Remix) on Missing You, 12" (Nervous Records) Freedom (Make It Funky) (Frankie's Dub) on This Is Strictly Rhythm Vol. 4, 2xCD (ZYX Music) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Main Vocal Mix) on Movin' (Remixes), 12" (Strictly Rhythm) Movin' (Frankie Feliciano Deesel Dub) on Movin' (Remixes), 12" (Strictly Rhythm) I Never Told You (NuLife Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on I Never Told You (You Could Stay), 12" (King Street Sounds) The Boss (Masters At Work Dub) on Maximum Speed, 2xCD (Virgin Records (UK)) Elle (Frankie Feliciano Re-Edit) on Elle, 12" (Defected) Elle (Frankie Feliciano Beats) on Elle, 12" (Defected) What A Surprise (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Body & Soul NYC Vol 4, 3x12" (Wave Music) Father (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Body & Soul NYC Vol 4, 3x12" (Wave Music) Ain't No Running Away (Frankie Feliciano Remix) on Something Estereo 01: Latin Garage Afro House, CD (Estereo) Time For Love (Frankie Feliciano Reprise) on Higher Things, 3x12" (Nervous Records) Cantos A Ochun Et Oya (Reworked) on Osunlade/Offering, CD (R2 Records) The Boss (Reprise) on The Boss, 12" (Atlantic Records) The Boss (Masters At Work Dub) on The Boss, 12" (Atlantic Records) Ain't No Running Away (Groove-a-pella And Ricanstruction Vocal Mix) on House Essentials, CD (Trama) Life Is But A Dream (Frankie Feliciano Rmx) on Masters At Work Productions - Snippets Miami '03, CD (MAW Records) Feeling Fine (Ricanstruction Vocal) on Feeling Fine (Ricanstruction Remix), 12" (MAW Records) Feeling Fine (Instrumental And So On) on Feeling Fine (Ricanstruction Remix), 12" (MAW Records) The Word Is Love (Frankie Feliciano's Recanstruction Vocal Mix) on The Word Is Love, CD5" (Club Tools) Keep Reaching (Frankie Feliciano Mix) on The Soulful House Experience 2 - Gospel House Edition, CD (Nervous Records) Cantos A Ochun (Re-edit) on Music & Movement Two, 2xCD (Mumo Records) Elle (Alternative Mix) on Elle, 12" (House Works) Gigolo Supreme - Invitation (Reminded Me) (2004) [Produced and mixed by Frankie Feliciano and the Supreme Beings for Ricanstruction Label] Beady Belle - Hindsight (2004) [mixed by Frankie Feliciano for Ricanstruction Label] Appearances: A Place In The Sun on MAW All Star Sampler, 2x12" (MAW Records) The Real Thing (Rascal Mix) on Abstract Jazz Lounge II, CD (Nite Grooves) The Real Thing (Ricanstruction Edit) on Abstract Jazz Lounge II, CD (Nite Grooves) I'm Touched (The Essential Club Mix) on Saturday Night... (Slip n'Slide 6), CD (Slip 'n' Slide) Gigolo Supreme (Main Mix) on New York In The Mix Angel Moraes, CD (Subversive) The Real Thing (Ricanstruction Mix) on Mix The Vibe: Music Is My Sanctuary, 2xCD (Nite Grooves) Missing You on Higher Things, CD (Nervous) Been So Long on Higher Things, CD (Nervous) Keep Reaching on The Sound Of The Underground - L.A. DJ Marques Wyatt, CD (Master Dance Tones (UK)) Let Love Live (Vocal Mix) on Let Love Live, 12" (Sub-Urban) Let Love Live (Instrumental) on Let Love Live, 12" (Sub-Urban) Been So Long (Wamdue Speakeasy Remix) on Been So Long, 12" (Hysteria) Through The Fire (Vocal Mix) on Through The Fire, 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Throught The Fire (Instrumental Mix) on Through The Fire, 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Through The Fire (Broken Down Reprise) on Through The Fire, 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Through The Fire (Beats) on Through The Fire, 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Through The Fire (Acapella) on Through The Fire, 2x12" (Soundmen On Wax) Keep Love Going on The Purist, CD (Edel) Tipsy (Club Mix) on Strictly Limited Collectors Edition Nervous Records New York Picture Disc LP - 10 Full Length House Monsters, LP (Streetheat) Philly the Blunt (Club Mix) on Strictly Limited Collectors Edition Nervous Records New York Picture Disc LP - 10 Full Length House Monsters, LP (Streetheat) Give A Little Love (Extended Mix) on Strictly Limited Collectors Edition Nervous Records New York Picture Disc LP - 10 Full Length House Monsters, LP (Streetheat) Boom It's The Joint (Reck Mix) on Strictly Limited Collectors Edition Nervous Records New York Picture Disc LP - 10 Full Length House Monsters, LP (Streetheat) Give A Little Love (Extended Mix) on Nervous Breakdown - Deep, Underground, House Tracks, CD (Nervous) Air on Nervous Breakdown - Deep, Underground, House Tracks, CD (Nervous) Philly the Blunt (Cuera Smoked a Big One Mix) on Nervous Breakdown - Deep, Underground, House Tracks, CD (Nervous) Tipsy on Nervous Records New York, 2x12" (React) A Little Love (Extended Mix) on Nervous Records New York, 2x12" (React) Philly The Blunt (Cuera Smoked A Big One Mix) on Nervous Records New York, 2x12" (React) One Note Samba on EP Series Vol. 2, CD5" (MAW Records) The Real Thing (Ricanstruction Mix) on Mix the Vibe : Joe Clausell, 2xCD (Nite Grooves) Nature Rise (Club Mix) on Nature Rise, 12" (Nervous) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix)(Dance Version) on Clap Your Hands, 12" (Go! Beat) What a Surprise (Scribe Remix) on Make Me Happy, 3x12" (Sole Music) Ease Your Mind (Frankie Feliciano Edit) on Ease Your Mind, 12" (MAW Records) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix - Dance Version) on Clap Your Hands, 12" (Go! Beat) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix) (Dance Version) on Clap Your Hands, CD5" (Go! Beat) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix) on Clap Your Hands, CD5" (Polygram) Wonderland (Unreleased Autumn Mix) on Mix The Vibe: Ron Trent, 2x12" (Nite Grooves) Clap Your Hands (Man of Soul Mix) on Clap Your Hands, 12" (FFRR) Reachin' Higher (The Re-Mix) on Down Deep & Dark, CD (Strictly Rhythm) Come With Me on Down Deep & Dark, CD (Strictly Rhythm) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix - Dance Version) on Clap Your Hands, 12" (ZAC Records) Wonderland (Winterland Mix) on Mix The Vibe: Ron Trent - Urban Afro Blues, 2xCD (Nite Grooves) The Real Thing (Ricanstruction Mix) on Mix The Vibe: Ron Trent - Urban Afro Blues, 2xCD (Nite Grooves) Keep Love Going on The Purist, CD (Manifesto) Clap Your Hands (Man Of Soul Mix) on Clap Your Hands, 12" (FFRR) My Joy (Vocal) on My Joy, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) My Joy (Instrumental) on My Joy, 12" (Ricanstruction Records) The Real Thing (Ricanstruction Mix) on Miss Moneypenny's Presents, 2xCD (K-Tel) I Never Told You, You Could Stay (NuLife Ricanstraction Vocal Mix) on Everything, CD (King Street Sounds) Living Beats on Abstract Latin Lounge III Part 2, 12" (Nite Grooves)