Almaria Brothers Bio

 

KARL ALMARIA

Bunchlox Music | Hudd Traxx | Guess Who? | Footwear | Photo

From identifying a Bob James song in an elevator, performing an air guitar riff to a Led Zeppelin song, singing along with the latest Auto Zone TV commercial, to dropping the latest Underground House cut, Karl Almaria is all about enjoying music.  Karl loves a wide range of music, but living in Chicago most of his life has given him the opportunity to witness the evolution of House Music over the years from its local early stages to the worldwide sound it is now. Today, Karl Almaria can be found not only enjoying House Music, but living it as well.

Whether it’s spinning alone, at a bar for 15 people or at an event for 1500 people, Karl is simply a DJ at heart that enjoys it all. “Yeah, there is nothing like creating a vibe and connecting with a receptive crowd … but there is also something special about connecting with the music alone.”  Early on, Karl was content listening to mix tapes, collecting records, and spinning at home.  However, it wasn’t long before others took notice.  With plenty of encouragement from friends, he began playing out on a regular basis. 15 + year DJ experience, a creative mixing style, and on-point track selection have now taken him to DJ gigs in 17 states in the USA and have earned him an ever-growing booking schedule – including several residencies in his hometown of Chicago and beyond. Karl may be still under the radar for some, but he has amassed a decent-sized worldwide base of appreciative fans.  Currently on the web, Karl hosts 2 internet radio shows: “Bunchlox Radio” every Tuesday [10pm-12am Central Time on www.chicagohousefm.com] and “Sunday Brunchlox” every 4th Sunday [12pm-6pm Central Time on www.myhouseyourhouse.net].

Although he insists he is not a promoter, Karl has his fair amount of successful promoting events. Highlights include work with the Epiphic collective (hundreds of regular and one-off events) and 3+ years of Grizzled/Sizzled at Chicago’s Lava Lounge (monthly party co-hosted with The Sound Republic).

On the record label front, Karl heads up Bunchlox Music (originally co-founded with Rees Urban). From the start, the imprint’s consistent quality releases quickly created an international following.  Similar to DJing, Karl’s knack for finding great music has been conducive in selecting the best of both established and up-and-coming producers. Bunchlox Music was one of the first labels to sign artists such as Avondale Music Society, Jake Childs, Jazzy Eyewear, Jonn Hawley, The Sound Republic, and Southern Roots. “If it’s good, it is good … and people will feel it. No matter whose name is on the record.”
Along with DJing and running Bunchlox, Karl has also been focusing on music production.  His original tracks & remixes have found their way into many DJ sets (including Diz, DJ Heather, Mark Farina, Slater Hogan & John Larner, and Raoul Belmans) and have become the subject of track IDs in many House Music circles.  Karl has released tracks on Hudd Traxx, Guess Who?, Footwear, Photo Records and Red Brunette. .

Enjoying the music more than ever, Karl shows no signs of slowing down. “I do all this stuff simply because it’s a part of who I am.”

MARK ALMARIA

Bunchlox | Carizma | IHR

At some point during any conversation about top DJs of the Midwest electronic music scene you are guaranteed to hear the name Mark Almaria. This showstopper is a Midwest mainstay for a reason. His precise, action-packed mixing style is often imitated, never duplicated. Combining feel-good house vibes with a no-nonsense approach to DJing, Mark has proven his skills time and again, cementing his place among Chicago’s DJ elite. Mark has made hundreds of DJ performances and countless mixtape / CD appearances in boom boxes and car stereos since the mid 90′s. A prominent figure in the golden years of the Midwest rave scene, Mark is no stranger to the Chicago club scene . He had performed at most of the Windy City’s legendary venues including Smartbar, Crobar, Karma, Spy Bar, Metro, Red Dog, Rednofive, Shelter, and Vision as well as holding down residencies at Convent, Dock 5, and Paladrome. In addition to playing across the US, Mark has international gigs in Japan, Hong Kong, China, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. After spending many years perfecting his mixing technique, Mark ventured into the world of music production. Mark’s “Abstract Beatdown EP” on IHR caught the attention (and record box space) of many DJ heavyweights including Bad Boy Bill, Charles Feelgood, Donald Glaude, and DJ Dan. One track from the EP, “The Alarm” was licensed for the “KS02″ mix compilation by Detroit techno legend Kevin Saunderson. His last release on Bunchlox, “Uh Huh” received big-name support from DJs such as DJ Heather, J-Dub, Mark Farina, Miles Maeda, and Yousef.

 

Links:

http://bunchlox.com/

https://www.facebook.com/karlalmaria?fref=ts

Mark email: markalmaria at hotmail.com

Karl email: karlalmaria at bunchlox.com

 

House Head Speaks:  There are no words that begin to describe this House DJ duo.  When they are individuals, they bring their own signature favor.  When they tag team, its mind blowing.  If you never seen these two brother DJs live, you are missing something awesome.  I am honor to feature them this month.  This House Head Has Spoken!!