A self-proclaimed city kid from New York's East Village, Jesse Marco took a free fall into the music business at the age of 18 when he began an internship with British music mogul Mark Ronson. He gained recognition after taking a number of opening slots at New York clubs.
A year or two later, the late DJ AM swooped in to manage his career at the turn tables, connecting him with gigs in Paris, Milan, LA, and Miami for clients like Tom Ford and GQ. In the meantime, he's worked with Russell Simmons, Prince, and Jay-Z. Most recently, he's created remixes for Kings of Leon and Chris Brown.
"It sounds exciting," the 23-year-old states. "But really, it's just a lot of deejaying and people dancing."
Adoring fans, A-list celebrities, and international travel ... Ho hum. His strength, he says, lies in his versatility, which stems from his true love of music.
"I can play a house night at an all-house club, then a hip-hop night the next night, then a show with all types of music, making my own edits," Marco says. "You might hear some poppy song, and then a Led Zeppelin song underneath it, and then an acapella track."
Marco is spinning his second set ever at Mokai this Monday. His mix will be tailored to the Miami crowd ― as he sees it.
"People think that Miami is all about the European influence, so they play a lot of dance music," Marco says. "But I think it's a lot like New York. They like good hip-hop. Not even just southern hip-hop. [At Mokai] I'll play some Fugees, Biggie ... and then some salsa or something," he laughs.
-- Camille Lamb
Jesse Marco with Derek Walin. Monday, January 17. Mokai, 235 23rd St., Miami Beach. The party starts at 11 p.m. and admission costs $25 at the door. Call 305-531-5535 or visit mokaimiami.com.
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