DJ AMADEUS
By Grace C. Visconti ©2007

If you think that being a DJ is nothing more than spinning a few discs, then think again.  DJs are performers in their own right. It is a serious art form requiring a special set of skills. DJs are as unique as their stage name, presentation and the type of music they choose to play for their audiences. DJ Amadeus would agree.

Originally from the Ukraine, Dennis Ivanoff alias DJ Amadeus, moved to the US in 1989. He has resided in New York City for the last nine or ten years. Since he was18-years-old, playing music as a DJ for people was a natural talent and an early passion. Then it was pool parties and house parties. Now it is stadiums and sports centers.

Dennis came from a musical family. His parents were famous pop singers and performed on Ukraine television. Music was a passion that his parents noticed early in their young son. At age five, he used to pull spoons out of the drawer and start drumming. He would drum on anything. His parents nurtured his talent by sending him to the most prestigious music schools when he was growing up. He studied classical music extensively. Since Mozart was the biggest influence in his music education and career, Dennis Ivanoff transformed into stage personality DJ Amadeus.

As well as being an accomplished musician, he graduated from the Institute of Audio Research in Manhattan where they taught production, MIDI, and anything else that has to do with music.
Amadeus plays mainly electronic house music. There are so many types of electronic music to choose from and a DJ can change it whenever  he wants. Electronic music emerged from the New Age movement of the 1980’s and it is here to stay. “It sounds amazing,” admits Amadeus. “It makes your body move. It makes you happy. It makes you dance. People love to move. Everyone wants to see the light and sound. They just love this music. This music hypnotizes people.”

The music played today has definitely changed since the 1960’s. There is a whole different mindset with audiences. Since Amadeus wasn’t born during the 60’s, he’s not even sure how one can compare the electronic music of today to the music of that era. “If I even listen to the music from the 60’s, after we listen to the music we listen to now, it is so empty. There were great music producers but I wouldn’t understand it. It is definitely not my style. The music today has more texture. It is rich and so full with so many different elements. There are so many things you can use: vocals, drums, and strings. It would have been much harder back then to create the type of music we play today compared to the music made in the 60’s.”

Every generation grows up with a different style of music as a major influence in their lives. Amadeus admits that his parents love classical music and so they believe that live drums and strings was it. The perception of one generation is different than the generation that follows. “I grew up with classical music, but this is not what I play right now. My nieces and nephews can’t listen to classical music,” explains Amadeus.

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