DJ Michael Mercado, "El Muchacho Malo":
Beginnings:
I began to DJ at the age of 19. I went to a Concert and was amazed by the energy and excitement created by Run-DMC's DJ "Jam Master Jay." It took a while to get going, but I got my first turntables, speakers, and an amplifier and began doing small events for close friends. Back then, I was playing Freestyle, Hip-Hop, and Reggae. For whatever reason, I gave up spinning music. While he was alive, my best friend Joe Rosado would always tell me I was a great DJ and that it was a mistake to have given it up. His passing made me realize we have to enjoy life, and to take advantage of the time we have. Some live very long lives, Joe's was too short.
Getting inspired, a new start:
In 1995, I began to take interest in DJing again. I was hanging out at Europa Nightclub, where I observed the talents of DJs Willie "D," El Yoda, and Rip Hernandez. Seeing how the DJs could get a crowd dancing and having a great time fueled my desire to DJ again. I started spinning at small venues around my hometown of Framingham. I spun at the Portuguese Club, Poly Esters, and The Gorilla Bar. I also got involved with the Latin radio programs in Framingham, like WDJM 91.3 FM with Papo Pena and WKOX 1200 AM with "El Tiburon" Victor Vasquez.
Where I got my name:
A girl who took a liking to me was frustrated because she felt I wasn't showing her any interest. So she would constantly call the radio shows and dedicate Olga Tanon's Muchacho Malo to me. The other DJs picked up on it and began to call me Muchacho Malo. The fact that I was always joking around and playing practical jokes added to the naming.
Making it BIG
My first big break was at Vincent's Night Club. In 1998, while I was DJing opposite a band, Pablo Lazano, a sound tech asked me if I would be interested in DJing at a club. I said yes, and was invited to meet with Raymond Padilla, then the Manager of Vincent's Nightclub. Shortly after, I was hired to DJ for Vincent's Latin Night. The following year, Ray Torres offered me a job to spin at El Copa at the Palace Entertainment Complex. I then went to work at honing my skills as a DJ. I would listen to the TO' Mixeao CDs, perfecting my ability to mix tracks instead of playing one after the other. In December 1998, Mega communications launched Mega 890 / 1400 AM. Having connected with the station, Ray Torres got the Copa DJs involved with Mega's weekly mix show, Saturday Night Fiesta. It was at Mega, where I'd meet a fellow DJ that would make a huge impact on my career. Johnny Famolari, one of New York's best Mix DJs came to Boston to work at La Mega. He rapidly got all the DJs involved with the station and actually taught us the tricks of the trade of mixing music. He gave us advice on how to become a good DJ. What to do and not to do. He's the one that made me step up my game, helping me accomplish so much and guiding me to become the DJ I am today.
Thank you's:
I'd like to send shout-outs to some people that have made a huge difference in my life! First, I'd like to thank God for all that he has bestowed on me. Thank you to my Dad and my Mom, who is not with us anymore, but will always be remembered and loved. My family; my son Mikey, siblings Lilly, Levy, Cuca, & Lucky. My girlfriend Madelyn and my daughters Vany, Xio, and the rest of the Mercado Clan! To Vincent's Nightclub and its management, Ray Padilla, Vinny Lombardo, and Jimmy Mahr. To Ray Torres, for giving me my first opportunities and believing in me. To La Familia; DJ Rip Hernandez, Willie D, El Yoda, Trivy, Marvin, Bayron, Cousin Ed," S-Dog, Eddie Ed, Benny 2X, D-Nice, La Familia Cruz, Julian, Eliud, etc. etc. etc. And thank you to my close friends as well as all those who come out to the clubs and support me. Much love.
Michael Mercado, El Muchacho Malo
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