Easily Influenced - Focus Tuesdays - Tapas - Newport Beach US - Sep 2007

Biography of Easily Influenced

Gelly Kusuma and Mikey Velazquez are EASILY INFLUENCED.

Together, Mikey and Gelly both launched the self-coined 'HAWT Movement' in February of 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Best friends united by their relentless passion for music, they set out to change the way that people looked at house music, parties, and just having fun in general. 'At first we just wanted to start a record label in order to showcase our own music, meanwhile having the opportunity to sign our favorite artists that we admire', says Mikey. 'Along with that came the party, and that's what really put us on the map and opened up doors to gradually build relationships that will forever change our lives'.

In May of 2006, HAWT Afterhours was born. On every 1st and 3rd Friday since the inception, HAWT's underground parties have not only showcased the DJ talent of various quality acts from all over the world, such as Inland Knights, Justin Long, Johnny Fiasco and many more, but they have also displayed the talent of so many of the great DJ's in the local scene. 'We always looked back to the beginnning, before we ever had a gig and knew that this was an important step, something that people needed and appreciated', says Gelly. 'Overall, the main focus has always been on bringing back that old school house vibe at parties, bringing friends together with music, and just breaking boundaries and having FUN', according to Mikey. HAWT also stands for 'Having A Wonderful Time', and they have done just that with the help of Eddie Barajas, Mike Magana, and many more along the way.

Keep an eye out for original music and remixes by EASILY INFLUENCED, which has been getting played by many world class acts such as Derrick Carter, Justin Long, Phil Weeks, DJ Mes, Natural Rhythm, Ricardo Rae, etc. 'We think our versatility will surprise people. We really do love it all, and that will become evident in our music the longer and longer we do this', said Gelly. He continues, 'we want our style to basically be versatility, and never want to hold anything back. If we're feeling something, whatever sound or style that may be, we make it.'

Their first release 'DAMN B!' came out in November 2007 on ROBSOUL Ltd., Phil Weeks' respected label out of Paris, France. Also lookout for the first HAWT MUSIC release soon which features their original 'ROCKIT', along with remixes by Derrick Carter, Joshua Heath, and Thomas White of Natural Rhythm. They also did a remix for Inland Knights' 'SOUNDSYSTEM' which will drop on FUNKFIELD RECORDINGS in February 2008. 'We've also got some other things in the works that we can't really talk about yet', says Velazquez. 'We are both very excited and are looking forward to this year, and making it great in 2008', Kusuma says smiling.