PhxPeople.com features DJ Seduce

Miguel Ivery: DJ Seduce and Founder of Afro:Baile Records

Miguel Ivery
www.afrobaile.com
Miguel Ivery is at the forefront of bringing Brazilian music to the masses, as founder of Brazilian music-focused Afro:Baile Records and the annual Brazilian Day Arizona Festival, whose sixth event will happen at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts September 19. He also spins records as DJ Seduce, specializing in world music that gets crowds dancing.

Ivery, a 37-year-old Gilbert resident, talked about what inspired him to start his own label and what he strives for as a DJ. Keep reading to see him name his five favorite reasons for loving living in the Valley in a video.
What brought you to Arizona?

Actually, I’m a native, one of barely any left or living here in the Valley. I attended high school at Saguaro High School and continued to community college before leaving to pursue music.

What’s your earliest memory of being interested in music?

You know, music was always relevant in my house since I could remember. My parents and older brother always listened to a wide range of music, and my dad had a cool record collection and a turntable. I think I figured out I wanted to be rock star, because I used to listen to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Iron Maiden, and Van Halen with my older brother.

My friend and neighbor Justin and I would make concerts in our backyards with all the neighbors when we were like 7 years old. We used baseball bats as guitars and broom sticks as microphones. It was awesome.

Growing up, I never listened to hip-hop or rap music. All I remember is soul and Motown music being played around my dad, country music and jazz with my mom, or just rock n’ roll with my older brother. My parents always pushed us and encouraged us, in a good and supportive way, to play music and instruments from a young age. I started playing jazz saxophone in the first grade through eighth grade, and along the way picked up the drums and later the bass guitar as well, before eventually settling with turntables. So, music has always been an interest as long as I can remember.

How did you become a DJ?

I became a DJ by accident. Way back in the late ’90s, one of my younger brothers asked for a DJ set for Christmas. My mom bought him this “DJ in a Box Set” from Guitar Center. The box set came with turntables, a mixer, a light ball and magazines. I thought it was pretty cool, and occasionally just messed around playing records I had got from my dad years earlier.....

>>>FULL ARTICLE HERE<<<