Entertainment :: Music
Producer/Arranger/Composer William Umana Moves Into the DJ BoothTuesday Jul 7, 2009 House music runs in William Umanaa’s blood. It’s been a part of who he is for over 20 years. He’s been fueling the sets of some of the most esteemed DJs in the dance music scene with blistering original tracks such as "Declaration" and "Tribal Evolution."
Now, Umana is ready to jump headlong into DJ booths in person.
"When I’m not creating music, I’m thinking about creating it," the Colombia native laughs. "Music is in the air everywhere--no matter where I am or what I’m doing, there’s always a tune in my mind."
Music doesn’t stay trapped in Umana’s head long. The veteran producer has a formidable track record when it comes to delivering fiery cuts to some of the biggest disc jocks in the dance scene today. His biting productions with artists like Alan T., Jeanie Tracy, Viola Wills and Ceevox to bangin’ barnstorming remixes on tunes such as "Brinca" and "Party People" caught the ears of Tracy Young, Peter Rauhofer and Ralphi Rosario.
"Ralphi Rosario has always been one of my DJ idols," Umana shares. "When I finally got the chance to meet him personally, he said, ’William, I’ve been playing your track ’Declaration’ for such a long time! Can you please give me the a cappellas so I can do my own remix?’ It was unbelievable! It still amazes me to think that one of the producers and DJs I admired for so long wanted to remix one of my songs."
Rosario wasn’t alone in his admiration of the aspiring talent. His second record, "Fly to the Clouds," was included on a Centaur Records Black & Blue compilation. Then, Rauhofer included him on his "Live at Roxy" compilation, which was all remixes except for two original artists--Madonna and himself.
This summer, Umana will release his first album, "Viva El Circuito," produced by Miami-based Ferosh Records.
Umana began his fixation with dance music during his youth in Colombia. "I was in my teens when my sister told me to listen to a new radio station in town that was broadcasting this cool, new sound," he recalls. "Once I heard it, I never looked back."
That "cool, new sound" was disco, and from that point on Umana’s prime passion was to create and play music for crowds that appreciated that same type of music. It wasn’t long before Umana found himself in Italy, learning the intricacies of production from award-winning studio man Mario Perron.
"I have a very specific approach to the way I create music," Umana explains. "I concentrate initially on laying down meticulous drum programming. Only after I’ve got the drums perfect will I even attempt to add keyboards or samples. If you don’t have a solid beat, you won’t have a solid track!"
One sees the same technique when Umana steps into the DJ booth. "Tribal drums are at the core of my sound," the DJ explains. "My music also has a bit of a Latin flavor-no doubt due to my heritage and the way my sound grew as I was playing gigs in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico as I honed my DJ skills--but the common denominator is always hot basslines and driving beats. I don’t care who you are or where I’m playing; if you’re on my dance floor, you will be moving!"
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