A “soul boy at heart,” Velanche has been involved in independent and underground music from the worlds of soul, jazz, downbeat, house and various beat-infused sounds. His musical tastes are eclectic and wide.
In the fall of 2016, having done DJ gigs since 2004, Velanche formed Soul Dust Productions, a collective of like-minded DJs, with the realization that there’s strength in numbers. He has organized a number of events over the years, and with other members of the crew, have developed and cultivated a reputation for choice, specialized events, establishing relationships throughout San Luis Obispo County, many of them continue today.
Velanche started his DJ life on radio through KCPR, the radio station on the campus of Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, which happens to have been both his alma mater (BUS, 1999) and his place of employment (2000-2020). He has hosted and produced Urban Landscapes, the “weekly show of jazzy and soulful club culture from around the world,” both on-air and online, as well as the podcast, for 15 years. In 2004, he launched, with DJ Loco, Club 91, a long-running club mix show that has expanded and developed a following, thanks to later DJs who have taken the show from weekly to (almost) nightly, as well as live in several local venues.
In addition to playing music, Velanche has written music reviews for the legendary electronic music magazine XLR8R for a five-year period.
Currently, Velanche is continuing to develop his music production chops, having been mentored by influential producer and DJ, UK-based Red Rack’em, known for not only his rude-sounding underground music over a 20-year period, but is the curator of the successful masterclass series, “How I Program,” with interviews and demos from the underground from Atjazz to Jazzanova, from Zed Bias to Crazy P, and so much more….60 at last count. This influential has rubbed off on Velanche, as he continues to lean in. Stay tuned for teases from his upcoming productions.
Velanche became the first, and still a current, resident at Jan’s Vinyl Bar, an intimate wine bar and music space that has developed a reputation for its eclectic variety of DJs and selectors showcasing their music. He plas at the spot monthly, and it allows him to bridge music from the past with some new treasures, while keeping the international vibes, and in reviving them thought the collection of records from his radio days.
With the Soul Dust crew now in its tenth year, Velanche continues to support his crew, and takes the occasional gig to share the music he loves. In addition to knowing and continuing the meet the network of talented and passional DJs in the area, he looks forward to working alongside the talented musicians, artists and other creatives in the local area, and beyond.
Stay tuned for Velanche’s own content, which he’ll share on Instagram, YouTube and SoundCloud, among other places. Also, expect more through his newly-refreshed web site, right here!