Sandy Rivera
Encyclopedia
Sandy Rivera is an American record producer
, House music
DJ and label owner
. Born in New York City
, he is now based in New Jersey
.
. He began producing house music
in 1992
, specializing in a more soulful sound. He has worked under a variety of pseudonyms, including Kings of Tomorrow, Soul Vision and Mysterious People, either alone or with partners Jose Burgos, HAZE
and Jay 'Sinister' Sealee (Rivera has parted ways with Sealee in 2002). He is the owner of labels BlackWiz (founded 1993) and Deep Vision Records (founded 1995).
Rivera's best known track is "Finally", released in 2000 as Kings of Tomorrow at Defected Records
, with vocals by Julie McKnight, which peaked at number 24 in the UK Singles Chart
and at number 17 on the Billboard dance chart, and appeared in a large number of compilations
from labels such as Ministry Of Sound
, Hed Kandi
and Warner Music. The track is included in K.O.T.'s first album It's in the Lifestyle. The same album also yielded the track "Young Hearts". The second K.O.T. album was released in 2005, with the name Trouble. Rivera claims this is his first album produced without recourse to samples
, and marks the official separation between this and other aliases: Kings of Tomorrow is used for more radio-friendly tracks, while his real name will be used for club-friendly tracks.
As a producer and remixer, Sandy Rivera has worked for a variety of other artists, including veteran jazz musician Terry Callier
, Gisele Jackson
, Bini & Martini
, Michelle Weeks, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
and Walter L. Robinson.
Although both are physically different, and they play different styles of house music, Sandy Rivera is often confused with fellow DJ and producer Robbie Rivera
.
Sandy Rivera & Jose Burgos
Kings Of Tomorrow/K.O.T.
Soul Vision
Mysterious People
D'Menace
Other aliases
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, House music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
DJ and label owner
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
. Born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, he is now based in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
.
Biography
Rivera started his career at age 13 as a DJ in his native Spanish HarlemSpanish Harlem
East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem and El Barrio, is a section of Harlem in the northeastern part of the New York City borough of Manhattan. East Harlem is one of the largest predominantly Latino communities in New York City. It includes the area formerly known as Italian Harlem, in which...
. He began producing house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
in 1992
1992 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s....
, specializing in a more soulful sound. He has worked under a variety of pseudonyms, including Kings of Tomorrow, Soul Vision and Mysterious People, either alone or with partners Jose Burgos, HAZE
Harikrish Menon
Singer/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
and Jay 'Sinister' Sealee (Rivera has parted ways with Sealee in 2002). He is the owner of labels BlackWiz (founded 1993) and Deep Vision Records (founded 1995).
Rivera's best known track is "Finally", released in 2000 as Kings of Tomorrow at Defected Records
Defected Records
- History :Established in 1999 by former AM:PM and Cooltempo A&R man Simon Dunmore, Defected's first release was Soulsearcher's "I Can't Get Enough" which reached No.5 in the UK singles chart. This early success was followed up with Roger Sanchez's "Another Chance", which hit No.1 in the UK singles...
, with vocals by Julie McKnight, which peaked at number 24 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and at number 17 on the Billboard dance chart, and appeared in a large number of compilations
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
from labels such as Ministry Of Sound
Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound London, commonly referred to as simply Ministry of Sound or MoS, is a nightclub based in London, United Kingdom and an associated record label. It was ranked fourth in the 2010 DJ Magazine top 100 clubs poll 2010. As well as the nightclub in London, there is another in Egypt and...
, Hed Kandi
Hed Kandi
Hed Kandi is an UK-based record label and a music brand which was established in 1999 by Mark Doyle, specialising in funky, soulful house music. Hed Kandi's catalogue includes both artist albums and various genres of club compilations. As well as producing music albums and compilations, Hed Kandi...
and Warner Music. The track is included in K.O.T.'s first album It's in the Lifestyle. The same album also yielded the track "Young Hearts". The second K.O.T. album was released in 2005, with the name Trouble. Rivera claims this is his first album produced without recourse to samples
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
, and marks the official separation between this and other aliases: Kings of Tomorrow is used for more radio-friendly tracks, while his real name will be used for club-friendly tracks.
As a producer and remixer, Sandy Rivera has worked for a variety of other artists, including veteran jazz musician Terry Callier
Terry Callier
Terrence O. Callier, known as Terry Callier is an American jazz, soul and folk guitarist and singer-songwriter.-Life and career:...
, Gisele Jackson
Gisele Jackson
Gisele Jackson, born in Baltimore, Maryland, is a vocalist and house music diva known for international club hits, including the Billboard charted # 2, "Love Commandments"...
, Bini & Martini
Bini & Martini
Bini & Martini is a duo composed of house music producers and DJs Gianni Bini and Paolo Martini, from Italy. They are known under a variety of pseudonyms, including House of Glass, Eclipse, The Goodfellas and The Groovelines.-Career:...
, Michelle Weeks, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a male choral group from South Africa that sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his album, Graceland and have won multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards...
and Walter L. Robinson.
Although both are physically different, and they play different styles of house music, Sandy Rivera is often confused with fellow DJ and producer Robbie Rivera
Robbie Rivera
Roberto "Robbie" Rivera is a prolific house music producer and DJ born in Puerto Rico. He has an extensive catalog of original productions and remixes to his credit, ranging from Tribal to Progressive House, as well as incorporating Garage and Latin elements. He and his wife Monica Olabarrieta...
.
Singles
Sandy Rivera- 1996 "The King Size EP"
- 1997 "Come On", with Jon CutlerJon CutlerJon Cutler is an American house DJ from Brooklyn.Cutler has lived in New York City all his life. He began DJing at the age of 15, and studied photography at the School of Visual Arts before returning to house music full-time...
and Mike Delgado - 1997 "Expansions '97/Head Hunters"
- 1998 "Come Into My Room", with Littleton Brown
- 2001 "Class Is In Session"
- 2001 "Forever", with John "DNR" Alvarez and Shawnee Taylor
- 2002 "Changes", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
- 2002 "I Can't Stop", with Littleton Brown
- 2005 "Hope", with Elzi Hall
- 2005 "Just Won't Do", with Robert OwensRobert OwensRobert Owens may refer to:* Robert Bowie Owens , a U.S. electric engineer who discovered alpha rays* Robert A. Owens , U.S. Marine, hero of the WWII landing at Bougainville; posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor...
- 2007 "Freak", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
- 2009 "Deeper", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
- 2009 "Whatever", with Andy Daniell
Sandy Rivera & Jose Burgos
- All are collaborations with Jose Burgos
- 1997 "The Path"
- 1999 "Expanded EP"
- 2000 "12th Street Soul"
- 2000 "Keep It Coming"
- 2000 "I Wanna Dance With You", with Karen Workman
- 2000 "No Smoke"
- 2001 "Leaving Me"
- 2001 "La Cultura EP"
Kings Of Tomorrow/K.O.T.
- 1993 "D'Menace EP", with John "DNR" Alvarez
- 1993 "Showcase EP", with George Rivera
- 1993 "Go Black Scatt", with George Rivera
- 1994 "Abstract Collage"
- 1994 "Black Sinister Science EP", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Stacey Alexander
- 1995 "I'm So Grateful", with Densaid
- 1996 "10 Minute High", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Michelle Weeks
- 1996 "Fade II Black", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 1996 "Open Your Mind/K.O.T. Anthem", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 1997 "Set My Spirit Free", with Dawn Tallman
- 1997 "Ancestors", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 1997 "Witness Protection EP"
- 1997 "The Session"
- 1997 "Organic Warfare", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 1998 "I Want You (For Myself)", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Julie McKnight
- 1998 "Let It Go", with Dawn Tallman
- 1998 "The Blackwiz EP"
- 1998 "The K.O.T. Invasion EP", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 1999 "My Love Is Real", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 2000 "Going Back To Blackwiz EP", with Jose Burgos and Jay 'Sinister' Sealee
- 2000 "In The Night", with Littleton Brown
- 2000 "Finally", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Julie McKnight
- 2000 "Tear It Up", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Julie McKnight
- 2001 "Class Is In Session"
- 2002 "Young Hearts", with Treasa Fennie
- 2003 "Dreams/Thru", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
and George Rivera - 2004 "Dreams", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
- 2004 "So Alive"
- 2005 "Another Day", with Leedia Urtega
- 2005 "Thru", with HAZEHarikrish MenonSinger/songwriter HAZE is known for his work in the dance music genre, with hit singles such as Changes and Freak.- Career :...
- 2005 "6PM", with Nina Lares
- 2008 "Can't Stop", with Rae
Soul Vision
- All are collaborations with Jose Burgos
- 1998 "Don't Stop", with Littleton Brown
- 1999 "Low Down", with Jaquito May Perkins
- 2000 "Don't Hold Back", with Dihann Moore
- 2000 "Tracey In My RoomWrong (Everything but the Girl song)"Wrong" is a song by the group Everything but the Girl, composed by Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt. The song is the second track of their album Walking Wounded released in 1996....
", as EBTGEverything but the GirlEverything but the Girl was a two-person English band, formed in Hull during 1981, consisting of lead singer and occasional guitarist Tracey Thorn and guitarist, keyboardist, and singer Ben Watt . They are currently inactive although vocalist Tracey Thorn hinted that they may reform someday...
vs. Soul Vision, official mash-up produced by Ben WattBen WattBenjamin Brian Thomas Watt is a British musician, DJ, and record producer, best known as one half of the duo, Everything but the Girl.-Family:... - 2001 "You've Been On My Mind", with D'Layna
Mysterious People
- All are collaborations with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Jose Burgos
- 1996 "Love Revolution"
- 1997 "The Rude Movements EP"
- 1998 "Fly Away"
D'Menace
- 1997 "Spirit In My Soul"
- 1997 "Ya-Yahoo!"
- 1998 "Deep Menace (Spank)"
Other aliases
- 1992 "Right Now/Break The Ice", as Awesome Foursome, with George Rivera, Wilson X. Yepez and Víctor "Overdose" Sánchez
- 1994 "The K.O.T. Theory Of Rhythmic Seduction", as Kidz Of Tomorrow, with Jose Burgos
- 1995 "The Blackwiz", as Ancestors, with Treasa Fennie
- 2000 "Free Call", as Delicious Inc meets Sandy Rivera, with Jamie Lewis and Littleton Brown
- 2000 "Scream & Shout", as The Committee, with Jose Burgos, Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Kim Armstrong
- 2001 "Life", as Auréi
- 2001 "Let The Reign Begin", as Organized Noize, with John "DNR" Alvarez
- 2001 "I Am The Drum", as Organized Noize, with Chris "Ludikris" Conway
- 2002 "Keep Flowing EP", as Sanjose, with Jose Burgos
- 2003 "Moodbangers", as Moodbangers
- 2004 "Midnight Express", as Moodbangers, with John Alvarez
(Co-)production for other artists
- 1993 Trique-Dik-Slik - "Euphoria (Mary Jane Too)", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealée and Eric PriestEric PriestEric Priest, FRSE, FRS, holds the Gregory Chair of Mathematics and is a Bishop Wardlaw Professor at St Andrews University....
- 1995 Michelle Wilson- "Lifted Higher"
- 1995 Sabrynaah PopeSabrynaah PopeSabrynaah Pope was a female Dance/House vocalist from Brooklyn, New York. She was well known for her work with Dance acts 95 North, DJ Pierre, and most recently as part of U.D.A.U.F.L., which scored a number one track on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart with "Most Precious Love" in 2005...
- "Shelter" - 1995 Big O - "Shmoov Wit Da Ruffness"
- 1996 Sean Grant - "I Hear My Calling", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealée
- 1996 Sean Grant - "Keep On Pressing", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealée
- 1997 Gisele JacksonGisele JacksonGisele Jackson, born in Baltimore, Maryland, is a vocalist and house music diva known for international club hits, including the Billboard charted # 2, "Love Commandments"...
- "Happy Feelings" - 1997 Julie McKnight - "Rock Steady", Jay 'Sinister' Sealée
- 1997 Big Foot - "Black Lagoons"
- 2003 GR-69 - "Trouble"
- 2007 DADAMatt SchwartzMatt Schwartz is a multi-instrumentalist record producer a songwriter, an Artist, DJ, and a prolific audio engineer based in the UK.He has contributed to numerous records since 1995 as an engineer, producer, composer, musician and a songwriter, working with all the UK major record labels, he also...
- "Lollipop", with Trix #18 UK
Albums
- 1998 The Beginning, as Kings Of Tomorrow (Not a K.O.T. album, includes various tracks produced or remixed by Rivera. The CD version is mixed)
- 2000 The Calling, as Sandy Rivera & Jose Burgos
- 2000 It's In The Lifestyle, as Kings Of Tomorrow
- 2000 It's In The Lifestyle - Limited Edition, as Kings Of Tomorrow
- 2002 It's In The Lifestyle - The Remixes, as Kings Of Tomorrow
- 2005 Trouble, as Kings Of Tomorrow