DJ Disciple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DJ Disciple
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DJ Disciple in Philadelphia
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | David Leander Banks |
| Also known as | DJ Disciple, The Banji Boyz, Boriqua Bandits, Street Preacherz, Brooklyn Soul Boys, Innervisions |
| Born | September 2, 1965 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | House, EDM, tribal house, tech house |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, music producer |
| Years active | 1987-present |
| Labels | Catch 22 Recordings, House Trained, Vendetta, Blanco Y Negro, Nets Work International |
David Banks (born September 2, 1965), who is better known by his stage name DJ Disciple, is an American DJ and music producer. He is also an author from Brooklyn, New York.
As a DJ, he plays music for people to dance to. As a music producer, he helps create new songs. He is famous for his work in house music, a type of electronic dance music (EDM).
Early in his career, he spent a lot of time in London. He was a key figure in the creation of a music style called UK garage. In the United States, he was a very important part of New York City's house music world. He also co-wrote a book about the history of house music in New York City.
Contents
Early Life and Background
David Banks was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1965. He was the youngest of four brothers in a very musical family. His father was a World War II veteran who played piano with the famous jazz musician Miles Davis. One of his brothers, Stanley, played bass with the guitarist George Benson.
Banks grew up in the Farragut Projects. He played drums at the Greater Refuge Temple in Harlem. Many other famous musicians lived nearby or were friends with his family. After graduating from high school in 1984, he went to Baruch College to study accounting but later switched to journalism.
Music Career
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Getting Started in Radio
In college, Banks started as a DJ at the school's radio station. He first played gospel music. He chose the name DJ Disciple as a reminder that "only what you do for Christ shall last."
In 1987, he got a job at the radio station WNYE FM. His show was called The Best Kept Secret. He became known for playing new songs before they were officially released. He helped introduce music by famous artists like Todd Terry, Louie Vega, and Roger Sanchez.
Becoming a Club DJ
His first big DJ job was at the famous Studio 54. He then became a regular DJ at several popular New York City clubs. He even played at parties for colleges like Hunter College and St. John's University.
This led to him opening for major music groups like Run DMC and Brand Nubian. By the early 1990s, he started touring internationally. He played at famous clubs all over the United Kingdom, such as Ministry of Sound and Cream. He also performed at the big Notting Hill Carnival in London every year from 1994 to 2010.
First Songs and Success
In 1993, DJ Magazine named him one of the Top 100 DJs in the world. That same year, he released his first song, "When the Music Stops." It became a hit in clubs in Italy.
Another one of his songs, "On the Dancefloor," made it to the UK singles charts at number 67. He also started his own record label called Catch 22 Recordings in 1998.
Influence on UK Garage Music
DJ Disciple was one of the few DJs who was popular in both the house and UK garage music scenes. UK garage, or UKG, is a style of electronic music that started in the United Kingdom.
He was very welcomed by the UKG community and played at all the famous garage clubs in London. When the music duo Double 99 created their hit song "Ripgroove", they used samples from a music disc that DJ Disciple had given them. Some of his own UKG hits include "Keep On Movin" and his remix of "I'm Addicted."
Career Highlights
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The Album 'My True Colors'
In 2000, DJ Disciple released his first full album, My True Colors. The album had a song called "Caught Up," which became a huge hit. It reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song was also nominated for a Grammy and was featured on the soundtrack for the TV show Queer as Folk.
Remixes and Collaborations
DJ Disciple has remixed songs for many artists. A remix is when a producer takes a song and creates a new version of it. He remixed "Always Come Back to Your Love" by Samantha Mumba. His remix of "The Bass Has Got Me Movin'" by Love Tattoo earned him another Grammy nomination.
One of his songs, "Here Comes the Morning," was featured in the opening of the Hollywood movie The Score, starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton.
Community Work and Activism
DJ Disciple is also known for helping his community. Every Thanksgiving, he helps host a "DJs Against Hunger" event to feed people in need.
He also started an event called "King in Me" for boys aged five to fifteen. The event helps them build self-awareness and confidence. He talks to them about what it takes to become a DJ.
In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, he protested in Brooklyn and released a special version of his song "Rise Up" to call for justice. He has also worked to save a local Boys & Girls Club in his neighborhood from closing.
Writing and Personal Life
On June 15, 2023, DJ Disciple and journalist Henry Kronk released a book called The Beat, the Scene, the Sound. The book tells the story of club culture and house music in New York City.
Banks was married to Amber Daniels from 2011 to 2016, and they have a daughter named Julia. In 2021, he was given a "Parent Of The Year" award. In 2022, he received an award for his community work at a neighborhood reunion event.
Images for kids
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DJ Disciple at Le Souk Harem
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DJ Disciple at Boogie Nights Festival in Venezuela 2007
Selected Discography
Albums
- Sounds You Can Feel Volume 1 (2020)
- Sounds You Can Feel Volume 2 (2020)
- Full Circle (2021)
- Grateful 24/7/365 (2022)
- Harmonies (2023)
Singles and EPs
- 1993: "When the Music Stops"
- 1994: "On the Dancefloor"
- 2000: "It's Easy"
- 2002: "Super Drum" - Robbie Rivera feat. DJ Disciple
- 2006: "Work It Out" feat. Dawn Tallman
- 2007: "Changes" - David Tort, Ruff & DJ Disciple
- 2012: "Drop It Down" feat. Tyra Juliette
- 2014: "Turn It Around" feat. Michelle Weeks
- 2019: "Lose Yourself" feat. David Mason
- 2022: "Rescue Me" feat. Harmonies
- 2023: "Street Music" - Trimtone & DJ Disciple
