Superstar DJ Bad Boy Bill literally brought the ‘House’ down to Manila at the recent launch of Channel [V] Philippines held at A-Venue Events Hall, Makati City last July 25. 

America’s Favorite House DJ (a title bestowed on Bad Boy Bill by BPM magazine, the bible of DJs worldwide) spun records of mostly House music that had the party people dancing non-stop from midnight onwards.

To please the hit-oriented Manila crowd, Bad Boy Bill played not only underground House music, but also snippets of hit songs past and present. These included the instrumental hook of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller;” lines from Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” Blackeyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feelin,” and Daft Punk’s “One More Time;” and several verses from Cathy Dennis’ “Just Another Dream,” all of which got people roaring in recognition and staying on the dance floor for hours on end.

Backstage, Bad Boy Bill told Manila Bulletin Online that playing House music is second skin to him.

“I grew up in Chicago where House music originated. I was fed House music by radio and all my family and friends listened to House. There’s something about the positive vibe of the subgenre that attracts people to the music – and the dance floor,” he said.

Bad Boy Bill brings about 50 to 60 CDs with him whenever he does a show. These are burned CDs with the master copies kept under lock and key at his house. He also brings a turntable with him but rarely uses it.

Although it’s his first time in Manila, Bad Boy Bill didn’t feel alienated because he is already familiar with the culture thanks to his Filipina girlfriend.

“I had wanted to bring her with me in Manila but she has work,” he said. “My Filipina girlfriend – she’s beautiful!”

The DJ has spun music for shows in other Asian countries including Korea and Japan. He also does a lot of shows in the US one of which will be at the super exclusive Pasha Club in New York City on July 31.

When asked if he drafts a playlist for his shows, DJ Bad Boy Bill laughed at the idea.

“It’s pointless to do so because every night is a different night with a different crowd. I just rely on the energy I get from the crowd to dictate which songs to play. That way, the show becomes interactive, more alive,” he said.

Some of the awards Bad Boy Bill had won in his decades-long career were from the DMC US Finals, DMC Midwest Finals, and Hot 105 Battle of the DJs. He has been generally credited with being the first Chicago DJ to produce legally licensed mixes. He has released several CDs including his latest titled “The Album.” 

Since the show was for the launch of Channel [V] Philippines, the visuals of Bad Boy Bill’s show flashed the “V” sign. The lights were aligned in a “V” position and just before one enters the venue, people can have their pictures taken against an outer space-themed background to signify Channel [V]’s invasion of homes.

Channel [V] resident VJ, Alvin Alfonso, also went around interviewing people and enticing them to dance and let loose. VJ Alvin is a Filipino based in Canada.  He will be in Manila until Channel [V] Philippines concludes its VJ search. 

“The [V] invasion party” headlined by DJ Bad Boy Bill at A-Venue was just the first of many events planned by the music channel.

Other events to come are The [V] Club Nights; The [V] Amp Tour; Thursday Night Tri[V]ia Royal; The Campus In[V]asion and VJ Quest; The [V] Mall Tours; The [V] Halloween Party; The [V] Youth Forum; and AMP! Live. 

Channel [V] Philippines airs on the premier tier Channel 25 of Sky Cable.