Legendary NYC DJ Bert Bevans on Turning Dreams Into Reality

Legendary NYC DJ Bert Bevans on Turning Dreams Into Reality

Bert Bevans is a true DJs DJ – a music producer and performer who came up at a time when house and techno had yet to emerge as distinct genres and his adopted home of New York was a melting pot of musical creativity. Bevans moved to Queens, NYC as a kid from his native Belize and quickly got a job in a record shop – his first week, the owner took him out to hear David Mancuso, Nicky Siano and Larry Levan play – three of the most seminal names in the emergence of disco and dance music. “I was hooked – I was a terrible DJ at the beginning, but I loved music so I quickly learned,” says Bevans.

40 years on and he continues to wow crowds worldwide with his sets of classics and bona fide house music. From Cafe Del Mar in Ibiza to Ministry in London, there’s nothing he likes more than to play extended sets up to 10 or 12 hours long. “It’s about taking the dance floor on a journey,” he says. Over the years, he’s collected over 30,000 records – and that dedication shows in his freewheeling sets and the connection he creates with audiences.

This was Bevans’ second time playing at Karma Beach – and once again he proved a crowd favourite. We love him here at Karma – he’s relentlessly positive and dedicated to his craft 100%. What’s the secret to his upbeat attitude to life?.

“It’s simple – stick to what you love and do not sell out,” he tells us. “And never be afraid to fail – failure is just learning!”

He loves the positivity and cosmopolitan character of Bali – “it’s like the United Nations – and the Balinese culture is so unique – I always feel so welcome here and the smiles are so genuine.”

Bevans next stop is Ibiza, where he’s launching five new releases on his own label at a party at legendary Cafe Del Mar. We wish him well as he continues to spread his timeless musical message and we look forward to welcoming him back at Karma Kandara and Karma Beach next year!