Born in Rome, Italy, Jacko a/k/a Giacomo Berarducci started his DJ career in 1995. Inspired by soul, gospel, and jazz music, he is entirely devoted to the soulful side of dance music. When he plays, it is with a upbeat passion and a sincere faithfulness. His references and guidelines to the development of his musical taste stem from legendary DJ’s such as Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, Kenny Carpenter, and most of all Tony Humphries. Jacko’s style, technique and musical choices met Tony Humphries’ strong influence. He was hooked by Tony’s programming skill and by his mixing style depicted in his radio shows and - whenever possible - during his Italian gigs. For this reason, Jacko was constantly looking for all the hottest tunes, until he was recognized and appreciated both in radio and in the clubs, for his DJing.
By 1997 he landed a slot on 101.3 FM “Radio Centro Suono” and later another station called “Club Dance Radio” (the most popular “dance music” radio station in Rome). His radio mix shows lasted on-air for nearly 10 years, during this time Jacko attracted more listeners to the already growing “soulful dance music” constituency”.
He has developed his “Club DJ” resume, billed sometimes as the “resident”, or as a “guest dj” in many Rome-based clubs and in other Italian cites such as: Goa, Art Cafè, La Saponeria, Horus Club, La Terrazza, Jafar, Piper, and El Peyote.
He also played in two of London’s world renowned venues, The Cross and Pacha, with legendary NYC DJ Kenny Carpenter and dance diva, Ultra Nate. His first US gig was at the exclusive “Standard’s Roof Pool Party” in Los Angeles, CA. In 2004, Jacko played several times at Club Discotheque in NYC where Tony Humphries was the resident DJ. He also represented Tony Records at the WMC 2005 in Miami Fl, playing at the Harrison Lounge and at Crobar during the Magic Sessions.
At present, Jacko has joined the staff at Tony Records as a Label/Production Assistant. “I always wanted to working with Tony since the first day I met him. As our friendship grew, I would assist him when he would work in Italy. When the opportunity to come to Tony Records presented itself, I didn’t hesitate.” In the last few months Jacko has been on tour with Tony playing in different venues across Europe, (especially Italy, and the UK). His latest projects include a remix he did together with his production team, Spellband on one of the forthcoming releases on Tony Records called “Let The Music” by Brent Laurence feat. Emily. Also he did exclusive edits for Tony Humphries Southport Compilation Vol. 4.
Jacko is destined to become a major contributor to the world of dance music under the umbrella of TonyRecords. He is definitely one of the rising new stars of the soulful dance music scene.
