WHO Local DJ Anthony D’Amico has been pumping out music to tech-heads in Toronto for several years now. One of the original DJs on promotion and events team Till the AM, D’Amico is a regular on the bill at Footwork, special events and most recently, Till the AM’s summer patio parties at downtown club Tryst. Like many scenesters who were first introduced to the music in their teens, D’Amico got his hands on some turntables in 1996. He quickly picked up the craft and, interested in learning the business side of the music scene, he landed a coveted high-school co-op position at Peter & Tyrone’s 83 West and Camouflage Records — the Toronto home to DJ Sneak and Johnny Fiasco, among others. D’Amico moved on to work at the now-defunct Traxx record store — a hub for networking and landing gigs. When he’s not DJing around the city these days, D’Amico is in the studio with fellow Till the AM crew members, planning future collaborations. He’s just finished a new mix, the first of a three-part promo collection called 3 Shades of Techno, with each set’s title fitting the Till the AM moniker — Nightmares, Daydreams and Everything In Between.

WHAT “All things tech!” says D’Amico. “Music is an inspiration — period. But I can tell you my iPod is currently loaded with artists like Esthero, Morcheeba and Portishead… what can I say? I guess I’m a sucker for a laid-back beat and a good female vocal.”

WHERE July 19 with Funkagenda and others for Birthday Beats at Footwork (425 Adelaide W.) www.tilltheam.com for more info.

FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME Daft Punk, Homework. “It’s got to be one of the most influential dance albums ever made.”

FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW “I don’t know about pinpointing a favourite record right now, but some of my favourite artists right now are Patch Park, Adam K, Lutzenkirchen, D-Nox & Beckers and Style of Eye.”

FAVOURITE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW “I would have to say www.beatport.com because it’s definitely one of the best sources for new dance music and of course we can’t forget the ever so famous www.youtube.com.”

DIGITAL OR ANALOG? “That is the question… or at least some would say. Well, right now [things have] gone totally digital, and to be honest it’s a great thing for artists for the obvious reasons like portability and convenience, but also more creative control as well. But just like fashion recycles itself every decade, maybe vinyl will make a comeback soon.”

WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? “A daily dose of quality music during routine car rides. [The car] seems like the only place I have refuge from the everyday world.”

WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? “If it’s not global warming, then perhaps just the environment in general.”

WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? “Not very many in the last little while, to be honest… but Iron Man was surprisingly OK.”

WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? “I am not sure who I would want to play me, but I do know I would love Guy Ritchie (pre-Madonna days) to direct it!”

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? “Currently the only thing I find myself reading is the upcoming issue of the next production mag or my instructions that came with my last batch of furniture from IKEA.”

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