Sound : Sight

Born in New York City, Bronx native Armando Suarez took to the turntables 20 years ago. It was in this era of New Wave and Alternative music that he was exposed to the ever changing and varied world of dance music. His move to Miami in 1992 coincided with the emergence of a growing dance movement on South Beach. He became enthralled with the sounds of techno, an exciting form that blended elements of industrial and dance music. Hailing from NYC, he was also equally influenced by the deep soulful house sounds that began to emerge from his hometown.

After honing his skills for a few more years, he began seeking a residency in a city that was by now considered an emerging dance music mecca. In 1996, he began what became one of the longest running residencies on South Beach: Thursdays @ Twist. Over the course of six years, he was been able to forge his sound and skills to the extent where he could instantly get a feel for the crowd at any given moment and respond to its moods.

His six-year residency there also highlighted a quality that is sometimes lacking in some: consistency.
He has gained the maturity and experience that comes with playing for the many different crowds and venues that have come and gone. Equally comfortable playing house, progressive, trance, techno or any genre in between, the sounds of DJ Armand S are sure to please.

As buyer for Miami’s premier dance music store, Grooveman Music, he has also been influential in shaping the sound of the local scene. Local and international talents alike praise him for his knowledge and passion for the music.

His residency at Level in the 2002 season, playing to crowds of over 1000 people every weekend gave him the exposure needed to showcase his sound to a whole new audience. He was chosen as the first Dj to play Miami’s first & only pure techno club Privilege in November 2003. This new residency represented a whole new era in the evolution of nightlife in Miami, bringing techno to the forefront of the dance scene.

Taking a break from dj duties to spend more time with his daughter, 2005 brought a change of pace. He became A & R for the Grooveman Music Label and in 2006 moved on to head the new Miami based label Spica Records. He also started with several partners the successful underground parties called Pornograph, which marked a return to the smaller and more intimate vibe of the early South Beach parties. These also gave a further push for a more quality sound being accepted by the larger mainstream venues.

Marking his return at 2006’ Bang Music Festival, and inspired by Daft Punks' incredible visual performance at the following years' festival, he once again shifted gears. By 2008 he had begun to include visuals into his sets, adding another dimension to the club experience. In 2009 he began a weekly residency, VJing at Mansion on Saturdays; 2010 added Cameo and Set nightclubs to the mix. In 2012 He was chosen as the VJ for Miami's latest nighlife addition, Bamboo. This incredible venue boasts an L'acoustic sound system and an amazing array of LED screens and movable stage screens that must be seen to be be believed.

His expertise & versatility have proven time & time again he knows what it takes to make a club night successful. As one of only a handful of DJ/VJ's in the world, he will certainly add an amazing audio / visual element to any nightclub or festival lineup.