DJ Ross One got his start in Cincinnati, Ohio, where a then 13-year old Ross Schwartzman became transfixed with the depiction of DJ’ing in the movie Juice. From that fateful first viewing, Ross was hooked to the sounds and aesthetic of the hip-hop DJ. High school and college meant unpaid jobs at record stores where the salary was store credit and first pick of the new arrivals. The pursuit of a masters degree in photography, along with the search for bigger and better parties lead Ross to New York City. He quickly became a fixture at New York’s best venues, known for combining his knowledge of classic funk, soul and disco with new hip hop and dance music. His unique sound caught the ears of artists like Prince, who invited Ross to join him on tour to DJ his private after parties. He began jetting back and forth between New York, Brazil and Miami, where he launched Favela Chic, a weekly party that merged the sounds of Rio De Janeiro with the attitude of a New York DJ and fused them together with the energy of Miami bass music to create something entirely fresh and unique (naturally, it became known as the best party in Miami). Currently, Ross is considered one of the top Open Format DJ’s in the country, traveling nearly 200,000 miles a year. He is a resident DJ at Premier in Atlantic City, LIV in Miami, 1OAK in New York City, Bijou in Boston, and Drais in Las Vegas. He was recently signed to Jay Z's management company Roc Nation. From Paris Fashion Week to Tokyo’s Premier Hip Hop Party to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and every city in between, Ross has earned the reputation as the go-to DJ for the world’s top venues and events. Whether DJ’ing alongside Rihanna and Kanye West, playing events for clients like Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret and Maxim, or being called upon to DJ the private MTV VMA parties for Puffy and Jay Z, Ross always knows the key ingredients to a perfect play list – resulting in everyone’s favorite party.
College, and a continued passion for djing and record collecting led him to New York City. While obtaining his masters in photography Ross got another kind of education. Ross was inspired by the flawless blending of all different types of music he heard out at clubs. Unbeknownst to him he was an early witness to the birth of what is now known as open format djing.
As Ross finished grad school he began to make a name for himself as a funk and soul dj. He began traveling, playing the funk music he loved, and could often be found escaping the harsh New York winter to DJ in Brazil. At the same time Ross began working in the cutthroat club scene in Manhattan, where he began to hone his skills as a party dj.
Ross did not go unnoticed on the New York scene and soon an offer came his way to play in Miami. Soon Ross found himself in high demand on South Beach. Reluctantly he left New York and set up shop in Miami.
The skills Ross honed as a dj in New York and Brazil really took root in Miami and as his reputation grew he partnered with friends to start Favela Chic, a weekly party centered around Ross’s eclectic djing. He brought the sounds of Brazil, and the attitude of a New York dj, and fused them with the energy of Miami Bass music. The party was an instant success, often heralded as the best party in Miami, it’s known all over the world for its sexy crowd and acetic mix of music.
Ross’s quick take over of Miami nightlife brought a lot of attention his way, and he soon joined forces with the DJ management power house SKAM Artist Inc.
Today Ross is a long way from the photography student who worked part time for trade in a used record store. With a travel schedule that competes with many airline pilots, he flies between a minimum of 3 cities a week, while calling both Miami Beach and NYC “home”. His national and international residencies reads like a “best of” list for the world’s nightlife industry. Ross currently DJs weekly at LIV, Arkadia, and Wall in Miami Beach, and takes bi-weekly trips to Las Vegas for his residency at Tao. His impressive resume includes the top clubs in every major city. From Paris to Tokyo, to Rio de Janeiro and every city in between, Ross has earned the reputation as a go-to party rocker for the world’s top venues and events.
In an industry dominated by celebrity and associations, Ross has earned his place through humble beginnings and old fashioned “paying dues”. Whether in a nightclub djing alongside Jaz-Z and Kanye West, or playing events for clients like Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, or Maxim, Ross turns to years of experience to provide the perfect playlist. He walks the line between a younger rock oriented clientele and the more commercial megaclubs in which he holds his residencies. Ross’s ability to keep the cool kids partying alongside the big spenders and more mature club audiences has earned him a reputation as one of the most consistent and talented djs in nightlife today.
