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Beats&BeautifulMusic

It all started with the double disc CD from Mykonos Greece, ‘Cafe Paradiso All Star Chillout’ in the year 2000. Violetta ( DINO ), heard Nightmares On Wax, Aphex Twin and curator Jose Padilla for the first time, and she was hooked.

“I felt like I found my space. A laid back tempo and rhythm that conjured images of the runway. It was a sound that matched the images in my mind.”

Violetta began collecting compilations from Greece and Ibiza every time she traveled overseas. After 13 years as an avid collector of the distinct “chill-out” sound, and during her career as a photographer, photographing musicians and dj’s, she was persuaded by one DJ in particular to buy a mixer and try mixing music herself. It came naturally but, Violetta never intended to play live anywhere and definitely not in front of anyone.

She was convinced to play an opening set for her DJ friend one night at a local lounge in May of 2013 and from there, music took a turn for the serious. DINO, (a nickname from childhood), became the alter-ego of Violetta’s photography persona. She began djing at coveted venues such as Flash, Tropicalia and Mate. Fashion shows, art happenings and high profile events soon followed.

In November 2016, Violetta became the DJ in Residence at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown and The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C in 2017, curating The Living Room,The Yard and Quadrant Bar. Currently she is the DJ in residence at The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C and The Four Seasons Washington D.C.

She continues to play what she refers to as, “Beats & Beautiful Music”, creating mixes and live recordings that can be found on Mixcloud and on her weekly radio show at The Line Hotel in Washington D.C.

“The music I play cannot be categorized I feel. Simply, it is beats and beautiful music fusing soul, jazz, electronica, deep house, orchestral and instrumental elements. It is cerebral, elegant, soulful and sensual. My goal is to take the listener on a journey of self discovery. To offer them a sound they haven’t experienced before.”

Track of the Week

Goodbye

by Sun-El Musician feat DJ Charl and Lelo Kamau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q33alviKB0

LISTEN LIVE

Beats&BeautifulMusic is now on Full Service Radio at The Line Hotel in Washington D.C. every Tuesday from 6-7 pm. To listen to past episodes, you can listen on Mixcloud.

Go to Full Service Radio and hit “Listen Live” from 6-7pm every Tuesday for 60 minutes of sonic gems of every BPM.

NEWS

Traverse by DINO x MicFreak on Quantize Records

The third collaboration by DINO and Baltimore based producer MicFreak, ‘Traverse’ is now available exclusively with Quantize Records Summer 2021 sampler on Traxsource. 

Go Get It EP - DINO x MicFreak

‘Go Get It’ is the second EP by DINO and Baltimore based producer MicFreak. With remixes by Lee Buxton and Mr. Wright, this deep house track made it’s way to the #1 spot on Beatport’s deep house chart.

DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic coming soon to Twitch TV

This September Beats&BeautifulMusic hosted by DINO will debut on Twitch TV. Click to follow ! I’ll be playing you all my favorite selections and discoveries past and present. Connecting the musical dots for your approval, ladies and gentlemen, for your enjoyment. Add this show to your discovery weekly for a much needed dose of audio vitamins.

Blisspop Review of VESPERS

My first EP produced by me, remixed by MicFreak, reviewed by Blisspop. Thank you for your support !

My First EP VESPERS is available now on Beatport, Itunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Traxxsource !

Inspired by the great Greek Composer Manos Hadjithakis, let this groove transport you to a dance floor in a mystical place.

Beats & Beautiful Music is now on Spotify

From classics to the modern masters, 111 selections that live in my heart. From house music, electronic, Afro-beat, indie, dance, hip hip, orchestral and instrumental. Press shuffle play and dive in !

Beats & Beautiful Music at The Line Hotel

Every Tuesday 6-7pm 

The Line Hotel 
1770 Euclid Street
NW Washington D.C 20009

Every Tuesday at The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan I am live on Full Service Radio, playing you all my favorite new discoveries I have shazammed and incorporated into my sets. 60 minutes of what I like to call “Beats&BeautifulMusic.”

DJ Residency at The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C

Every Saturday 9 – midnight

The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C
1150 22nd Street
Washington, D.C 20037

Every Saturday in the elegant Quadrant bar, I curate an eclectic soundtrack for guests while they enjoy some of the city’s best cocktails. Weather you’re staying at the hotel for the night or venturing into the city, I’ll be playing songs that get you in the mood for an exciting night ahead. Expect genre-defying sounds from beats to disco to house and soul. My goal is to take you on a journey. No genres or specific BPM’s. I hope the music moves your heart, your mind and your feet.

DJ Residency at The Four Seasons Washington D.C

Every Saturday 2-5pm

The Four Seasons
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW Washignton DC 20037

Every Saturday in Seasons Restaurant at The Four Seasons, I play a blend of classic chillout, international and soulful sounds reminiscent of Hotel Costes in Paris while guests enjoy a first class tea and champagne service.

Live Mixes

DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic - Recorded live June 10 2020 for BabezandBeatz @ TwitchTV

by DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic

Beats&BeautifulMusic on Full Service Radio - Episode 31 - Blue World

by DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic

DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic Live @ Quadrant Bar

by DINO Beats&BeautifulMusic

Genres are Passé. Beats & Beautiful Music is What I Play.

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Every week I get to take people on a journey and simultaneously tell people who I am. What a huge blessing this is to be able to do this through sound.

This past Saturday was no exception. Walking in I had no idea what I was going to play but I noticed some head-nodding and feet tapping to the Afro-brazilian sounds I started with.

From there I went to deep house, soulful house and some moody vocal sounds. I hope you enjoy the journey and enjoy wherever it takes you.

- Violetta Markelou

Video

The Birth of Beats & Beautiful Music

DINO Beats & Beautiful Music in conversation with Tall Black Guy Productions

Location

Washington, DC

Call Me

(202) 997-7747

“Creativity Takes Courage”

-Henri Matisse