Behind the decks with Davis

Jul 21, 2025

4 min read

Updated: Oct 31

From Toronto block parties to Canadian hip-hop records

Anthony Davis learned to DJ by watching his older brothers work the turntables. Friends and colleagues call him Davis. Record sleeves credit him as DJ KAOS or, alongside his brother Peter, as First Offence Productions.

Where it started

The story begins in the early 1980s. Surrounded by his older brothers and their friends who DJed house parties, a young Anthony Davis was fascinated by the gear, the music, and the vibe — but he wasn’t allowed to touch anything. Too young, they said. Instead of being discouraged, he studied every move, every sound, every transition. That denial lit a fire.

By 1984, DJ KAOS was born. He began spinning at basement parties, school dances, and what were known as “Blockos” — outdoor block parties full of energy, culture, and rhythm. From there, he moved into bars, nightclubs, arenas, stadiums, and concert halls. His rise was steady, undeniable, and backed by raw talent and relentless drive.

Reading the room

Since the 1980s, Davis has built sets around what he hears and sees on the dance floor. A wedding might move from soul at dinner to hip-hop at midnight. At a club, he can follow a groove for longer. The people in front of him shape the next record.

Davis spent four years touring with artists including Public Enemy, Ice-T, Chubb Rock and Rob Base. In the studio, he and Peter produced records for Maestro Fresh Wes, Kish and Too Bad To Be True.

Moments you can’t script

From the outside, his career looks like a dream: performing across North America, rubbing shoulders with sports icons, and creating unforgettable nights. He’s played for Toronto Blue Jays legend Roberto Alomar at Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant (where Wayne’s wife was in attendance). He DJed a private mansion party in Toronto’s exclusive Bridle Path Estates for an NBA player.

But one story rises above the rest: after a set at Toronto’s iconic Phoenix Nightclub, former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis approached him. He asked for a custom mixtape and even left a voicemail with the details. DJ KAOS kept that message for years.

Moments like these remind him: music can take you places hard work alone cannot.

The records behind the sets

Davis co-wrote “Let Your Backbone Slide” with Peter Davis and Wesley Williams. The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted the song in 2019. SOCAN later recognized its cultural impact.

A few credits from the original releases

Maestro Fresh Wes · Symphony in Effect. Produced by Peter and Anthony Davis for First Offence Productions.
Kish · Order from Chaos. Peter and Anthony are credited with production, mixing and scratches.
Too Bad To Be True · “One Track Mind.” The single credits Peter and Anthony as producers.
MuchMusic · Electric Circus Old School. Anthony Davis and Dennis Garces handled digital sequencing and mixing. The gold plaque commemorates more than 50,000 advance orders.

Anthony Davis holding his framed Electric Circus Old School gold record — Davis with his Electric Circus Old School gold record.

His worldwide publishing deal is with Warner Chappell Music. A 1990 Canadian Music Publishers Association certificate names Anthony Davis, Peter Davis and Wes Williams as first runners-up for Alternative Song of the Year for “Drop the Needle.”

Sound and lighting equipment

The room and the occasion determine what comes out of the truck. Here is equipment Davis can bring to an event.

Rane Twelve turntables
Pioneer DJM S11 Mixer
Rane Performer and Rane One Controllers
Pioneer DDJ-SZ Controller
Yamaha MG12XU Mixer
RCF 21" Subs and ART-945A tops
QSC KW181 and KW122s
Chauvet Intimidator Movers, Hex FX2s, and lighting rigs
Mics from Sennheiser, Shure, Yamaha — and the list goes on
EXOTON 1803 custom-made column array speaker system
Both Lighting and CHAUVET Professional uplights, wash lights and moving head lights
Various laser and FX lights

For a ceremony, start with the microphones and where the guests will sit. For a reception or club night, the size of the room, the house sound system and the lighting positions shape the setup.

Behind the scenes

Not only has DJ KAOS built his own empire — he helps others build theirs. He employs and mentors other DJs, provides gear and music, and opens doors for up-and-comers who lack access. His schedule is so full that passing on gigs is common — and he ensures those opportunities are passed on to others.

Venues and clients

Clients and events have included

Blue Mountain Resort (his largest client for over a decade)
Google Canada
Major League Baseball (MLB)
National Basketball Association (NBA)
Rogers

Whether it’s a festival, retreat, corporate gala, or nightclub — clients trust DJ KAOS to deliver every time. The reviews range from heartfelt thank-you notes to generous tips to client referrals that span years.

DJing is life

To DJ KAOS, this isn’t just work. It’s therapy. It’s spiritual. It’s purpose. It’s been a part of him longer than most people have held a single job. It grounds him. It fuels him. It’s as natural as breathing.

His advice to new DJs?