Plugin Podcast 10 with Gene Farris

Biography:"The first time I ever put two records together I was 11. The first time I ever played at a club -- 18. And the first place I had a full-blown residency was at the Powerhouse with Ron Carroll, DJ Rush and myself, in… well, the poster on the wall over there says "1990". - Gene Farris | 5 Magazine Since then, Gene, at 6' 7", has become one of the most accomplished, if not one of the "biggest", DJ/Producers in House Music, releasing some of dance music's hottest anthems on his label, Farris Wheel Recordings with The Copa Cabana (sold 25,000 units), The Spirit (with DJ Sneak remixes) as well as Defected's 2001 classic, Sanctified Love, CR2's, The Big Doopie Rmx's and Cajual with Summer Affair. Depending on the continent, talent or party you find Gene performing, you can count on him setting the tone with his distinctive "funky summer Chicago hot kinda vibe"; simply put, "funky, dirty, sexy, grooving beats". Chicago born and raised, Gene was inspired by the likes of Larry Heard, Ron Hardy, Lil Louis, Derrick May, Mark Farina, Prince and Roy Ayers. Combined with his love for disco, Gene developed his style of seamless mixes blending funk, disco and soul with 80s pop. Gene joined forces with Cajmere (aka Green Velvet | Relief Records); the partnership proved to be the perfect fit. The duo produced smash club killers like The Music Box, Edge Of The Looking Glass, Red Line, The Inside and Le Mirage. Currently, the duo is in the studio working on several productions to be released later this year. Farris started his own label - Farris Wheel Recordings, which has continued to be one of the leaders in underground house music. The Farris Wheel Family releases remixes and full productions from some of the worlds most prolific and respected dance music producers for over a decade, such as J.T. Donaldson, Chuck Love, 1200 Warriors, Stacey Pullen, Glenn Underground, Greenskeepers, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Boo Williams, DJ Sneak, Brett Johnson, Miguel Migs and Jay-J. With over 100 productions, 6 albums and performances in over 30 countries, Gene still finds time to share his passion for music with kids in China. Suggested by a friend, Gene's produced a series of videos about how to get youth inspired, and in to, electronic music and Dj-ing. 01. How did you approached to the dj profession? I started djing very young and was introduced to me by some local friends.. 02. Tell us of your first time playing in a in club. The first time I played a club I was extremly nervous, I still remember my sweaty hands it was at the PowerHouse in Chicago a very popular club back in the day.. I pulled it out was a great night a lot of oldschool djs began to give me props after that party.. 03. What device do you prefer to use in your live and studio set up? I use logic and Reasons in the studio with a few other key toys;) 04. What you think about digital music? I think it fine, music has to move forward, I mean were would we be if we never moved from 8 track or reel to reel? Everything must progress or it stops moving.. 05. What are your favorite records label? I have a few Cajual, Farris Wheel, Defected, Soma, Sampled, Guesthouse & Large.. 06. What lead you to found Farris Wheel Recordings? I started Farris Wheel In 1998 originally just for another outlet to put out my music and it just grew into a life of it's own, it's kinda it's own living thing now when I make music for my label I have to make sure it fits the "Farris Wheel" sound.. 07. In your opinion how would electronic music change in the next 10 years? Everything goes full circle I think in ten yrs it will be simular to what u hear now but it will be much much cleaner.. 08. What you love and what you hate in dj's life? I love the Music, the Parties, the attention, the planes, the hotels, the food, the cheddar, I Hate the Haters lol.. 09. What would you suggest to a beginner dj? Stay consistent and practice your favorite sets daily until u know your strengths and weakness then u can work on making yourself better all the way around and stay current! And constantly make new ideas push the boundary! 10. Can you tell us something about your future works? Currently working on the Cajual 20 yr Anniversary Mix CD just dropped "The White Label Ep" with Cajmere it's #1 on traxsource he and I have a lot of stuff out together at the moment and i will be touring for the mix cd in 2012..:)