Gene Farris + Friends presents: Cristoph

Gene Farris + Friends presents: Cristoph

Steve Gerard, Karsten Sollors

Sat, December 17, 2016

10:00 pm

$5.00 - $20.00

This event is 21 and over

Cristoph
Well versed in exploring his own musical roots Cristoph isn't really a new producer—he's always been producing, even when nobody was listening.

Having now carved out a sound that is increasingly identifiable, the young producer avoids dance music's relentless march toward the new next thing by masterfully mediating through raw beats and textural trickery that gradually blurs the edges of genres; the focus on groove, mood and his typically intricate, hypnotic arrangements.

It's a common notion that artists must either be tragically ahead of their time or blissfully oblivious to it. Cristoph is keenly aware of this distinction and the gravelly warmth of his beats have allowed the Newcastle born producer to take welcome strides through labels such as Noir, Suara and Hot Since 82's Knee Deep In Sound to become one of the most reliable yet exciting acts in the scene – upending every preconceived notion about what he should do next or succumbing to any single trend or genre.

There's both agelessness and versatility to his studio output that gives his 4/4 house productions points of triangulation rather than direct references, or risk of evoking direct nostalgia. So once you get rid of any feeling that you might be listening to something reminiscent of another time— admittedly, a feeling fueled by the fact that the golden era of real house music in the UK is when he first cut his teeth as a DJ—it's confidently replaced by the impact of hearing a professional doing his thing on what seems like a continuously rising curve.

Through remixes of Kaiserdisco, Jobe and the major label reworking of Elbow, Cristoph has established a high quality of consistency – peripheral details of melodic color and vocals are often pleasantly overwhelmed by the abstract throb of his ever-percussive, multi-tiered groove making him a turn to remixer for the dancefloor where his music stands on its own robust physicality.

As a listener If you come looking for house in its most obvious form, this decision seems puzzling, but if you're prepared to forgive Cristoph's need to challenge expectations and genres and simply lose yourself in the groove, then its easy to discover his involving engaging talent. The inaugural edition of conceptual album series "8-track" that bears his name on Knee Deep In Sound may be set to confuse those still stuck in a world where house music and techno are separated by propped-up dividers but it will indeed only serve to showcase his strength as a producer.

Now no stranger to the international club circuit, festival scene and record crates of his peers, 2016 is set to be a significantly prosperous year for him with key signings in the form of 'Genesis' EP to Adam Beyer's Truesoul and 'Divvina' to VIVa MUSiC. As a producer and DJ fixated on integrity, with influence equal part Windy and Motor city, Cristoph uses nostalgia like a slingshot, pulling back to the past as a means to shoot forth into the future.
Gene Farris
House Music Producer / DJ,
CEO & Founder of Farris Wheel Recordings
Biography
A global ambassador of Chicago’s classic house music sound, Gene Farris has spiritedly contributed to the evolving house and techno culture of this century. He started spinning vinyl- Acid House, Disco and the classic Chicago style of his peers. Inspired by Lil' Louis, Gene developed a unique sound at a young age. In the early 90’s, he played the legendary underground warehouse parties in Chicago, and held a residency at the Power House, two experiences that solidified his career behind the decks. During this formative time Gene continued to DJ, holding an eight year residency at Chicago’s infamous Boom Boom Room, plus a four year residency at Jimmy Woo in Amsterdam.

In 1994 Gene hit the studio with a profound sense of innovation and audio brilliance. As a self-taught engineer and producer, his work with Cajual, Relief Records, Defected Records, Soma Recordings and his own breakout label Farris Wheel Recordings, propelled his influence into ever expanding realms. More recently Gene has been spotted mixing funky beats for massive crowds at Coachella, Outside Lands and Firefly in 2013.

Gene remains a strong supporter of his roots, playing Wavefront in Chicago '12 and '13. Visitors to Chicago can catch Gene hosting the 'Le Freak' event at Soundbar, a monthly at Primary and frequenting Spy Bar. Gene works closely with fellow Chicago house legend Cajmere, AKA Green Velvet. The two have worked in collaboration on over 13 singles. The most recent, O’Darlin from the Jungle Love EP (Cajual Records) hit number one on TraxSource this year. In 2014 alone Gene has had three additional number one hits; ‘Phoenix’ (Guest House), ‘Jackin’(Farris Wheel Recordings) and ‘Along Came The Spider’ (Relief Records). Continuing evidence of his insatiable ambition, talent for production and creative instincts for crafting tracks that give new life to classic samples and old school beats.

Cajual Records and Farris Wheel Recordings tenaciously release momentous tracks from artists internationally, including Gene's newest album, "Cosmos". The album features songs with Dajae, Cajmere, Sonny Fodera, and Dj Mes, which will also be out on Relief Records in June 2014.
Gene is passionate about growing Farris Wheel Recordings, producing bangers and sharing the wealth of house music with the world. Working with phenomenal producers and artists, is only developing his style and skill further. There is more to come and with the talent and vision Gene possesses the world of House music has nothing but gratitude.
Venue Information:
Primary Night Club
5 West Division
Chicago, IL, 60610
http://primarychi.com