OFFICIAL SITE  ::  MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER

So far in a glittering career he has gained dance music’s top accolades including Best International DJ at the Australian Dance Music Awards, Breakspoll’s Face of Breaks 2003 and Best Breaks DJ at the M8 Ibiza awards 2006, in only his first year as a resident on the white isle. A stunning haul at Breakspoll 2007 saw him claiming Best Album for his debut long player ‘Freakshow’, Best DJ for a record third consecutive year and to cap it off, the richly deserved Outstanding Contribution to Breakbeat award that acknowledged his long journey to the acme of club culture.

Inspired by the hip-hop and electro sounds that were rocking his world, Martin first stepped behind a pair of decks when he entered a DJ competition and incredibly, as a complete novice, he made it all the way to the final. With his love affair for the wheels of steel well and truly cemented, Krafty Kuts set about learning his art, perfecting the cutting and scratching that was to become the core of his DJ sets.

Immersing himself in the music he loved, Martin went on to run one of Brighton’s most popular record shops throughout the 90s. Building an encyclopaedic knowledge of dance music in all its forms, Krafty’s expertise marked him out as a prime supplier of dance-floor bullets to Brighton’s musical elite, including the town’s most famous son Norman Cook. Having built a fearsome DJing reputation for himself across the south-coast, with a string of high-octane gigs it was during 1996 that Martin took the next logical step, transferring his dance-floor knowledge to the studio, creating his own tracks to take his sets to the next level.

His first big break came when a dubplate of Krafty Kuts’ ‘Gimme The Funk’ found its way to Norman Cook who immediately snapped it up for his Southern Fried label, releasing it to huge club approval. Suitably impressed Ministry of Sound offshoot FSUK took on Krafty unleashing a string of classic singles; ‘Funky Elements’, ‘Wild In the Aisles’ (a tribute to Martin’s legendary appearance on Supermarket Sweep!) and ‘Return of the Elements’.

With his own tracks elevating his profile across the globe Martin mixed his first compilation ‘Slam On The Breaks’ which gathered the cream of the breaks scene into a mercurial mix, further enhancing his notoriety as a devastating deck technician and selling by the bucket-load. At about the same time, Krafty hooked up with Skool of Thought to establish the SuperCharged club night. Home to his longest standing residency, the night continues to pull in huge crowds and after 8 years of all encompassing party action on a Wednesday night, it is now one of Breakbeat’s most globally revered nights.

With the club world at his mercy the demand for Krafty’s studio abilities reached new heights. Becoming the remixer du jour, Krafty transformed numerous tracks in to serious party bangers for the likes of Jurassic 5, Arthur Baker, Eric B & Rakim, Stakker Humanoid and Afrika Bambaataa’s Funky Heroes’, for which he won a Best Remix award.

By 1999, with his all-encompassing club style, blending beats and breaks across the board, honed to perfection, Martin entered the studio with Freddy Fresh, long standing studio partner Ed Solo and NY’s own Dr Luke. Together they produced a series of beats and skits that were destined to become the backbone of Finger Lickin’s legendary Finger Lickin Funk release.

The following two years saw Martin’s star rise still further, creating music for a Coca Cola advert, PlayStation 2 and Guy Richie’s ‘Mean Machine’ as well as mixing one of Mixmag’s most popular cover mount CDs. With DJing and music making taking up all of his time, Krafty decided it was time to leave music sales behind and left the record shop that had proved pivotal in his early career. Free to concentrate fully on his creative side Martin launched both the Against The Grain and SuperCharged labels with club partner Skool of Thought and began releasing a series of smart-bombs that would hake the foundations of the Breaks scene. The ‘Lost Plates EP’, ‘Lock The Hype’ and ‘Sound Check’ proved beyond any doubt that Krafty Kuts was now established as a force to be reckoned with in dance music.

Having conquered the Breaks scene, Martin turned his attentions to a different groove and returned to his Hip-Hop roots. Following up on a contact made during his record shop days, he began a studio collaboration with up and coming DJ A-Skillz, that resulted in the stunning Hip-Hop and Party Breaks album Trickatechnology. Critically lauded on it’s release, the album saw the pair collaborating with rhyming behemoth Kurtis Blow, Dr Luke and Freakpower’s Ashley Slater on a series of superlative turntable compositions that demonstrated Martin’s fathomless knowledge of old skool breaks.

With the demand for his records and club sets showing no sign of slowing down, Martin took a backseat with the labels and club promotion and flung himself headlong into non-stop touring and recording. Working solidly throughout 2006 Krafty completed his debut solo album, Freak Show. Once again the tracks featured a stellar cast of collaborators from the Scratch Perverts, Tim Deluxe and Dynamite MC, to long term associates A-Skillz, Ashley Slater and Dr Luke. Mirroring Krafty Kuts’ universal approach to partying and the dance-floor, the album moved through myriad tempos, taking in Acid, Breaks, Booty Bass and Funk with a consummate ease. Again the plaudits flooded in, with Freak Show gaining album of the month in DJ magazine and top marks across the board. The album’s lead single ‘Bass Phenomenon' was a ubiquitous feel good anthem of the summer and its popularity proved such that it won DJ Magazine single of the year 2006. Still played world-wide the track has recently spawned its own remix competition. Following hard on its heels a Fabriclive compilation proved to be one of the series’ most popular instalments with Martin’s trademark eclectic nature shining through.

From humble beginnings Krafty Kuts is now one of the big players on the world’s club scene DJing alongside The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim and even the Rolling Stones. Continuing his residency at SuperCharged (which will be free before 11pm as of January 2008) Martin is unequivocally one of the hardest working DJs around. With his forthcoming Back To Mine already raising the bar for the well established series it appears there is no end in sight to the meteoric rise of Krafty Kuts.

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  RESIDENT ADVISOR  ::  STAY UP FOREVER

BLOG  ::  MYSPACE  ::  RESIDENT ADVISOR  ::  UDDER MADNESS

In dance music circles it is seemingly impossible to break through this tight knit scene with DJ's like Little Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles, and Danny Tenaglia still at the helm. Some of these guys are pushing 25 years behind the decks and are enjoying thriving careers in the dance music industry. With the rave scene being just a blur of baggy pants and fluorescent accessories in the memory of some jaded middle aged clubber, it seems that today's youth culture has forgotten about dance music. But then again there is always an exception to the rule and there is one young kid they call Crazy Larry who discovered dance music in 2000 and fell in love. With no rave scene and virtually no radio support in most American markets, kids like Larry Ursini were forced to discover the wonders of dance music on their own accord. Hailing from Denver, CO, Larry reached out and discovered dance music on his own through the internet and learned even more about it firsthand by jumping into the vinyl junkie community at Casa Del Soul Records. While still in high school Larry would make it down to Casa for shipment day, always looking for that next groove to build his ever growing crate with as well as to expand his knowledge of the music. As Larry began to discover the dance community in Denver and fall in love with the music, he always reached out through the internet to find out more. He is a young talent that has no fear when it comes to new technology and embraces it fully. All the while he still retains a certain spot in his heart for a really nice piece of wax. This love for the new and the old and his insatiable craving to learn more landed Larry a part time job at where else...Casa Del Soul Records in Denver under the watchful eye of DJ Sense'. There he had learned firsthand about many aspects of the industry along with the art and business of being a DJ. Upon graduating from high school Larry went on to apply his new found knowledge in the heart of St. Louis as a college freshman. He hooked up with local heroes Marky Star and Joe Thomas for a 2 year residency at The Upstairs Lounge, pushing the fresh new sounds of tech-house and beyond. That little stint in St. Louis didn't last long as Larry transferred back to Denver to enroll himself in the Audio Engineering program at CU Denver. Back in Denver, Larry has been slowly but surely making a name for himself throwing parties and booking events at the Shelter and Vinyl Nightclubs while holding DJ residencies in the clubs as well, not to mention some debaucherous after-hours and a touch of traveling. Larry has also started doing his own Live PA in January of 2006, debuting in NYC for his closest friend in Dance Music, Taimur Agha. The live performance incorporates vintage drum machines, live home made plug-ins, and even the Nintendo Wii! Larry's fearlessness to get out there and try new things makes him a fresh new talent to be reckoned with. Citing influences ranging from old school R&B, soul, and funk and being inspired by the Casa Crew DJ's, Martin Landsky, Ricardo Villalobos, and Zip, Larry has his feet planted firmly on the ground when it comes to the old and the new and trying to incorporate that into his music. After spending some time working on solo productions and remixes, Larry teamed up with Pier Bucci while he was in town for a gig. The end result: The Rocky Mountains EP on the infamous Vancouver/Berlin transplant label, Wagon Repair. The new duo is called Glacier, due to the fact that the whole EP was recorded at his cabin on St Mary's Glacier. The two continue to work when they can get together or via the web, so watch out for upcoming projects. Currently getting inspiration from DJ's like Craig Richards, Three, Michael Mayer, and Bill Patrick, Larry Ursini is all about pushing the records you may not know, but really enjoy shaking your ass to. Minimal is changing, and the people who are really invested are moving forward. Who knows where it will go, but if you’re after quality and not chart topping hits, you might want to give Crazy Larry a listen.

aka G-13 & BRIAN SMALLS  ::  OFFICIAL SITE

Peter Lansky aka Sovietpanda is a DJ, promoter and producer in Minneapolis who runs the Too Much Love party at First Avenue every Saturday night.

TUMBLR  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER  ::  SOUNDCLOUD  ::  RA  ::  TML

After time spent as an early prominent music blogger and on the airwaves at Radio K, Peter Lansky began DJing as Sovietpanda in 2006 when he started Too Much Love at First Avenue. Blending forward-thinking electronic music with a reverence for dance classics, TML exploded and Sovietpanda became one of the city's premier DJs. The start of 2008 saw him named Best Club DJ in Minneapolis by the City Pages, and he finished it as a Star Tribune artist of the year, all less than two years into his DJ career. Sovietpanda has DJed all over Minneapolis, from dive bars to bottle service clubs, from art galleries to outside the Metrodome, and in other cities across the country. He's shared bills with the likes of LCD Soundsystem, !!!, The Juan Maclean, In Flagranti, Shit Robot, Classixx, Klaxons, Diplo, Holy Ghost!, The Presets, Cut Copy, Nacho Lovers, Jacques Renault, and other artists from across Twin Cities and the rest of the world.

LIVE cable access call-in psychedelic dance show! A public broadcast display of mustache piracy in full style freeform eyejuice, freakzitsauce popping smiles, drinking video milk from their teets of exhibitionism.

OFFICIAL SITE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER  ::  VIMEO  ::  TUMBLR

Sundays at 10pm on MTN 17 Minneapolis Public Access or streaming online

Originally from New Orleans, Aaron Hart aka Aaron Bliss has been actively promoting, DJing and performing live PA’s since his move to the Midwest in 1995. His move to the Midwest came after a brief but intense 2 plus-year induction period to the underground techno sound via the New York City Rave Scene from 93-95, which landed Aaron smack dab in the middle of a dance music epoch that changed his life forever.

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER  ::  RESIDENT ADVISOR

The constant exposure to the emerging house phenomenon at major clubs/events such as Living Room, Smack, Nasa, and Bliss (which he later jacked for his DJ alter ego) shaped his formative years and started him on his journey to find his own sound. Although his early influences range from hip-hop, industrial, rave, house, and techno, Aaron’s sound today explores the deep, jazzy, and funky side of Techno and House. He is currently a member/founder of Particle People Mpls promotions group with his good friend Jesse Jakob (which also performs live together as Jack Complex) and has a residency at Minneapolis’ famed First Ave night club hosting the BLACK series of events since 2007.

MEXIKAN TEKNO MAFIA (MTM) - Minneapolis, Mexico

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  BLOG  ::  TWITTER

Representin' Minneapolis, MN, DJ Blaze One is currently spinnin' and scratchin' on par with the greats of the industry. On top of his scratchin' skillz, DJ Blaze One is constantly producing original beats for the Twin Cities' most promising up and coming artists. DJ Blaze One's second home is the studio, where he spends the majority of his time perfecting his craft. Constantly on the lookout for unique music to satisfy his current fans and enlighten new ones, you can always be sure to experience the very hottest shit courtesy of DJ Blaze One.

OFFICIAL SITE  ::  MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER

aka Sean Farrell

FACEBOOK  ::  REVERBNATION  ::  PLUNDERFEST

aka Earl Christian Valencia aka ARTEMUS
(Communiqué Records, Slam Factory)

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  SOUNDCLOUD

Duluth, MN  ::  WREKT

One of the originators of the midwest jungle movement, Easyrider has guided the development of Minnesota's scene and sounds as part of the infamous Jungle Vibe Collective, the 2step garage crew Stepper's Alliance and label Alliance Recordings, as well as one of Minneapolis' most longest running and successful bi-weekly club nights, Konkrete Jungle Minneapolis.

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  SOUNDCLOUD  ::  MIXCLOUD

FACEBOOK  ::  MINNEMASSIVE  ::  SOUNDCLOUD

HotDish is both a collaborative of djs (Nate Laurence & J. Matthews) and a Minneapolis-based event crew. HotDish values the diversity of EDM in the Midwest, yet it is our aim to provide a space for - above all else - funky, new-school, and soulful house music in the Twin Cities. HotDish (hosts of the best funky-house parties in the Twin Cities since 2006) showcases talent that is pioneering and unifying - both local and international icons of this genre.

OFFICIAL SITE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER

HotDish (1ST SATURDAYS @ BLACK) occurs EVERY FIRST SATURDAY of the month at the infamous First Avenue Record Room. The HotDish Mission: to provide a venue for the HotDish sound while fostering the local scene in a spirit of collaboration and unity. Guiding principles make us aware of malicious social structures so we encourage both diversity and philanthropy. We reach out to foster the underground EDM and hip-hop cultures of the Twin Cities to preserve who we are.

Jesse Jakob's roots date back to the mid 90's where he gained valuable experience DJ'ing and organizing underground warehouse parties at the height of the Minneapolis rave scene. Those early events ultimately laid the groundwork for his current project, Particle People. Created in 2007 with long time friend Aaron Bliss, the Particle People have played an essential role in helping build Minneapolis into the techno hot spot it is today.

RESIDENT ADVISOR  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  SOUNDCLOUD

As a co founder of Particle People and a resident DJ at famed Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue for the past 3 years, Jesse has been fortunate to play along side some of the most sought after names in the world of house and techno at their monthly event Black. Held in the intimate confines of the Record Room, a small dark room with big sound and an up for it crowd make it one of best techno nights the Midwest has to offer. Jesse also hosts Sunday Soul, a weekly event designed to explore the deeper side of techno, house, and disco...a perfect end cap for those adventurous souls on a weekend long music binge.

Resident MC, Konkrete Jungle MPLS

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  SOUNDCLOUD

aka Nate Ostroushko, brother of MC OBLIQUITY

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK

Shuga Records started by accident. Now one of the largest online record stores in the world, it all began a decade ago when a car accident landed Chicago DJ Adam “Shuga Rose” Rosen on an operating-room table and, later, out of work. To pay the bills, he logged onto Ebay and reluctantly started selling off his library of more than 5,000 albums, earning enough to pay the rent – and then some. With his profits, he began rebuilding his collection, which, like his expertise of vintage and audiophile vinyl, grew quickly and exponentially. Now a six-employee family company run by Adam, Shuga Records has an inventory of nearly 400,000 highest-quality recordings, which are each approved by Adam himself, updated in real-time.

SHUGA RECORDS  ::  FACEBOOK

Shuga stocks many of the bands that got Adam hooked on DJing as a teenager, from Underworld and Nine Inch Nails to the Future Sound of London. But its specialties have expanded to include the widest range of audiophile pressings from classical labels, 1960’s folk and psych, and rare first editions by some of rock’s biggest legends, as well as the kind of esoterica DJs crave, from spoken word records and private-label pressings to regional rarities, novelty albums, reissues, and new collector vinyl. While buyers from around the world are drawn to the store’s range of albums, the way Shuga does business – consistent, on-the-mark grading; prompt, secure shipping; and a commitment to music that shows – keeps them coming back: Shuga Records has a nearly perfect 99.9 percent approval rating on Ebay.

Slow Derek is part of the Intellephunk crew and plays Acid Techno. 

SOUNDCLOUD  ::  FACEBOOK

MYSPACE  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  TWITTER  ::  BLOG

Turntablist Of The Year Nominee, Minnesota Music Awards 2005

I've been on the scene for over ten years and have a passion for solid, creative musical styles. I am never ordinary and always thinkin up ways to stand out. Check me out weekly at First Ave in downtown Mpls. Minnesota doesnt have its own identity. Theres no real flavor thats identifiable with Minnesota. As far as the rap crews, they need better beats. Everyone concentrates so much on the lyrics and making their album ultra introspective and lyrically rich and no one focuses on the beats. Hip-Hop is about rocking the party and making people dance... Once we can get that going on and we can start our own trends in music and fashion and stop ostracizing everyone who is different we will begin to start making some real moves as a city. [Pulse Magazine, 2004]

Video Jockey.  Programmed for love.

FACEBOOK  ::  MYSPACE  ::  TWITTER  ::  TUMBLR