As the late Oscar Wilde once said: “life is too important to be taken seriously”, an ethos that Justin Martin is sticking with despite achieving soaring success over the last six years as a producer and international DJ.

Justin initially pricked the ears of the electronic music community in 2003 with his first record ‘The Sad Piano’ on Ben Watt’s Buzzin’ Fly label. Everyone in the electronic music food chain got involved, from the A list DJs like Derrick Carter and Pete Tong that were playing the track, to the international music press that were raving about it. It even translated to the German underground, with Poker Flat licensing it for Steve Bug’s ‘Bugnology’ compilation. Like someone that goes bowling for the first time and gets five strikes and a turkey, Justin couldn’t really have hoped for a better entrance.

Feeding off the energy of the San Francisco underground and mentored by fellow super producer Claude VonStroke, Justin was intrinsically involved with the development of dirtybird records, appearing on its first four releases. Justin was soon ready to take flight, releasing a string of solo EPs which flaunted a very unique sound and garnered still more respect among fellow DJS and heavyweight’s of the scene.

In 2010, such respect prompted an invitation for Justin to DJ mix Pete Tong’s infamous “Essential Mix” series and also landed his felicitous placement on the front cover of DJ Magazine. Justin continued to roll out two further killer EPs on dirtybird, which were collaborations with his protégée Ardalan. “Mr Spock” earned recognition from major digital news outlet NPR as “surrounding sounds with tactful little details: the hissing white noise; that chubby, wet bass kick. This is music that doesn’t need to be heard on the dance floor, though it does work awfully well there”. What followed was “Lezgo”, which knocked down the genre walls and pretty much remained a firm fixture in every DJ’s box throughout 2011.

As well as his formidable arsenal of original productions, Justin is now equally known for his collaborations with his brother Christian as The Martin Brothers, producing such hip-hop influenced hits as ‘Duckface’, ‘Stoopit’, ‘Dum’. Justin has also made his mark remixing such bona fide classics as Radiohead’s ‘Nude’, Marshall Jefferson’s ‘Mushrooms’, TG’s ‘Revox’ and remixes for labels such as Fools Gold and Greco Roman, firmly establishing himself as the man to make big tracks even bigger.

2011 found Justin in the perfect position to work on his boldest project to date, his debut artist album and he couldn’t be more enthusiastically happy with the results. “Ghettos & Gardens” long player will be released on dirtybird late spring 2012, with a string of stunning singles to support the release.

Demand for Justin’s skills behind the decks has skyrocketed with his bookings schedule constantly crammed to capacity. With dates everywhere from Panorama Bar (Berlin), Fabric (London), Space (Ibiza) and a full album tour for summer and fall 2o12, its no wonder Justin’s diary is reading like the dreams of a professional raver. Stateside he continues to be a regular fixture at the dirtybird events in San Francisco and beyond.

Music journalists typically describe Justin’s sound as ‘melodic and tough’ with his music encapsulating both melody and emotional depth yet always with enough undeniable ass shaking properties to translate to the floor.

“I’m always trying to find music for my DJ sets that rattles sound systems, but still has enough melody and interesting texture to expand your mind even if you’re sitting at home on a snowy or rainy day.”

He remains as enthusiastic as ever to be involved in the scene. When recently questioned by Resident Advisor on what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a DJ or dance music producer he just replied: “Wishing I was a DJ or music producer.”

By all accounts it’s hard to tell him to wipe that smile off his face.

To say he is an American institution wouldn’t be far from the truth when it comes to DJ Dan who has been synonymous with good old American home-grown talent for over two decades now; a record collector, house innovator and true legend of the scene.

Born and raised on the West coast, Dan was entrenched in music from an early age, 1989 to be exact, a time when the rave scene was enduring its birth. It’s a sweeping understatement to say Dan has been at the forefront of dance music culture since the late 1980’s, especially when you consider how he’s shaped trends and sounds in his homeland all his musical life, taking the baton from house luminaries such as DJ Pierre, Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. Drawing influence from a wealth of musical genres, Dan charts disco, jazz and funk as precursors to his interest in more industrial forms of music including freestyle and some forms of rock.

Sharpening his skills with wax at small clubs in Seattle, Dan’s experience in the late 80’s behind the decks converted into a profound knowledge of what people want on the dance floor, a trait still ingrained in him today.

The early 90’s saw Dan move to Los Angeles, feeding the roots of the emerging underground scene in the US, Dan’s after-hours shindig ‘No-Doz’ rounded off debauched weekends for the fledgling DJ, holding down multiple dance floors each Saturday. As the scene exploded Dan was at the centre of a musical revolution; underground promoters snapped up his ability to blend breaks, disco and all things funky that inadvertently placed him as the leading figure on the rave scene.

In 1993; a move to San Francisco with a re-invented sound that lended itself more to acid house and electro, Dan instigated the formation of the legendary group Funky Tekno Tribe that sought to push the boundaries of house music. Dan’s innovative eye for promotion saw him implement the recordings and distribution of ‘mixtapes’, a simple yet revolutionary method that soon developed into a frenzied culture that remains an electronic music mainstay, in various forms, until today. With an ear for good music and eye for new talent, it was at this time that the FTT brought an unknown French duo to tear up one of their parties… Daft Punk never looked back.

This period marked the beginning of the burgeoning breakbeat genre that encapsulated house, dubs and techno. At the heart, DJ Dan, who generated the fused rhythms that were dubbed the ‘West Coast House Sound.’

As global demand grew for his skills behind the turntables, Dan’s 1995 single under the moniker Electroliners was a result of a shift in the American who decided to dedicate more time to producing music. ‘Loose Caboose’ proved to be one of the definitive tracks from the breakbeat era and encompassed the talents that inspired many to follow.

Many visionary artists have queued up to bottle Dan’s unique sound; with a remix discography that reads like a music industry hall of fame; Depeche Mode, New Order, the Pussycat Dolls and a Tribe Called Quest have all enlisted the boss of breakbeat to tap into his hailed production abilities. Earning his first Platinum record in 1999, Dan’s remix of the Orgy cover ‘Blue Monday’ was revered around the world and reaffirmed his reputation on a global scale; re-working seemingly untouchable records with expert precision.

With a firm finger on the pulse, Dan has seen trends and sounds come and go, remaining in the leading pack when it comes to what the public want. Holding down numerous dance floors around the world, from clubs to festivals, including Amnesia Ibiza, Fabric London and Ultra Music Festival Miami to name a few. In 2000, Carl Cox handpicked Dan to share the stage with him on his Phuture tour, whilst Moby recruited his skills to add to the astronomic line up on the Area2 – David Bowie, Tiesto, Busta Rhymes and John Digweed keeping company.

By the time 2008 swung round, Dan had turned his sights to promoting his own label ‘InStereo’; a mammoth North American tour provided the perfect outlet for the innovative label that hosted the epic trip and the even more epic 2x4 DJ sets with Donald Glaude - that have gone down in dance music history.

Having re-worked global megastar P.Diddy, 2009 has followed suit with household names clambering for a piece of Dan. His timeless remix of ‘Paparazzi’ by Lady Gaga did not fail to fill dance floors, whilst his re-touch of the much hyped new single from the new queen of pop ‘Bad Romance’ looks like it will make the same impact. As if that wasn’t enough, Dan has added his electronic music clout to Janet Jackson’s next hit ‘Make Me’ which will see the light of day as we hit 2010.

In 2010 it seems never more appropriate for Dan to have released his first ever artist album. Released in September, ‘Future Retro’ is a retro-cum-futro-spective celebration of the industry that has engulfed Dan for the last twenty years. Exploring the tracks that influenced his own rise to the top, he offers his own fresh versions of classic anthems in a present day context. From Chicago to Detroit to San Francisco, the album’s adventure via the past will take you back to the future on an astronomic journey with the one and only… DJ Dan.

San Francisco based DJ Dutch has been dropping the phat beats since 1989. A core member of Opulent Temple and bay area party promoter extraordinaire to boot. His musical interests are unique and interesting, but he keeps it in the pocket. Very clever mixes with a phenomenal control of the power and mood within his mix. He has played alongside some notable performers & DJs including; Carl Cox, Simon Posford, Infected Mushroom, Christopher Lawrence, Dj Dan, Donald Glaude, The Orb, Rabbit in the Moon, Dylan Rhymes, Elite Force, Seb Fontaine, The Scumfrog, Sharam, Tim Healey, Ali B, Armin Van Buuren, Meat Katie, etc. etc. etc. Really, after 20 years rocking out in his favorite city in America he has been able to do some incredible things. Dutch has performed across the USA, Canada, Central America, east to London and west to Hawaii.

A native of the golden West, Hipp-e has pushed the envelope of dance music from the tender age of 16. After years of parties and inspiration from other DJ's and Producers, Hipp-e decided it was time to try his hand at making music that better suit the left-coast of the United States.

Teaming up with partner Halo, the two produced a hybrid sound that paired the jackin' beats of Chicago with the smoked out sounds of the Pacific. Known as the H-Foundation and 6400 Crew, they produced tracks for Siesta Music in their new home of San Diego, their new friends at Soma in Glasgow, label giant Hooj Choons, and even for the East coast legends at Yoshitoshi. As a result, they drew the attention of the world to the self-contained music industry of the West coast.

The next phase of his skyrocketing career saw him able to take his sound to the world in the form of his legendary DJ sets. Playing slots at Fabric London, Turbo Toronto, Zouks Singapore, Soma Glasgow, Twilo New York, More Amsterdam Pacha Buenos Aires, and Allenby Tel-Aviv turned the heads of the clubbers who thought they had seen and heard it all. His sets at raves in New Zealand, Montreal, Turkey, Croatia, Spain, Brazil and all over the United Stateshave reintroduced the concept that prime-time doesn't mean prime-speeds and has the ravers listening for a change.

Even though one might wonder when he finds the time, Hipp-e has continued to push himself in the studio, developing a sound that belongs solely to him. His solo production for labels like NRK, Soma, Product Deluxe, and Tango has garnered instant reaction from international DJ's and has those more negative individuals that predicted some sort of Hipp-e / Halo backlash quickly zipping their lips. In addition to building his studio knowledge, Hipp-e is venturing into more unknown territory. As A&R for San Francisco based Tango Recordings, he is able to take his knack for finding amazing records to play out and apply it to finding upcoming producers from around the world who will help to shape the future of dance music. With a DJ schedule that shows no signs of slowing down, and a resume that already puts him at the top of his field, and an ever growing potential in the studio, Hipp-e will continue to realize his dreams and inspire the rest of the industry.

After the huge success of the "Environments" album, a concept that he and Halo worked on together with live musicians and represents the fusion of styles that has become their trademark, the boys now feel it is time to move on with their careers. They have amicably agreed to go their separate ways, with Hipp-e representing the H-Foundation moniker, and each of them DJing as solo artists. You can still book both artists through Elite.

Los Angeles-based Andy Caldwell wears many guises: Songwriter, producer, classically trained pianist and trumpeter, remixer, DJ and label owner (of the recently re-launched Uno Recordings). The journey of his 14-year and counting recording career has brought many accolades and honors, from writing Grammy nominated songs and sharing stages with legends like James Brown to making the tunes of choice for countless top DJs worldwide. Flying more than 200,000 miles and playing more than 100 shows a year, Andy Caldwell is a preeminent fixture on the global dance music scene.
The last few years have been both productive and immeasurably fun for Caldwell: he headlined the 25-city House of Om tour, recorded the exotic Om Dubai mix collection as well as a double-disc of jamming electro for Bargrooves. He led a float at the Berlin Love Parade, played Ibizan superclub Pacha, rocked 70,000 at the Los Angeles Coliseum for Electric Daisy Carnival and opened for James Brown at the massive Good Vibrations festival tour in Australia.
He debuted on record in 1994 with the huge buzz of the single "Superfunkidiculous," and shortly after formed the live group Soulstice with Gabriel Rene. The pair worked together for five years, signing to major label Dreamworks and releasing the soulful electronic albums Illusions and Mixed Illusions on Om Records. Working with Soulstice allowed Caldwell to hone his skills in writing, arranging and producing in preparation for working solo.
Recording singles for Om Records and Naked Music, the former San Francisco native quickly became a staple on the acclaimed Om Lounge, Sounds of Om and Mushroom Jazz mix series, tiding listeners over until his first full-length solo album Universal Truth emerged in 2006. Among the many gems featured on the studio album, "Warrior" gently emerged as the torch song for the summer of 2007. The track written by Caldwell, features the incredible vocal talents of Lisa Shaw and has been remixed by Claude Von Stroke, David Alvarado and Chuck Love. Quickly rising to the top of many compilation inclusions, it has been featured on releases by Hed Kandi, Vendetta and Ministry of Sound to name but a few.
In 2008, Kaskade's "Sorry," which Caldwell co-wrote (along with "Everything"), was nominated for a Grammy for Best Remixed Recording. Caldwell has also made waves as a remixer of both underground heroes and mainstream icons alike. He has collaborated with DJ/producer Behrouz on several remixes for the Yoshitoshi label, including the Grammy-nominated "Safe From Harm" by Narcotic Thrust and Hani's "Never Felt This Way," the latter of which was featured on Deep Dish's Global Underground Toronto CD. His work for superstar artists has emerged officially for the likes of the Bee Gees and Jennifer Lopez and unofficially via his immensely popular bootleg of Nirvana's seminal hit "Come As You Are." Andy's music has been licensed to dozens of television shows, video games and movies including ‘Six Feet Under', ‘Sex in the City', ‘FIFA Soccer 08' and ‘Forces of Nature'.
His knack for A&R leads him to find and sign tunes that have gone on to be licensed the world over, as in the Trentemøller remix of Yoshimoto's "Du What You Du." And with the recent re-launch of his label Uno Recordings, Caldwell once again has an official outlet all his own to nurture and discover tomorrow's talents that are pushing stylistic boundaries.
"It's all pretty exciting for someone whose biggest goal when I first started was to hear my music played on huge speakers in front of a lot of people," says Caldwell, who is currently at work on his next high-profile album. "That was all I wanted. I didn't care if I ever made a dime, I just wanted that experience."

Tony Hewitt’s musical career began just as he was leaving high school. He was drawn to electronic music by bands like Kraftwerk, Human League and also local Manchester band A Certain Ratio, who were a big influence. His 20 years of DJing experience inspired him to create a new Tribal House Sound that would be known all over the world as the West Coast Sound. This mix of Percussive tribal/ dubby house is also known as the San Francisco Sound. With many solo projects under his belt, he has also collaborated with some of the best DJs in the country such as Hipp-e , Halo, Onionz & Joeski, Doc Martin, Terry Francis. His music has been played around the world and demand for him to DJ has taken him to places like, China, Indonesia, Australia, and most of Europe, playing at the biggest clubs like Fabric in London, The Arches in Glasgow, La Terrazza in Barcelona, OTV Club in Zagreb, to name a few. Aside from his hectic DJ career, he’s written and produced over 75 singles under various aliases for the best house music labels in the business as well as remixes for Warner Bros and has released over 200 singles on his own record labels, Tango, Nightshift, Detour. These days his DJ skills are in constant demand and he also has some new and exciting production projects in the works. For Tony’s full discography, go to www.discogs.com

Galen and his fellow cohorts of the “Pacificsound" System, have thrown down hundreds of the now legendary SUNSET Parties. The success and unparalleled vibe of SUNSET led to the expansion of Pacificsound's events, including the highly revered SUNSET Boat Party on the San Francisco Bay, the newly revived 3-day camping style festival "SUNSET Campout”, and SUNSET Island: an electronic music picnic on Treasure Island.
Although Galen can been defined as a San Francisco DJ staple, traveling has landed him guest slots at events throughout the United States and internationally. Over the years, he has played alongside countless renowned artists and in countries such as the UK, France, Italy, China, Canada, and Mexico. His dj sets reflect not only a synchronous relationship with electronic compositions but also a profound knowledge and appreciation of genres such as: funk, soul, jazz, rare-groove and hip-hop.His mixing ability enables him to smoothly and effortlessly flow between styles within a single set, adept at adjusting his sound to meet nearly any situation.
Galen is an artist of continual evolvement. His graduation from San Francisco State University, with an Electronic Music degree, propelled him into the studio once again. Previous collaborations have featured such artists as Astral Matrix, Tony Senghore, and Omar. However, more recently he has partnered with Dirtybird Artist Justin Martin to produce a 2 track ep. Before that with Claude VonStroke. to remix ‘Jam on It’ by 80’s sensation Nucleus. Since then he also produced 2 solo releases on Utensil and Tango Recordings. Expect more music in to come in 2012 including a remix off Lopazz's forthcoming album.

'Beloved San francisco's own Dj Solar is one of the main dj’s behind the infamous Pacificsound's legendary Sunset Parties and Boat Parties. Free outdoor events held in some of the bay area’s most beautiful spots attracting thousands of people every time. Solar joined up with the Pacific Sound/Sunset crew within the first year, and at the legendary parties he developed his unique style, drawing on influences from the traditional deep and funky sounds of San Franciscm the futuristic Techno-Soul of Detroit and the Jacking Tracks Of Chicago.

In addition to Pacific Sound Events, Solar is also resident at shattered (monthly at the DNA LOUNGE) and Bionic (Sunday nights at the TOP). He has performed around the nation in places like hawaii, seattle, and new york, and recently played at the famous REX Club in Paris. Although he appreciates the opportunity to travel and play records all around the world, Solar still recognizes that 'There's no place like home' San Francisco will always be his favorite place to play. By day, solar can often be found working in Berkeley at Primal Records.

DJ Solar is a vet of the SF house music scene who’s name conjures up the very essence what San Francisco house is about. Through his sets with the Sunset crew and off the hook Bionic parties, Solar continues to shape and define the role of house music in Today’s San Francisco Scene. Usually focusing on Paradise Garage sounds of old with the bumping funk of traditional San Franciscpo house stylings, Solar tends to focus mainly on his skills to build the hype about him rather than heavy self promotion. Looks like the strategy is working.

Son of Palestinian parents and Brazilian-born, Adnan Sharif immigrated to the USA in 1987 and found himself right at home in his new city, San Francisco. His DJ career started in 1995, playing his first gig with, "The Gathering," a legendary series of parties held in the San Francisco Bay Area. His musical styles include all genres of house music, ranging from deep to tech to minimal. Presently, Adnan Sharif is the resident DJ and promoter of Forward SF, a monthly event hosted in underground locations and clubs in SF.

Adnans Forward SF nights have blossomed with the reputation for creating warm, inclusive and soulful vibes that unite our people and celebrate diversity. His parties are known for their large-scale rollout of solid, consistently infectious vibes that cause an involuntary surrender to the dancing and love so embedded in the San Francisco makeup.

Working with other successful groups like Brazils D-Edge, San Franciscos listed, Seattles Uniting Souls and Tropical LA has helped Adnan spread the love evident in his events and in his sound, while also releasing work on labels such as: Smoke N Mirrors, Uniting Souls Music, Release Sustain, Rezongar Music, Area Sur Records, Temple Music Group, Tarantic Records and Jah Love Recordings.

He has shared the turntables with incredible DJs, encompassing talents like: Dixon, Pezzner, Abe Duque, Tanner Ross, Droog, Justin Martin, Claude VonStroke, Hot Chip, Doc Martin, Jay TripWire, Terry Francis, Grant Dell, Mark Farina, Renato Ratier, Renato Lopez, Mau Mau, Luis Nieva, Miguel Silver, Jeno, Garth, Solar, Galen and Lance Desardi.

He has played at internationally renowned parties, including standout locations like: D-Edge, Warung, Cozumel Club and World Social Forum (all in Brazil), ComeUnity, The Gathering and Sunset parties, as well as the Bulletproof Boat Party and Power to the Peaceful Festival (all in San Francisco), Beijing (China), Red Noise (Venezuela) and the ACA World Sound Festival (Acapulco, Mexico).

In late 2000 Adnan Sharif began his journey into music production. His style draws from classic dancefloor music staples like Depeche Mode, the rhythmic and warm textures of Brazilian samba and afro-jazz, and soulful Detroit house staples like Abe Duque and Omar S. He boasts an impressive back-catalog of mixes, original tracks and track remixes, as well as a growing portolio of produced work

Although San Francisco DJ Rick Preston started off his career playing disco and funk in the early 80's, Rick used his experience in the booming 80's alternative scene to hone his DJing skills. Rick would be part of various nighttime gatherings in bars and night clubs, leading their nights with swooning tunes and industrial beats. And as the music progressed, so would his attraction to what would lead to an even bigger movement, House Music.

In the early 90's, Rick became involved with promotion alongside his frequent DJ gigs. Rick was helping put on club nights and raves in their beginning stages, when the underground was at its strongest.

While his DJ sets are mostly considered deep and funky, Rick enjoys taking the crowd on "the journey" in his sets. Therefore his time on the decks are not limited to just the deep/funky sound. Rick has a special flair for bringing together a multitude of genres which can include soulful vocals, disco, tribal rhythms, tech-house, some acid house, a classic track or two, or even a mind awakening spoken word.

As a house music producer, Preston's motto of quality not quantity has stood him in good stead with some superb labels, notably Glasgow Underground, home to Mateo & Matos, Romanthony, and Neon Heights. He also has releases on Viva! Recordings, Worship Recordings, AfterHours, Eight-Tracks, Kolour Recordings, Amfibius Recordings, Character Recordings, Freeze Records, Big Big Trax, and BCE.

Rick has also done remixes for Nervous Records, Amenti Music, Limestone Recordings, Motion Music, Housetown Records, Coastline Recordings, Blue Iguana, Bananza Recordings, and Mimosa Recordings.

DJ Chai
DJ Chai is known for transcending genres. She plays techno to break beats, house to psy-trance, downtempo, mid-tempo, and indie rock all with a flair for the progressive. With her behind the decks you are sure to dance your ass off or at least nod the shit out of your head. Just don't give her the mic, lest the Bad Dogs get yet another "big ups." Follow dj_chai on Twitter

Mo Corleone
A chameleon by nature, Mo Corleone is a DJ that defies categorization. On any given weekend you may find her directing the dance floor in a dark warehouse or slammin' club venue, but you're just as likely to catch her in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Hawaiian jungle, or the Black Rock Desert. Mo loves to exploit the gray area between genres. You'll appreciate her sets if you like electro in your techno, psy in your progressive, or rock in your breakbeats. When she's not bouncing with the energetic renegade crew Want It, Mo chills out with the Bay Area darlings of downtempo, the Ambient Mafia.