I could probably write an amazing third person bio and make myself sound uber cool and like I'm the next big thing. But that's just not my style. Music is completely subjective, so if you happen to like what I do then that's cool. If not, I don't take it personally. I'll just keep it to the facts, and if it sounds interesting then please feel free to take a listen to my mixsets. I play everything, from roots reggae to bangin' underground house.
I've been droppin' beats for the dance floors of North America for over 22 years, and I originally began DJing back in '85 on my high school radio station (KSRH) in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1994 I packed my bags and headed for NYC. Shortly after landing in the Big Apple, I began working at the world famous Satellite Records and quickly became a buyer and the stock manager for all 3 stores (Boston, NYC, Atlanta). I was fortunate enough to be in constant contact with promoters and other DJs which allowed me to network and pretty much have a couple of gigs every week. I was also lucky enough to be on the lineup for a huge party called the 5th Element (produced by Matt-e Silver) and that performance caught the ears of The New York Times music section, which was pretty cool.
I like to feed off the energy of the crowd and development a relationship with them. I believe diversity is the key to a good set, so I like to mix different genres of House and Breaks together to keep it fresh and exciting.
Speaking of fresh and exciting, working at Satellite allowed me access to ALL of the amazing music coming out, and that's also where I met one of my best and closest friends, DJ 3PO. We started Cable Recordings together and released our first record in 2001 (Secret Society aka Justin Johnson & 3PO 'Stolen - Original and Selway mixes'). 'Stolen' was a huge hit and was also featured on Taylor’s ‘Synaestasia’ mix CD on Ultra Records, as well as Dave Aude’s ‘Nocturnal Wonderland’ mix CD on Moonshine Records. The track was also featured in Showtime TV’s ‘Queer As Folk’ series. Furthermore, DJ-Sets.com (Germany) picked up the track for European release and gave it new life once again (including a great remix from Angel Alanis) leading to more acclaim as well as yet another licensing to Slam's Mix CD on the Fabric Records label. Our follow up single “Psychological Warfare†features a remix by Stephane K (John Creamer’s partner) and was released by Ultra Records' "You" label and saw a licensing to Rui Da Silva's “Miami†Travellers series mix CD. Then, we took a few years off while our lives went in different directions (I moved to Florida for a while). However, we're back, releasing tons of great music, and we're about to start diversifying the sound of the label a little bit. We're really excited about the future of the label!
So there you have it, the basics... :)
Mixsets:
My record label that I run with DJ 3PO:
Tracks available at these e-tailers:
Discography:
Justin Johnson "Broken" (Cable) 2007
Justin Johnson "All The Freaks" (Cable) 2007
Zito & Switek "Disko Jointz" (Southern Vice) 2007
Justin Johnson "Southern Vice Funk" (Southern Vice) 2007
Justin Johnson "Counterforce" (Cable) 2007
Justin Johnson "Feel It" (Barely Legal) 2007
Zito & Switek AKA Justin Johnson & Jim Docktor "In tha night" (Cable) 2007
Justin Johnson "Hot metal" (Southern Vice) 2006
Justin Johnson & Johnny Dangerously "Babylon" (Barely Legal) 2006
Justin Johnson & 3PO "NY Stories" (Cable) 2006
Zito & Switek AKA Justin Johnson & Jim Docktor "Stay with you" (Cable) 2006
Secret Society AKA Justin Johnson & 3PO "Psychological Warfare" (YOU) 2003
Nigel Richards "Summer in NY - Justin Johnson & 3PO remix" (Red Menace) 2002
Secret Society AKA Justin Johnson & 3PO "Stolen" (Cable) 2001
Justin Johnson & Selway "Supernatural" (Don't Panic) 1999
Justin Johnson & KMH "Dai-Lo" (Barely Legal) 1999
Justin Johnson "Cranberry Breaks" (Don't Panic) 1998
Justin Johnson "Lazer Blast" (Don't Panic) 1997
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