As a rule of thumb - when most DJs are referred to as underground or in the context of one of the best kept secrets - it usually translates to their involuntary lack of notoriety. Most often due to not having developed music industry connections or having very little experience, such custom tailored terms are used to explain their obscurity. But with Josh Schübel we may have the exception to the rule.
Josh's passion for electronic music began at an early stage in his life, through his involvement in the late 80s B-boy movement, and as a young break-dancer and graffiti writer, hip-hop was the theme music of his life. In dance and graffiti battles, Josh would find an outlet for both his creative and competitive natures, creating a unique style that is still respected today. But it was the thrill of the battle that over-shadowed most everything else and brought him to Chicago to watch the 1989 DMC Turntable Battle. The level of creativity and competition was like a drug, and Josh was hooked. He sought anything he could find about turntable legends such as Steve Dee, Jazzy Jeff, Premier, and DJ Aladdin. Their styles of play became his. While still learning to beat-match, scratch, and use double copies of records to do turntable tricks, Josh began playing for his high schools dances and local community centers, where his popularity quickly grew. He built a solid reputation of being a very creative DJ, who hated to lose in battle, but would always rock a party.
In 1991, Chicago would again play an instrumental part in Josh's musical journey. He was introduced to house music. After hearing music from some of the mid-west top DJs of the time such as Bad Boy Bill, Julian Jumpin' Perez, MK Smokin T, Kenny Jammin Gino, Pumpin' Pete, Smokin Pacheech and Alan Baddmixx Boyd, Josh was determined to put faces to the music he had fallen in love with. And he did just that, meeting and befriending them all.
New doors were opened for Josh, as his contacts and experience grew, but he chose to remain low key. He kept a low profile as he honed not only his DJ skills, but his new found love of music production. In his role as best kept secret he contributed to several projects by the Solid Gold Playaz, including the EPs ReBirth of the Pimp Game v2.0 and Chicago Hustlin released on Losonofono Records and Bumpin City Records respectively, but he remained in the background - not wanting his name to be put on the records. He wanted to stay underground, preferring not use his connections to attract attention to himself until he felt he was ready.
Now that time has come. And its some of the same people that Josh sought out at the beginning of his DJ career that are now letting the secret be known about him, inviting him to play around the world. His productions are now taking on a life of their own, and gaining major attention of record labels and fans alike.
It seems there is truth to the old saying that there is an exception to every rule - and with Josh Schübel, nothing could be more true; he is definitely the exception. True to the underground, even though this best kept secret is now more likely to become front page news. But Josh doesn't mind it now. He always knew that no secret could be kept forever. And hes ready for it. Tell a friend.
-Stefanie Ludwig
