island9

It began in the day when electronica, dance music, raves, and clubbing were sweeping the States with such force you thought it was the second coming of Christ. By the summer of 1998 each of our Islanders were involved in some aspect of the underground house music scene. They initially came together by collaborating on a successful house music radio show on 91.1 FM WMSU radio. But as the empties of Milwaukee's Best piled up outside the studio, the boys recognized early on that the true accolades in this industry were found in production. Instead of competing with each other with the ferocity of reality show contestants, they instead decided to unite and together created Island 9. They hit the ground running in part thanks to Roger's experience in sound engineering, exploring the rubix-cube complexity of Pro-Tools. It was during these early days that the men met Eli Wilkie (Reversible, Avalon) and through him, Boston legend and global House DJ/Producer phenomenon Steve Porter (Balance, Rise, FDS, EQ-Grey). Through his input and feedback the lads were able to progress quickly on the Zen like journey of molding themselves from Speak'N'Spell artists into true masters of their craft. But producers aren't created overnight. In 2003 their initial concept tune "Corvo" and the follow up “Pico”, gained early support from then Avalon resident and Chug Records A&R man Ali Ajami, introducing them to the fast growing melting pot of talent that was Boston.Over the next 3 years the Azorean collective then set to the task of evolving their sound, obtaining tools and learning new software. They also built a studio, a veritable den of aural debauchery in the heart of Fall River, which gave way to the birth of their signature sexy Chunky Funk sound for which they are praised to this day. During their rise the boys have kept their heads while partying like aging rock stars, concentrating their efforts on Island 9 as well as individual production projects and DJ efforts. Joe has found success with his production offshoot called Nightriders together with the multitalented Emjae (Bon Johnson, Nightriders) while Roger’s solo efforts under the moniker Roger Lee, has put him on the map as one of New England’s most impressive new Producers. Their talents have given them the respect of the industry, working closely on a local level with respected DJ/Producers such as Steve Porter, Chris Micali, Eli Wilkie, Chris Reavey, Andres Escallon and Emjae. Their production efforts went skyward when in 2006 Steve Porter featured two of their tracks “Wet Spaghetti”(Innuendo Records) and “Request Line”(Reversible Records) on his widely acclaimed debut mix-compilation CD “Porterhouse”(FDS Recordings). The exposure paid with several of their tracks coming out on such labels as Uni-Form, Innuendo, Reversible, Big House as well as spearheading releases on the new upfront labels Commonwealth Recordings and Proton Music. As if things could not get better Steve Porter will feature two more of their tracks on his upcoming follow up “Porterhouse 2”(EQ Grey) to be released in 2007. Their music has wide support from local DJs in New England, as well as massive global support from Ricky Ryan, Brad Copeland, Gabriel Sordo, Eli Wilkie, and Steve Porter.It’s rare that you find the kind of fiber in 5 close friends who share the common spirit of putting forward thinking music out for people to enjoy across the globe. Their sound is unique, inducing gyrations in girls of all ages in the most hedonistic of ways yet shaking and consuming an after-hours dance floor with the intensity and soul of a high school dance gone me ntal. Their housey vibes and funky bass lines play off of artistically crafted melodies that range from the uplifting to the kind of stuff which fuels the darker side of funk. Their recognition deserves merit beyond words and things will only get better for the lucky 5 from Fall River. With their monthly Podcast “Island 9 Presents”, plans for a live act and a much anticipated artist album, 2007 is primed the world for a hot injection of Island 9.