DJ F

DJ FDate of birth 03.05.1972, in GenevaMusic lover, with boundless curiosity and eagerness for musical discoveries, DJ F started his musical career in Geneva ten years ago. The pleasure he took in sharing his passion for music with others led him naturally towards DJing. Even at a very early age, at primary school, he would prepare cassettes for school parties (“booms”) and would amuse himself in producing mock radio programs with two of his school friends. It was the beginning of the 1980's - that decade of pop hits and the first baby steps of hip hop – that time when we some of us could still be seen “slow dancing” …
After having tested a plethora musical influences, such as rock, 60s and 70s psychedelia, punk, English pop music (new wave), classical Indian, and traditional African music, he would discover, at the age of 18, black American music; funk, soul and jazz. It was the beginning of a fascination that has lasted until this very day.
In 1993, some of his friends from university asked if he would provide the entertainment for an event in aid of their college newspaper, at the Kabaret, a concert venue within the "Usine" in Geneva. What a night! It all started there!!! How great it felt to bond with an audience, to enchant them, and lead them on a journey through music! It was the golden age of the Geneva squats, a fascinating cultural movement, offering many opportunities to exchange ideas and cultures. A prolific period, in which you could dance and party all 7 nights of the week, in a town of 300'000 inhabitants – a unique experience!!!
Smoky cellars, and a melting pot of crazy people in a magical atmosphere … this was how DJ F learnt to groove. His sets could last 10 hours; with changing tempos, styles and lots of surprises … During this period he would also organize many gigs (taking care of the theme, the flyers, the program etc.) in collaboration with other music fans and night owls. At the time, he was editor of the “electric music” (everything other than classical) section of the Geneva cultural diary “La Clef“, he learnt to play African percussion instruments and was singing in a reggae group known as “Orange Dub Association”. From 1997 on, he would work regularly with the A.D.A (Association pour le Développement Artistique or Artistic Development Association), founded by his faithful musical partner and friend, DJ H, alias Sunny G (Yann Bernard).
These days, he frequents a large number of clubs, bars, festivals and gatherings of all sorts. The culmination of these experiences were, in 2003, his legendary set at the legendary Montreux Jazz Café, and an astoundingly successful gig in Brixton, London. For several years now he has dedicated himself to music production (a natural progression for a DJ) and can be found, as a consequence, on the late night circuit a little less often. Learning to master sampling, sequencing and all the gadgetry that goes with it is his current challenge...
As Duke Ellington once said, “There are two types of music: the good and the bad.” DJ F is on a mission to find the “perfect groove”, in whatever style or genre that may be, in avant-garde electronic music (Nu Jazz, House, Broken Beat, Drum n’ Bass), or in the original 60’s and 70’s (Latin, jazz, boogaloo, soul, funk, disco, reggae). Bridging the emotional impact of soul with and powerful sensations of electro, his sets are original, surprising and, above all, they make you feel groovy!!!… A different world to the standard FM fodder, or the all too predictable MTV machine, he searches incessantly for rare musical gems to share with his public… nevertheless, he is never ashamed to pass a few hits when the situation become desperate … At ease in all ambiences, be it chill out or frantic, he is able, with a smile, to adapt his sets to suit. His influences; Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, Keb Darge, Larry Levan and many, many more !!!
List of other clubs, bars and depraved locations… (1993---2004)
Goulet 13/25 Piment Rouge/Delta 9/Cyber T (Artamis) Madone Bar Bistr'OK/Cave 12 Terreaux du Temple The Labo The Escobar Cornavin 12 L'Ephemère La Tour Pachinko La Gallerie Brigitte Les Négociants Villereuse Cellars New Morning/Liquid Café Mozart/Zanzibar Bar du Nord L'Ethno Oblomov/Café Bizarre The Undertown (Meyrin, Switzerland) The Usine/PTR/Kab/Zoo (Geneva, Switzerland) + Montreux Jazz Festival (2003) Paléo Festival (campsite/musicians’ bar, 2001, 2002, 2004) / Pont Rouge (Geneva, Switzerland) / Brixton, Hoovercraft (UK) / The Comédie (soirée 360degrés) / The Palladium (Geneva, Switzerland) / Bain des Pâquis (Geneva, Switzerland) / The Buvette, Pâquis (Geneva, Switzerland) / Magneto (Geneva, Switzerland) / Usine à Gaz (Nyon, Switzerland) / Radio Basic.ch (Jazz connection) / The Cipe (Geneva, Switzerland) / Abraxas (Lausanne, Switzerland) / Imagine (Zürich, Switzerland) / Alhambar (Geneva, Switzerland) / Nomade/B.D.M. (Geneva, Switzerland) / F.A.R. (Nyon, Switzerland) / Chat Noir (Carouge, Switzerland) / Snowtour 2002 (Leysin, Switzerland) / Fréquence Laser (Fribourg) / Frisson (Fribourg) / Expo 02 (Bar Rouge, Yverdon) / Fêtes de la Musique (Geneva) / Locarno Film Festival / Cinéma Tout Ecran / The Bâteau (Jardin anglais) / Cardinal Cellars / Wild nights…