D:Fuse

DJ. Producer. Remixer. Drummer. Vocalist. Musician. Human.
“Music is about life; music is about people. It is my life dream to bring music to the people. If I can make just one person lose themselves in the music, then I feel I’m giving something special back… from something I’ve been given.” -D:Fuse (April, 2007)
D:Fuse began his musical career in Austin, Texas writing and performing industrial music under the name “Culture Industry” as a drummer and singer before he turned to DJ-ing. In 1998, he teamed up with his good friend Shane Howard to form Expansion. The pair pressed their first two tracks themselves and circulated the vinyl at that year’s WMC. Within months the singles “Feel” and “Listen” were being played out by Timo Mass, Sasha, John Digweed, Chris Fortier, Danny Howells, Jerry Bonham, and a host of other leading name DJs. “Feel” was also selected by Dave Seaman for his “Buenos Aires” Global Underground compilation and, within months, the D:Fuse name was known in the worldwide dance music scene.
In 1998, D:Fuse was signed to the premier electronic music label Moonshine Records, releasing three mix compilations and selling well over 120,000 CDs and singles on the imprint including his first solo club hit “Body Shock”. In 2001, D:Fuse was plucked out of the Lone Star State, for his DJ skills, by Paul Oakenfold. Two consecutive North American ‘Perfecto’ tours comprising over 50 sold-out dates ensued, plus DJ appearances in England, Scotland, Switzerland, Ibiza, Canada and Mexico. This was followed up with a double CD mix compilation for Oakenfold’s prestigious “Perfecto Presents…” series (in conjunction with V2 Records in the USA). “People” was released in February 2002 and immediately entered the CMJ Chart at number 9. Perfecto subsequently released “She Rides” by D:Fuse & Joy. This track appeared on numerous Perfecto compilations as well as the huge-selling Gatecrasher mix series, achieving combined sales of over 200,000 units.
D:Fuse released “People_2: Both Sides Of The Picture”, a 2xCD mix for System Recordings, in 2003. This compilation proved to be one of D:Fuse’s most successful works to date, and further established his name as a producer, since this release featured eight new D:Fuse productions. He was featured on the cover of both Remix and URB magazines, and joined the select list of performers at the legendary Coachella festival that same year.
In 2004, D:Fuse was voted URB magazine’s 2 Winter Music Conference DJ. He also released his debut artist album “Begin” on System Recordings to much positive acclaim. Splitting recording time between London, Los Angeles and Chicago to create a varied musical landscape “Begin” broke new boundaries. D:Fuse’s signature fusion of electronic programming and organic instrumentation, plus inspired lyric writing and vocals, re-wrote all the rules of the DJ ‘artist album’. This long-awaited debut received 4 star reviews across the board in the industry media, and the single release “Living The Dream” (featuring Jes of Motorcycle) quickly achieved combined compilation sales in excess of 140,000 units.
“Begin” finally provided D:Fuse with the artistic space he needed to carefully experiment with - and skillfully integrate - musical themes that had influenced him, and his unique sound, over the years: from lush downtempo to driving basslines, funky percussion, and memorable melodies. Accordingly, his live shows began attracting more varied audiences since his music was proving to be equally palatable to both house and progressive music aficionados. The accompanying “Begin” tour was a massive success and hit 75 cities throughout North and South America.
In 2005 D:Fuse saw his fan base grow significantly after being voted one of the Top 15 progressive DJs in North America per the influential BPM/djmixed.com poll. D:Fuse soon teamed up with Mike Hiratzka to produce what would become one of the year’s most sought after remixes: “The Days Of Swine And Roses”, originally recorded by Thrill Kill Kult. This became the biggest selling single release from the popular “My Life Remixed” CD – a compilation of Thrill Kill Kult classic tracks remixed by various artists.
D:Fuse has always been a true innovator on the club scene, fusing live instrumentation with DJing in the form of live percussion for the past six years. In 2005 he unveiled “The D:Fuse Live Experience”, a DJ/live instrumentation hybrid featuring D:Fuse on a full percussion set up, Mike Hiratzka on guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals, plus vocals by MC Flint. The show coincided with the live CD release of “People_3” recorded at clubs in San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX. The show produced amazing reviews in Remix and M3 magazines and on countless websites. The live show was well received nationwide with capacity events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, New York City, Kansas City, and a headlining slot at Miami’s 2006 Ultrafest.
“For me, it’s all about bringing energy to the people,” according to D:Fuse, “and playing percussion is an important part of that. I want the crowd to know that I’m not just there to play records. I’m there with them and feeling all the same energy that they’re experiencing. When I’m in the booth or on stage something switches on inside me, and it all builds from there.”
D:Fuse’s concept led to a team-up with The Scumfrog to create their much-hailed live project “DJs Are Alive” alongside DJ Skribble, Kristine W and Static Revenger. The project continued to spark the idea that DJ sets can inspire so much more, both audibly and visually.
In 2006 D:Fuse relocated to Los Angeles to launch a new record label (Lost Angeles Recordings), and produce a full length album, with his new production partner Mike Hiratzka. A full year of intense studio sessions has now produced “Skyline Lounge,” D:Fuse and Hiratzka’s most ambitious work to date.
The album delves even further into the use of live instrumentation with guitars, bass and percussion. It also includes violins by Govinda of 18th St. Records fame, and features guest vocal performances by Kristy Thirsk of Delerium, DJ Rap plus vocal performances by D:Fuse and Hiratzka themselves. “Skyline Lounge” also serves to showcase two emerging artists: Ceci Castelblanco and MC Flint.
D:Fuse recently unveiled his latest concept “Bring The Drums” to a capacity crowd at San Francisco’s renowned Ruby Skye. The new show spotlights D:Fuse performing on his most expansive drum kit yet, featuring his signature blend of congas and bongos plus tom-toms, snares and cymbals. D:Fuse will be rolling out the tour to select venues later this year.
As an electronic music pioneer and fervent supporter of today’s alternative media outlets, D:Fuse can currently be heard on “The People’s Mix” on XM Satellite Radio: his primetime Saturday night slot is heard by over 300,000 people every week. D:Fuse recently celebrated his 200th show on XM80 The Move. As a tribute to his Austin roots, a monthly show called ‘Lift Room’ can be found on ProtonRadio.com. D:Fuse also airs a weekly Friday night broadcast on KBIG 104.3 FM (Los Angeles) and, to put put cream on the cake, has his own channel on Delta Airlines’ in-flight music programming.
~~Biography prepared by Nick McGeachin~~