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The progression of dance music relies heavily on the pioneers of sound
who are constantly altering, changing, and evolving. Through clubs,
radio, remixes, compilations and media exposure, dance music continues
to infiltrate the music business and create legends out of the global
purveyors of the music - the deejays.
Producer and remixer Craig Christensen aka DJ Craig C. combines his
knowledge of classic soul, jazz, rock and dance with versatility an
appreciation for both the deep underground grit and prime-time energy
of dance floors with DJ residencies that span the globe. He has
recorded and produced popular remixes, favorite bootlegs, and sly
mashups for a staggering array of artists including: Mariah Carey,
Alicia Keys, Jody Watley, Musiq Soulchild, Scissor Sisters, Amanda
LePore, Mary J. Blige, Le Tigre, The Killers, RuPaul and Ultra Nate'.
He has recorded and produced for artists such as Norma Jean Wright (of
Chic fame) and is also the man behind Angie Stone's club classic "I
Wish I Didn't Miss You Anymore."
"Since I like so many styles of music, I would end up killing myself
trying to put them into one mix. Now I find that if the project sounds
tougher I go with that, or if it needs to be deep, I go deep. Sometimes
you start out one way and it ends up sounding completely different when
you're done."
Born in Denver, Craig's infatuation with music stems from early
childhood. Raised on Motown (The Supremes and Marvin Gaye), jazz (Herb
Albert and Herbie Hancock), disco divas (Donna Summer and Cheryl Lynn)
and rock (Jefferson Airplane and Santana), Craig's wide range of
musical influences helped shape his own eclectic sound, "I'll always
love a diva, but I'm a sucker for a nice set of rock power chords or
some edgy jazz. I think it's really cool when you hear a dance record
and all of a sudden there's a wicked rock guitar solo or a pop record
with some crazy jazz progression. For me that's where it's at ... it
doesn't get any better."
After developing his DJ skills, Craig's desire to play for a crowd led
him to a bar called Colfax Mining Company where he landed his first
gig. From there he began playing at various venues throughout the city.
In 1992, he quickly established a residency at club Compound, which
truly jumpstarted his career. With a line around the block, Craig's
Sunday night party drew crowds from all around the world. With guest
deejays from Derrick Carter to DJ Disciple, and vocalists like Joi
Cardwell and Ron Carroll, Craig's arrival on to the dance scene was as
smooth and refreshing as his sets. "Compound" was not only a catalyst
for Craig, but also the origin behind Pound Boys--the name of his
partnership with DJ Dealer. Beginning with a night called "Sweatbox,"
this union led to a five year run at this club doing four nights a
week. Since then DJ Craig C. has wowed dance floors all over the world,
including regular stints in the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, Germany,
Switzerland, and Italy.
From the club, Craig's extensive musical knowledge, instincts, and
associations with top-deejays and vocalists allowed him to make the
transition into production. His desire to create put Craig in front of
the studio's mixing console. As an engineer, Craig pioneered a distinct
sound for the Pound Boys. Being a creative force, he also began
co-writing songs with various musicians and vocalists (including Musiq
Soulchild) and doing production arrangements. Craig found his niche in
the creative process. After much success with the Pound Boys
affiliation, remixing chart toppers such as: "Joi Cardwell - Pray"
(First ..1 on Billboard), Mary J. Blige (..1 on Billboard), Usher and
Whitney Houston his reputation reached new heights.
In 2003, the Pound Boys partnership ceded--leaving Craig to actively
pursue an exciting new chapter in his career. A variety of work with
legendary vocalists such as Dajae, Byron Stingly and producer Sandy
Rivera, influential labels such as Defected, Def Soul and Nervous
cemented Craig's solo ambitions.
Besides his immensely popular re-edit of Angie Stone's "I Wish I
Didn't Miss You Anymore," his mix of Mariah Carey's "Petals" and an
original production titled "Que Pasa" created a huge buzz within the
community and positive club reaction.
Other noteworthy re-edits include Faith Evans, "I Don't Need It",
Janet Jackson's "Slow Love," Beyonce vs. Donna Summer's "Naughty Love",
Keyshia Cole's "Never" , Don Ray's "Standing in the Rain," Ann Nesby
"Let Your Will Be Done", Gladys Knight's "Bourgie Bourgie" and Sergio
Mendes' "Roda."
Performing alongside deejays like Little "Louie" Vega, Eric Morillo,
Angel Moraes, DJ Duke, Roger S., Todd Terry, Derrick Carter and Tony
Humphries, Craig has provided the grooves for internationally renown
fashion designers like Vivian Westwood (and the NAHA awards in Las
Vegas). He has played at London's legendary Ministry of Sound and the
15-year old Queer Nation as well as all over Australia. In the States,
he's performed at Miami's annual Winter Music Conference- party for
Defected Records/Susu/South Port Weekender, Subliminal Records,' and
San Francisco's "Devotion."
"The reward is being able to play for different crowds around the
world. It's amazing to see that in every language or culture, the
people are always ready to party. That's what keeps me going ..."
Today, San Francisco is the place Craig calls home. With a regular gig
at Devotion and other venues throughout the Bay Area, Craig has found
that playing for crowds and feeding off their energy only makes him a
better deejay and producer. Feeling the vibe and connecting with the
audience is exhilarating, a rush that keeps Craig spinning. Devotion's
theme of unity, peace, and music for your soul has been a nice fit for
Craig, whose cause is one in the same.
Continuing in his production, remix and re-edit work, Craig is
currently working on Ultra Nate's album and projects like NYC club
celebrity Cazwell ("All Over Your Face") and a re-edit of chanteuse
Lizz Wright "Stop." With a side project entitled Strange Bedfellows,
which incorporates live jazz, vocalists, and afro-percussion with
electronic drums, his new management relationship with Devotion SF, and
production and a remix management with Peace Bisquit, Craig is enjoying
success and looking forward to the future. His contribution to dance
culture is alive and kicking. Through more stellar productions,
remixes, and International DJ gigs, Craig's cutting edge sound,
inventive beats, and crowd pleasing sets make him a refreshing addition
to dance floors around the globe.
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CRAIG C - DISCOGRAPHY
:: Individual releases ::
Strange Bedfellows "Reel Time" (Love Slap)
Craig C. feat. Sarah Smith "Pictures" (Duffnote)
Craig C. and Redsoul "Changes E.P." (Player)
Craig C. and Ruben Mancias feat. Kenny Bobien "Share" (Devotion)
Craig C. "Bugaboo 66" - (Sureplayer)
Craig C. "Soul Roots E.P." (Look At You)
:: Productions and Remixes ::
Ultra Nate' "Spinning" (BluFire)
RuPaul "Supermodel" (RuCo)
RuPaul "People Are People" / "The Price Of One" (RuCo)
Amanda LePore "My Hair Looks Fierce" (Peace Bisquit)
Cazwell "All Over Your Face" (West End/Peace Bisquit)
Fisherspooner "Kick In The Teeth" (Capitol)
Mariah Carey "We Belong Together" (DefSoul) - ..1 Billboard Chart
DJ Spen "Devotion" (Devotion Records)
Jody Watley "Looking For ANew Love" (Peace Bisquit/Curvve) - ..1
Billboard Chart
Mariah Carey "It's Like That" (DefSoul)
The Killers "Mr. Brightside" (Capitol)
Le Tigre "Nanny Nanny Boo Boo" (Universal / Chicks On Speed)
Ultra Nate' "Free" (Curvve)
Scissor Sisters "Laura" (Polydor)
Marrioh and Brown "Time of our Life" (Sure Player)
Whitney Houston "Love that Man" (Arista)
Usher "You Don't Have To Call" (Arista)
Whitney Houston "On My Own" (Arista)
Angie Stone "Wish I Didn't Miss You..." (J)
Brandy "What About Us?" (Atlantic)
Buzios "When I Close My Eyes" (Media/Germ.)
Maureen Parker "For Your Love" (Look At You)
B Funk "Ladies & Gentlemen" (Look At You)
Escape From Forio "La Rumba de Nana" (Time/Rise)
Toya "I Do" (Arista)
EDP ft. Ashley Slater "Sweet Music" (Scorpio)
Joy Enriquez "Shake Up The Party" (Arista)
Dance Freak "The Prayer" (Afro Art)
Linda Clifford "Changin" (West End)
The Goodfellas "Soul Heaven" (Azuli)
Rhythmcentric "New School Fusion" (Look At You)
Yolanda Adams "Open Your Heart" (Elektra)
Tamia "Stranger In My House" (Electra)
Joy Enriquez "Tell Me How How Feel" (Arista)
Soul Providers "The Hand That I've Been Dealt" (Look At You)
Georgie Porgie "Life Goes On" (Music Plant)
Mariah Carey "Against All Odds" (Sony)
k.d. lang "Consequences..." (Warner)
Ruff Endz "No More" (Epic)
Joe "I Wanna Know" (Jive)
Mary J. Blige "Your Child" (MCA) - ..1 Billboard Chart
Mariah Carey "Petals" (Columbia)
Jeff Krassner "Maybe (Love'll Make..)" (Identity)
Juliet "I Need A Man" (Look At You)
Mary J. Blige "Deep Inside" (MCA)
Soul Providers "Rise" (Azuli)
Kimani "Sunny Jive Groove" (Vinylicious)
Universal Tongues "Open Your Mind" (Biscuithead)
DJ Pope ft. R. Carroll "Waymaker" (Look At You)
Laura Alford "Hold On" (West Side)
Janell "I'm A Queen" (Yellow Orange)
Pretty Poison "Catch Me I'm Falling" (Svengali)
Big Moses "Brighter Days" (King St.)
Urban Soul "Love Is So Nice" (King St.)
Kim English "Learn 2 Luv" (Nervous)
Daryl Hall "Cab Driver" (RCA)
Mary J. Blige "Love Is All We Need" (RCA)
UBQ Project "Groove On" (Music Plant)
Joi Cardwell "You Got to Pray" (Eightball) - ..1 Billboard Chart
with POUND BOYS:
POUND BOYS ft. Shawn Benson "Affection" (rmxs) (Look At You)
POUND BOYS "Way Back When" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS "Different Worlds. E.P." (83 West)
POUND BOYS "Malfunktion" (Moonshine)
THE POUND BOYS EXPRESS "Betty" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Yvonne Brown "You Make Me Happy" (Yellow Orange)
POUND BOYS prs The Omi-Palones "The Pretty Face E.P." (Henry Street)
POUND BOYS vs. FLOORFILLERZ "Malfunktion" (Moonshine)
POUND BOYS "Tales From The Boogie! Vol.1" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Byron Stingly "Can We Try Again" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Shawn Benson "Affection" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. SeVaughn "Love, Peace, & Harmony" (83 West)
PB & COMPANY ft. Yvonne Brown "I'm In Love" (Sub-urban)
POUND BOYS ft. RaShaan Houston "Power" (R.O.I.)
POUND BOYS "T's Theme" (Bumpin City)
POUND BOYS vs. Martello Bros. "Jack It Up" (remixes) (Neo/Universal)
POUND BOYS "K Pasa" (Time/Rise)
POUND BOYS vs. Martello Bros "Jack It Up" remixes (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Earl Bennett "Be Strong" (Dialogue)
POUND BOYS & CO. "The Dark Room E.P." (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. RaShaan Houston "Be With You" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Martha Cinader "Lasting" (Liquid Sound Lounge)
POUND BOYS "I Can't Help It" (Bumpin City) POUND BOYS "EP" (Chez)
POUND BOYS ft. RaShaan Houston "Shine" (R.O.I.)
POUND BOYS ft. RaShaan Houston "The Right Way" (Slip'N'Slide)
POUND BOYS "Mile High Sounds E.P." (Food For Thought)
POUND BOYS "Jack It Up" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Dajae/E. Bennett "Heaven Knows" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. RaShaan Houston "The Right Way" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Earl Bennett "Stand Up" (Look At You)
POUND BOYS ft. Earl Bennett "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz" (Bassline)
POUND BOYS vWild West E.P." (Look At You)
POUND BOYS "A Jazz Affair" (Look At You)
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