Based in Minneapolis (Minnesota), producers Nate Laurence and JD Havens (aka Rhythm Renewal) could indeed be the diamond-in-the-rough house music enthusiasts have sought after. In a relatively short period of time, their refreshing sound, rhythmic cuts, and jazzy licks have turned many heads - from reputable dj/producers to numerous labels. For several years, JD and Nate offered mutual support on solo projects but until 2006, had yet to collaborate as a house music duo. The combination of Nate's hip-hop rooted percussion style and vocal sample chops, along with JD's passion for jazz and musical composition, resulted in a unique style of their own - one complementary to the funky house rhythms of today. Prior to their production work, the two had been spinning records throughout the country since 1994 and continue their love of dj'ing today. In the fall of 2006, their first six cuts as a duo were signed by two separate labels, respectfully, with more sure to come.
With different hubs from which they approach rhythm and sound -- JD of a jazzy and often intensely deep nature and Nate from a rhythmic core -- they work hard to continue the renewal of house music today. The two of them are dedicated to the music, to the culture, and how the music can uplift us all. With funky beats, a choppy sample base, and musical layers to reach one's core, Rhythm Renewal is a duo that is -- without doubt -- on its way to great heights.
NATE LAURENCE: Nate is not new to the music, nor culture. He began spinning in 1994 and became earnest about live appearances in 1996. Operating solo for years, Nate occasionally provided patronage to troupes such as Unik Communications and JVC during the rave scene's budding existence. Known for bringing hip-hop style dexterity to his mixing talents, Nate has spun in countless venues in numerous cities. After completing a bachelor's degree and moves to Los Angeles and South Africa (his second home), he attended Musictech College (now McNally Smith College) in St. Paul to pursue a second career in music production; he left the program prematurely to obtain his master's degree in Social Justice Education and Youth Development at the University of Minnesota. Today, Nate has become one of the most prolific freshman producers in the game. With upcoming releases on Spatula City, Control Recordings, Funkfield, Guess Who, and Stencil Recordings, his solo and collaborative efforts are becoming hard to ignore. This complex man has found his calling: he is 100% dedicated to music in its many forms and 100% committed to the fight for social justice as an educator and activist. To Nate, there is no other way to live. *** Check out some of Nate's solo produced tracks on his personal MySpace page found found by clicking here .
JD HAVENS: JD's musical experience began at age six with rock and jazz style drumming. Over several years he astutely educated himself in guitar, keyboard, and bass even though he had no formal instruction in the instruments. The Minneapolis rave scene introduced JD to house music in 1994 and he was hooked. While drumming for multiple bands, JD picked up vinyl and began to spin deep house. In Santa Barbara (his former home), he could be found mixing the sounds and style of San Francisco throughout Southern California with dj-partner Chris Caparro under the alias "Charles & Douglas." JD's production career began in 2001 when he felt a need for more involvement in the sets he spun. Until Rhythm Renewal, JD focused on the deeper jazzy sounds of mid-to-late 90's house; the new collaboration has taken his personal expression of the music to a new energy level. Aside from his music career, JD is also a professional Commercial Photographer focusing on food and product. *** Check out some of JD's solo produced deep-house tracks on his personal MySpace page found by clicking here .
