From humble beginnings in Cardiffs Las Iguanas bar to hosting some of Waless biggest club nights, Dave Mills and his Cool House night have always been ambitious and on the pulse.
Seeing a gap in the scene for something deeper, dirtier and more underground than the staple diet of funky house music Cardiff had been exposed to, Mills soon began bringing some of the hottest acts to the Welsh capital. The night has since played host to the likes of Josh Wink, Deep Dish, Layo & Bushwacka, Mr. C, Steve Lawler, Yousef, Peace Division, Danny Howells and Slam, with Nic Fanciulli and other emerging talent also finding their way onto the Cool House turntables and most guests asking to return after a taste of Wales finest club experience.
The night has gained massive support in Wales and the West, winning numerous awards including Best DJ (Dave Mills) and Best Club Night at Welsh Music Awards 2004/5 and Radio 1 listeners voting it among the finest nights in the UK.
As well as this public support, Dave and Cool House have turned heads in the media, with iDJ Magazine naming him as one to watch and DJ Mag saying, His style is a little bit funky, a little bit sexy and incredibly filthy, exactly the kind of house music you need to hear. Dave also featured in a Channel 4 documentary following his exploits and the programme was aired last summer.
Not one to shy away from the airwaves, Mills has also popped up on the airwaves with Ministry of Sound Radio, Vibe 101 FM, BBC Wales and Bass FM. Cool House has built a following for its bi-weekly radio show, which has attracted guest mixes and interviews from top international DJs as well as showcasing local talent.
Daves relentless enthusiasm for the music has extended beyond his own night, with regular appearances across the UK and internationally at established club nights, including plays at Londons Turnmills, Sankey Soap in Manchester, Circus in Liverpool, Exit Club in Lithuania and Vertgo Club in Costa Rica. Hes also rocked crowds at festivals and summer shin-digs including Radio 1s first Big Weekend event in Cardiff and Escape into the Park in Swansea.
The natural progression has been to work on his own sound and productions, with studio successes in collaboration with fellow Cool House resident Matt Joy. The first release came in the shape of Sick Strings, a tune that picked up Radio 1 airtime and support from the likes of Pete Tong, Deep Dish, Nic Fanciulli and Tall Paul after being signed to Australian label Hustle.
Daves passion for music and clubbing shows through in everything he does, if you see one of his sets youd have to be made of stone not to get hooked in by the sheer energy he brings to the decks. With further productions set to get plays from the big names this year and more exposure as a DJ across the UK and Europe, dont be surprised when Dave Mills continues to rise to prominence.
