Gene Farris is the sinister minister of dance musics changing sounds. Farriss global DJ track record and extensive discography of over 80 productions(check full discography) are definitely a testament to the true Chicago house sound. Farris's unique dexterous DJ style that includes extended sultry, melodic blends with tuff beats makes him a party favorite around the world. House music is Farris's undoubted passion that also drives his full flavored, colorful studio creations. Farris's deep roots in house music and strive to be the best keeps him on the global electronic music industry's cutting edge.
Pushed by local kids in his South Side neighborhood of Chicago Gene Farris
caught the DJ bug at the tender age of twelve. Inspired by the likes of
Ron Hardy, Prince, and Roy Ayers Farris began blending a mixture of funk,
disco, and soul combined with eighties' pop icons such as, Duran Duran.
One may still hear hints of disco in his style.
Even in his early years Farris was constantly on the move. By making mix
tapes for his neighborhood buddies and selling them at many famed Windy
City record stores like Gramaphone, Farris's spinning skills quickly developed.
Not only did Farris's style evolve, his reputation rapidly grew. After
many late nights 'beatn' down neighborhood block parties, Farris earned
his childhood dream slot warming up for legendary Ron Hardy and Ron Carrol
at the epic AKA Club.
As the early nineties approached, Gene Farris became a major player in
the thriving Chicago dance scene. Wanting to hear more diverse house music
Farris inevitably began to produce his own tracks. His first production
style was tuff, loopy and tracky House. At the time Cajmere (of Green
Velvet) just started a new label named, Relief Records. Close friend,
Ron Trent, urged Farris take his hard hitting tunes to Relief Records.
Trent thought Farris's tracky sound was perfect for the early Relief.
House music history was made when Farris took his demo to Relief Records.
Hanging out in the Relief office was another young Chicago DJ called Sneak,
who also just made his first demo. Farris and Sneak both had their tracks
signed. The "Farris Wheel" EP was Farriss debut release for
Relief in 1994. Gene Farris, alongside like minded musicians such as DJ
Sneak, Paul Johnson, Derrick Carter, DJ Rush, Ron Trent, Boo Williams
and Glen Underground formed the new wave of notorious, soon to be globe
trotting Chicago DJs and producers.
The "Farris Wheel" EP was the beginning of a prolific production
career. Gene Farriss discography highlights works released on dance musics
most respected labels such as, Defected/Fluential, Soma Records, OM, Siesta
Music, Force Inc., Formaldehyde, 83 West/ Camouflage, Communique, Defmix,
Static, and more.
Being a leader in the industry, Gene Farris started his own label, Farris
Wheel Recordings, Inc. in 1998, with "The Copa Cabana" EP. Among
the labels many loved EPs is FWR 008 "The Spirit" - Gene Farris
featuring Sneak remix. In February of 2001, Gene Farris unveiled Farris
Wheel Recordings's spin-off, Farris Wheel Limited. Farris's concept for
the new imprint is to steer away from saturated samples and feature more
original, organic productions. Farris Wheel Limited artists are incorporating
live feeds into their melodic soulful beats. Also, 2003 will see the release
of the Farris Wheel imprint's first CD compilation of the its own catalouge
mixed by Gene Farris. Farriswheel in 2007 added to there roster Funky
Transport which smash hit "Shake It" Featured a B.H.Q mix from
the Chicago kingpin Mr. Derrick Carter..They have also added other remix
artist such as J.T Donaldson, Brett Johnson, and Bryan Jones who also
put a e.p. on Farriswheel Recordings called the " Dutch Master"
E.P.
Currently, Farris continues his travels around the globe DJing for his
fans throughout the United States, Canada, and many European countries
like Croatia, Holland, Israel, and Russia. However, Farris still finds
time in his busy schedule to devote in the studio. He is is working on
a full length album of original music for release in 2003. Farris's motive
for the album is to push beyond the barriers of the current house music
sound. Farris already collaborated with many remarkable dance musicians
such as renowned house vocalist, Robert Owens and a fresh New York City
production favorite, Derrick Carter , J.T Donaldson, Brett Johnson, Demarcus
Lewis, Onionz (just to name a few).
When asked about his future in music Gene Farris passionately replies,
"House music is my one and only true love. I've been with her for
over sixteen years and never plan on leaving. She's my peace... me and
the music for now." He laughs..
As the critics continually applaud his greatening accomplishments, Gene
Farris and his Farris Wheel Recordings empire continue to thrive.
The international demand for the elite Chicago House sound has kept Gene
Farris busy gigging around the globe for over the past ten years. Then
February 2003 saw the release of Gene's "Textures" mix CD and
6-track vinyl, accompanied by his "Textures" world tour, and
features and reviews in Jockey Slut, Muzik, Mixmag, Seven Update, Mojo,
DJ, IDJ, Blues & Soul, Echo, Muzik.com, Xpander.nl, Burn It Blue,
Worlddj.com and many more.
"Textures is a tasty affair, lots of layers, lots of passion, lots
of originality. Deep, sexy, organic house music with that essential Chicago
touch. A collection to inspire...5/5" DJ Mag
"The first collection from respected Chicago producer Gene Farris'
Farris Wheel Ltd...As good a house mix as you are gonna hear this month...4/5"
IDJ Mag
"It's deep jazzy, stylish, sexy and soulful, showcasing fast rising
talents in the Farris Wheel Family such as Roomsa, Audiowhores, Greenkeepers,
Behind the Groove and Boo Williams. It's damn fine house, nothing too
heavy, just good party tunes from funk to disco and jazz to soul, it's
all here as Gene graces us with some proper musical music." www.4clubbers.net
In 2007 Gene Farris continued with his 4 full length album "A Decade
Of Beats", showcasing his best music from his 12 year reign as one
of Chicago's International Ambassadors of house music. Featuring electrifing
vocals from Atlanta's own Chappell & the sexy sultry voice of the
magnificent lady Sara.This album is for sure a classic if you are a Gene
Farris Fan, the deep warm sound are something you will enjoy this show
that Gene will be around for at least another Decade and beyond..
From the year of 2000 - 2008 Gene Farris released over 20 records plus
15 remixes including remixes from artist such as Colette,Demarcus Lewis,
Onionz, Wilson & Broadway, Roomsa, and Kirby. he has also signed over
15 remixes to his own label by some of the world best house music producers.Such
as Derrick Carter, J.T. Donaldson, Brett Johnson, Mazi & Justine Long
To name a few..In early 2009 Gene Farris will bring u his latest all new
full length, first since 2001 on Soma(This is my Religion) Album number
5 titled "Revolution 09". With the hot single out now already
Called " Take Me Back" Clearly he will still be Pioneering House
music for many years to come as one of the worlds most, creative and innovative
house producers, Gene Farris is legendary and hear to stay...
1. Gene Farris - Boogie Down (Main Tech Mix)- FWR
2. Gene Farris - What A Day (Dub Mix)- FWR
3. Hollywood Bungalow - U Got That- FWR
4. Gene Farris - Keep It Coming- FWR
5. Onionz - If I Only Had A Brain (Dirty Chunky Mix) - FWR
6. Andrew Emil - Al Campos De Mi Conga Feat. Angel (Original Mix) - FWR
7. Jay Serano - Feels Like (Original Mix) - FWR
8. Sal Antaloss - Deep Rootz (Original Mix) - FWR
9. Funky Transport - Body Poppin (BJ's Texas Tea Mix) - FWR
10. Behind The Groove - Calling Your Name (J-Jays Moulton Mix) - FWR
| Releases | ||
| Title | Label | Year |
| Farris Wheel | Relief Records | 1994 |
| Erotic World | Relief Records | 1995 |
| Journey | Relief Records | 1995 |
| Blue Squad 001 | Force Inc. Germany | 1995 |
| The Hidden Project | Force Inc. Germany | 1995 |
| Summer Affair | Relief Records | 1996 |
| The Deb Project Vol 1 | Force Inc. U.S. | 1996 |
| The Deb Project Vol 2 | Force Inc. U.S. | 1996 |
| The Milky Way | Force Inc. | 1996 |
| A Place 4 Me? | Soma Recordings | 1997 |
| Northern Lights | Sounds U.S. | 1997 |
| Spring Fling | Sounds U.S. | 1997 |
| Summer Affair Remixes | Cajual Records | 1997 |
| The Fruity Green (#1 album) | Force Inc. | 1997 |
| Time & Space | Force Inc. U.S. | 1997 |
| Mainline Disco | Soma Recordings | 1998 |
| Planet House (#2 album) | Force Inc. | 1998 |
| The Copa Cabana | Farriswheel Recordings | 1998 |
| The Sensuous One | Farriswheel Recordings | 1998 |
| The Slicksters E.P. | 83 West Records | 1998 |
| Low Down Dirty World | Farriswheel Recordings | 1999 |
| The Big Doobie | Farriswheel Recordings | 1999 |
| Come On Home | Soma Recordings | 2000 |
| The Spirit | Farriswheel Recordings | 2000 |
| This Is My Religion (#3 album) | Soma Recordings | 2000 |
| DBZ E.P. | Farriswheel Recordings | 2001 |
| The Gene Farris E.P. | Fluential UK | 2001 |
| Hablanc Amor | Siesta Music | 2001 |
| The Real Beats | Fluential UK | 2001 |
| Wanna Be | Greenskeepers Music | 2001 |
| Black Satin | Soman Recordings | 2002 |
| Go Bump In The Night | Static Recordings | 2002 |
| Return of Rev Smoke-a-lishus | Camouflage Recordings | 2003 |
| Summer Pro Part 1 | Soma Recordings | 2002 |
| Showdown EP Vol 1 | Camouflage Recordings | 2003 |
| Welcome to Chicago Vol 1 | Defected | 2003 |
| Welcome to Chicago Vol 2 | Defected | 2003 |
| Decompression | Vista Recordings | 2004 |
| I Need You Now | Greenskeepers Music | 2004 |
| This Is The Way | Area DJ | 2004 |
| Da Number Eight | Industry Recordings | 2005 |
| Take Me Back | Industry Recordings | 2006 |
| Keep It Comin' | Industry Recordings | 2006 |
| Remixes | ||
| Artist | Label | Year |
| Disco Dance | Strictly Rhythm | 1998 |
| Heaven In Music | Farriswheel Recordings | 2000 |
| Spanish Fly | Greenskeeper Music | 2001 |
| Do You Like Robots? | Farriswheel Recordings | 2001 |
| House Music All Night | Celebrity Records | 2002 |
| Real Death Party Feel | Pohm Pohm | 2002 |
| Reason Why | Farriswheel Recordings | 2002 |
| Lee Is Wild | Greenskeepers Music | 2003 |
| Rhythm | Redhot Records | 2004 |
| Feelin' Hypnotized | OM Records | 2005 |
| Burnin' | C2 Records UK | 2006 |
| Finger Me | Grindin' Music | 2007 |
| Chicago Jack | Control Recordings | 2007 |
| Jackhope | Revival Records | 2007 |
| DJ Mixes | ||
| Booked 002 | Stricktly Hype Recordings | 2001 |
| Slippin' When He's Slippin' | Igloo Music | 2003 |
| Textures Vol. 1 | Farriswheel Recordings | 2003 |
| Extrema Outdoor | Extrema | 2004 |
| M.O.S. Sessions - Andy Cato Boogie Down | Licensed | 2006 |
| L.A. Live at Focus | Farriswheel Recordings | 2007 |
