Last Update: 02-22
It’s that darker sound that I’m craving now. The kind of stuff that makes you put on that nasty bass face when you hear it!
Chris Omotosho is a London-based DJ and Radio DJ. He has a regular radioshow on House FM.
When did you begin DJ’ing and what made you start?
I’m relatively new to the game. Aside from a few college parties I DJ’d at when I was 16/17, I didn’t truly start doing it properly until 2014! DJ’ing was something I’d talked about doing for many years, but I didn’t even know where to start. I changed jobs in 2014 and as a leaving gift my old workmates got me some DJ lessons. After just 4 hours of lessons I knew this was something I needed to do – it was my calling!
What would you say influenced you towards House music?
I grew up listening to soul, funk, disco and hip hop. I remember listening to and loving Chicago house in the late 80s, but then the UK acid scene took over and that really wasn’t for me. I wrongly assumed this was what house music was about, so avoided house club nights at all costs! It was only later (n the early noughties) that I started hearing more soulful sounds. Soulful house tracks that found their way onto hip hop and soul albums – DJ Spinna’s “Music in me” and Jazzy Jeff’s “In Time”. These tracks inspired me to find out more about house music.
Of the many genres of House, which are your favourite?
The deeper, edgier soulful house sound. I think a lot of soulful house has become a little samey and sugar-coated. It’s that darker sound that I’m craving now. The kind of stuff that makes you put on that nasty bass face when you hear it!
Which artists, producers and tracks stand out for you, both now and from the past?
Today I love what the UK brings. We have a seriously talented group of musicians! Neil Pierce, David Bailey, Sean McCabe, Groove Assassin, Zepherin Saint, The Journey Men, Wipe the Needle, Booker T, Sol Brown, Han Lei and loads more. What a line-up! Of course I can’t ignore my US favourites that include DJ Spinna, Reelsoul, Josh Milan and the Maestro Louie Vega & MAW.
Name some highlights or a profound moment in your time as a DJ
Being part of the resident DJ lineup for totheRock is just amazing. I continue to learn from some great DJ talent at those parties. Playing alongside Reelsoul at one of our recent parties has to be right up there, as I’ve admired his productions for many years. And of course, being given the opportunity to DJ at House FM is a major highlight!
Have you done any production? If not, is it something you aim to do?
Watch this space!
Going on from that, what are your musical plans for the future?
To keep learning the art of DJ’ing and get better and better at it. Turntables are next. Then production. Then who knows?!
GROOVEFINDER'S WORLD 
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