Overview
Chicago-born and bred Gene Farris has ceaselessly pushed musical boundaries for over three decades. In the early 90s, Farris carved his niche as a DJ, spinning vinyl - a mix of acid house and disco - at underground warehouse parties and nightclubs. He was one of the first resident DJs at The Power House, owned by Frankie Knuckles, and he also held a remarkable eight-year residency at Chicago's infamous Boom Boom Room.
Expanding his international influence, Farris spent four years as a resident DJ at Jimmy Woo in Amsterdam. As a self-taught engineer and producer, Farris has continually showcased a profound sense of innovation. His releases on record labels such as Cajual, Relief Records, Defected Records, Soma Recordings, and his own breakout label, Farris Wheel Recordings, have propelled his influence into new territories.
His Welcome To Chicago EP, released on Defected Records in 2003, quickly gained traction. Throughout the years, Farris has become a collaborator for many high-profile artists, including the likes of Green Velvet, Jamie Jones, Sonny Fodera, and Harry Romero. His exceptional work with drum and bass heavyweight, Sub Focus, on the track "It’s Time" on EMI, further established Farris's reputation as a versatile artist. In 2016, Farris showcased his collaborative skills on In The Screen, an album featuring co-productions with talents such as Loco Dice, Jesse Rose, Mihalis Safras, and Dajae.
In addition to his success in the studio, Farris has made his mark on the live music scene. He has been a staple at world-renowned festivals and venues, including EDC Las Vegas, Space Miami, and Ministry of Sound London. His own events, such as Farris Wheel parties, FW Presents Carnival Nights, and Gene Farris & Friends, continually draw large crowds and notable guests, emphasizing his influence in the house music community.
Farris returned to the studio in 2022, working on his first full album in seven years, set for release sometime in 2023. The forthcoming project promises a return to his disco roots, blended with a modern touch and featuring powerhouse vocalists including Alex Mills, Anabel Englund, and Emily Makis.
A true ambassador of Chicago's classic house music sound, Gene Farris continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Known for his seamless movement between all shades of house, techno, and disco, his eclectic style keeps him both accessible and unpredictable. With a passion for growing Farris Wheel Recordings and a commitment to sharing the wealth of house music with the world, Farris remains a significant player on the global electronic music scene.
