Chicago born and raised, he caught the DJ bug at the tender age of twelve when he was given his first pair of turntables, with no pitch control or proper mixer he learned to mix the hard way.

Gene Farris is the sinister minister of the changing sounds of electronic music. His latest album 'This is my Religion' on Soma Records is a testament to true Chicago house music. For Gene, music is his true belief; consistently producing the very best in twisted disco and jackin' house. The DJ booth is his pulpit and the crowd his congregation, he is the high priest of party DJ's and with his sonic scripture he has answered our prayers. 'This is my religion' is a blessed bonanza of devilishly hymnotic tuneage.

Chicago born and raised, he caught the DJ bug at the tender age of twelve when he was given his first pair of turntables, with no pitch control or proper mixer he learned to mix the hard way. Inspired by the likes of Ron Hardy, Prince and Roy Ayers, he began blending a mix of funk, disco and soul with the odd Duran Duran tune. The love of disco is still apparent in his current production work, album tracks like 'Come on Home' and 'Confession' fuel this flavor and are massive dancefloor workouts. While making tapes for his neighborhood buddies, he developed his spinning skills into the unique fast and funky dexterous style that we now associate with him. Selling his mix tapes to record stores like 'Gramophone', his reputation grew, next was his graduation to block parties where he would whip the party people into frenzy. By the age of seventeen, he progressed to acid house and gained his childhood dream slot of warming up for Ron Hardy and Ron Carrol at the legendary AKA Club.

Farris quickly became a major player in the thriving Chicago scene and inevitably began to produce his own tracks. His production style was tuff, loopy and tracky house. His friend Ron Trent recommended that he take his tunes to a new label that Cajmere was starting called 'Relief', a harder and more experimental imprint than Cajual. That day at Relief HQ, he met another young Chicago DJ called Sneak who had also made his first demo.

The pair both had their tracks signed; the 'Farris Wheel EP' was Gene's debut release for Relief in 1994. Gene, alongside guys like Paul Johnston, DJ Rush, Derrick Carter and Boo Williams formed the new wave of Chicago producers. This was the beginning of a prolific production career with seven EPs for Relief and other releases on Sounds, Formaldehyde, 83 West, Communique, and other albums including 'Fruity Green' and 'Planet House' for the German label Force Inc.

In 1997, fast n'funky Farris hooked up with the Soma crew after meeting label manager Richard Brown at Glasgow's Sub Club. Gene was delivering one of his freaky sets at the club and Richard was so impressed he introduced himself. Later that year, Gene's debut Soma single 'Place 4 Me' was released, this was followed by 'Mainline Disco' in '98. Both singles have been amongst the most successful of all Soma releases. That same year, Gene started his own label 'Farris Wheel recordings, Inc.' with The Copa Cabana EP, recently licensed to the Sub Clubs Subversion compilation.

Farris Wheel Recordings, Inc. continues to prosper and gain respectability within the industry. Gene takes pride in discovering new talent from Chicago and around the world such as Dorian Baker, Jerome O. and a live jazz band Lowend. These artists and more will be featured in upcoming Farris Wheel releases.

As many of Gene Farris' accomplishments are critically acclaimed, his drive and passion for the music strengthens. Although he has joined the elite fraternity of dance music's most skilled and celebrated DJs and House Music producers, Gene Farris shall continue to grow.

Thursday 27th September @ Studionine
Support from: Cuffy/John Saunders/Ants F/JP Flex
Tickets: $20 strictly limited !!!!!!!!!!
Available from: Flipside/Planetjack.com/Firm Records

Judgement Day Friday 28h September, 2001 @ St James Theatre
Support from: Paul Dean / House of Downtown

The Saint James is pleased to announce Judgement Day a catastrophically huge event featuring Judge Jules himself as the headliner and direct from Chicago GENE FARRIS will take over the Westend with his twisted disco and jackin' house. Joining Gene Farris are House of Downtown and Paul Dean - in fact just about every corner of the Saint James will feature a DJ and a fantastic light show! Over 16 DJs on the bill and with more being announced!!
Doors 10.00 pm. Tickets to Judgement Day on sale at Ticketek, selected Sounds Stores, BPM, Burger FuelGene Farris