JON GURD

For bookings and info contact: alice @ primal-rhythm.com
Jon Gurd is one of those DJs who just have that knack for creating something truly special on the dance-floor. A DJ not restricted by current tastes or trends (effortlessly binding the fresh & the forgotten in a forward thinking way) and is just at home in a sweaty basement after-party as he is playing to crowds of over 20,000 at festivals such as “Tribe” in Brazil.
In his own words, “a party for all, rammed with everybody up for it, that’s all that’s needed.”
With an eagerly awaited debut artist album currently taking shape in the studio as well as the launch of his new label “Primal Rhythm”, he continues to drive himself and his musical vision forward. Born and raised on the south coast of England; an unfathomable hive of creativity for electronic dance music with compatriots Alan Fitzpatrick, Dave Robertson (Reset Robot) and Tom Budden all hailing from the area. Jon is at the forefront of a new breed of British DJ, who have made the short journey from dance-floor to DJ booth, bringing with them an unrivaled passion, youthful energy and deep-rooted understanding of how to rock the hell out of a place.
His loopy, bass driven, powerful yet intelligent DJ sets (with an emphasis on creating something new with a little help from the old) have taken him around the world (including tours of South America and Russia). From India to China, the Jon Gurd sound has an incredibly far reaching appeal, further proved by what seems like a never-ending stream of mind-blowing productions featuring regularly in the sets of Laurent Garnier, Carl Cox, James Zabiela, Dubfire, Steve Lawler, Nic Fanciulli, Slam, Fergie and Matthew Dear. It would be wrong to assume he is only producing for the darkest depths of the underground however, his ability to make contemporary dance music for all to enjoy is second nature, and is second to none.
It all started with his weekly residency at the Opera House in Bournemouth in 2003, at the tender age of 19. Bringing a funky, groovy Techno edged sound to the 2000 capacity club, his warm up sets gave the place such a kick up the backside the promoters were forced to take note, booking similar sounding DJs such as Mauro Picotto and Dave Clarke to accompany and complement him.
His next residency for Punch Funk saw Jon become the key component of a party that grew to become one of the defining events in the south of England at that time. Punch Funk provided him with the opportunity to hold his own alongside some of the finest names in electronic music, such as a his beloved Slam, Phil Kieran and Justin Robertson.
A fruitful studio partnership with close friend Dave Robertson developed around this time and a deep musical connection between the pair was formed. Undoubtedly the highlight of their collaborations was “The Rendition”. Picked up by house heavyweight CR2 it fast became of the biggest tracks of 2006 and days after being sent out to DJs it was played in 5 consecutive Essential Mixes during BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza week. It was by this point the Jon Gurd word was truly out in force and there was no going back.
Returning to the now, and listening to recent productions such as “Route None” on D-Nox & Becker’s Sprout label, “Kerish Mash” on his own Killawatt imprint, “Deep Within” on Starlight and the forthcoming “Vida Nova“ on Excentric Muzik off-shoot Tribal Rage, it is evident Jon Gurd has matured into a highly respected artist. It was “Turkin” that struck a chord with Richie Hawtin in particular, becoming a permanent fixture in his sets throughout this summer. On these grounds, his debut artist album (set for release in early 2011) is sure to make a real impact, drawing on influences past and present whilst representing the unique journey he has been on.
The launch of his Primal Rhythm label coming later in the year will also mark a new chapter in the story, with an emphasis on creating a place for like-minded talent to develop and grow, whilst providing a new and cutting edge perspective on today’s House and Techno sound, but of course with that ever present focus on the dance-floor