The changing face of Chicago house might best be encapsulated by Gene Farris. And his ability to bump and grind the smoothest, most sublime sounds into a frenzied cocktail of beats and sex are without peer. His ability to pull surprises from his hat – coupled with his industry experience make him a must-see in any schedule even remotely interested in deep house.

Sure, he might look more menacing than he really is, but with such a considerable discography – including some important recent remixes – Onionz and Colette if you will – as well as monster releases on the world’s best labels such as Soma, Force Inc and Strictly Rhythm – the man surmises the model of a great musician. Though house on its own, might not be his only department. Rather, he is far more difficult to pinpoint; for Farris’ persona and style has often seen him associated with the early sounds of Chicago house – his flair and elegance is unique and can feature a colorful blend of warm melodies and hard-hitting basslines – and a typical set [of which there is no such thing] can be characterized by the sounds of house, techno and electro.

Growing up on Chicago’s south side, a young Gene was inspired by friends and legends alike – artists like Ron Hardy, Prince and the immortal Roy Ayers, saw Farris fusing the early and emerging sounds of electronica with the burgeoning sounds of funk, disco and soul. Indeed, this is often most evident in his approach behind the Technics – soulful but always funky. In the early days, the mix tapes he made with such commitment and dedication, made it into local record stores. This forged his reputation as a skilful beat-master – that, coupled with many block parties – saw Farris earn a dream slot warming up for the Ron’s – Hardy and Carrol – at the infamous A.K.A Club.

By the 1990s, Farris became an important figure in the flourishing house scene in his native Chicago. Studio time and production followed, with much of his early material hard edged, loopy house. Releasing for Relief Records with his debut Farris Wheel in 1994, Farris took his game to the next level. Alongside Sneak, Rush and Carter, he too, was to join the newly admired wave of DJs representing what was becoming a fashionable Chicago sound. Plenty of productions and remixes later, he established Farris Wheel Recordings in 1998 and in 2001 announced a newer spin-off Farris Wheel Limited – with a desire to focus on more original, organic productions.

With an emphasis from the early days, to push the boundaries of house, Farris has played every corner of the globe from the USA and Canada, to Russia and Holland. In a philosophical sense too, he has been quoted as saying that “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.” Today, he is in his element, continuing to thrive and prosper. Like much of his material too, expect his Australian tour to be filled with moments of sexy, stylish music that touches the various elements of house and beyond – not to mention your heart, body and soul. It is party tunes through and through – and who better than one of the early greats to take you on that guided tour?

Having already played Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Sydney, Gene Farris finishes his most recent tour of Australia this weekend in Melbourne, playing Phreakin on Friday June 23rd.