DJ Rush

DJ Rush

DJ Rush is a Chicago-born DJ and producer associated with house, Chicago house, techno, schranz and hard techno. Born in 1970, he grows out of the South Side of Chicago and develops his early musical taste through the city’s club scene, including visits to venues such as The Ringzone, Playground, The Candystore and The Music Box.

Early career in Chicago

Before he begins playing gigs in Chicago, he makes tracks in his bedroom with friends using their Sinsonic drums. His first residency comes in 1989 at the Reactor club in Chicago, where he plays 70s disco for crowds of around 800 and performs long sets. He goes on to play at other well-known Chicago venues including Medusa, Power House, Music Box and Warehouse, and becomes a central figure in the city’s house scene.

Music and style

Rush’s work draws on a wide range of influences, from contemporary Brazilian jazz and rare disco to The Beatles. He is known for a rhythmic, percussion-led approach and for using voices and percussion across his releases. His own description of his process stresses making music according to feelings and experience. He also describes a philosophy of letting music guide him rather than trying to control it.

Releases and tracks

Among the tracks and recordings associated with him are Spitball, I Love You, Mutha Fucking Bass and The Energy EP. His recordings are noted for their physical, energetic quality, and much of his output appears on mix compilations as well as in live performance contexts.

Labels

He is associated with Major Rush Music.

Performance reputation

Although he is active as a recording artist, some of his best-known moments come from live performance. He is described as a tall figure with a direct attitude, summed up in the line that he expects to be accepted as he is.