Ron Trent

Ron Trent

Ron Trent is a house DJ and producer from Chicago, United States, associated with Chicago house, deep house, house and electronic music. Active since the early 1990s, he is regarded as one of the figures who help shape the Chicago scene.

Early work and first releases

As a child, he studies and collects different kinds of music, influenced by his father, who runs a record pool in the late 1970s. He becomes a respected DJ in his early teens in the mid-1980s, then begins producing his own tracks. His first release is the widely recognised “Altered States” in 1990, which brings him international attention.

Prescription Records and collaboration

Trent runs Prescription Records for 13 years and builds an extensive catalogue of his own productions through the label. Prescription becomes widely regarded as one of the most influential deep house imprints of its period. He works with Chez Damier to form the label and, from 1993, the pair develop the sound that becomes associated with Prescription. Through Prescription and its sister label Balance, he helps introduce artists including Anthony Nicholson, Abacus, Glen Underground, Moody Man, Norma Jean Bell, Joshua, Peven Everett, Rob Mello and Luke Solomon.

In the early 1990s, he collaborates with the house and R&B team Hula & Fingers, who produce for Jive Records and have credits with Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Kool Mo D, High Five, Lidell Townsend and MTF. Under their direction, Trent develops his production and musicianship, drawing on percussion training and keyboard work. After several releases on Club Records, he later forms his own label with Chez Damier.

Later releases, labels and New York period

His sound broadens in 1997 with the release of “N’Came U...”, made with Anthony Nicholson, vocalist D’bora and trumpeter Peven Everett. The record helps establish his profile in the New York dance scene. After moving to New York, he plays at Body and Soul and Shelter and holds events at Vinyl in downtown Manhattan. His work attracts the attention of Giant Step, leading to further collaboration with the club and label.

In 2000, he begins a residency with Giant Step at Shine, where he presents a mix of neo soul, jazz funk and world music within a dance setting. The Giant Step Weekly Sessions, sponsored by Levi’s and Evian, become a regular New York club night. His in-house productions on Giant Step/Sony feature artists including Amel Larrieux, Jodeci Watley, Anastacia, Donnie, Carl Hancock Rux and Lina.

Other work and continuing activity

Trent also works with Tony Allen, Chucho Valdes, Papa Weba, 4Hero, Amp Fiddler and Groove Collective, among other world-music artists. His DJ compilations include Giant Step Sessions, Musical Reflections, Afro Blues, Deep & Sexy 2 and Abstract Afro Journey. Alongside Prescription and his later imprint Future Vision, he continues as an international DJ. With Sonia Hassan, he runs the monthly Chicago residency Africa Hi Fi, which combines music with interactive visual art.

Associated projects

He is associated with a wide set of projects and aliases, including Last Session, Konfusion Kidzz, Taster's Choice, Warp Dub Sound System, The Gallery Collective, New African Orchestra, Ancestry, Chez N Trent, African Blues, Epic Desire, Urban Sound Gallery, ERB, Two Tribes Project, UBQ Project, Lost Tymezz, Batidos, Sonya Blade and the Funky Home Dogs, and The Collective.

Labels

His label work includes Prescription, Future Vision and Electric Blue.