Rusko, the name used by Christopher Mercer, is a UK dubstep producer and DJ. He is born in 1985 and is associated with North Yorkshire in the United States in the supplied facts, while the biography places his early life in Leeds. He grows up in a musical family, with instruments such as pianos, guitars, banjos and saxophones around him from childhood.

Background

Mercer studies music production at Leeds College of Music. He discovers dubstep through the Leeds club night Subdub and an early performance by Digital Mystikz. Leeds also gives him exposure to reggae and dub sound systems, which shape his approach to the genre.

Career

He develops his sound in Leeds and later moves to London to widen his opportunities. He works alongside Caspa, a Sub Soldiers label mate, and the two also perform together as Caspa & Rusko. Their joint DJ set at Glastonbury in 2008 is one of the notable appearances mentioned in the record.

Rusko becomes known for a more energetic and playful approach to dubstep than the darker strain associated with the scene. His productions gain attention outside dubstep circles for their more adventurous structures and sound. He is described as a UK dubstep producer, with genre links that also include bassline, breakbeat, breaks, club, dance and drum and bass.

Releases and collaborations

His track Cockney Thug is identified as a major hit. It is played by Pete Tong, Switch, Diplo and Santogold, and remixed by Buraka Som Sistema, Diplo, Caspa, Drop the Lime and the Scratch Perverts.

Labels

He is associated with the labels Rusko On Fire Publishing, OWSLA and Mad Decent.