Sharkey

Sharkey is a German and British DJ, MC and producer, born in 1974, known for work in happy hardcore, rave and UK hardcore. He is identified as UK freeform hardcore DJ and MC Johnathan Kneath.

Career

He first becomes widely known as an MC at hardcore rave events in the UK in 1993, where he develops a popular and energetic performance style. In 1995 he moves into production and teams up with DJ Hixxy on the track "Toytown", which becomes one of the defining tunes of the UK happy hardcore scene in the 1990s.

The success of "Toytown" leads to Sharkey and Hixxy signing to React Music, a leading UK dance label. They release "Bonkers", the first album in a series that becomes the best-selling hardcore compilation series of all time. Sharkey also contributes mixes to all but volumes 6 and 7 of the 15 later Bonkers releases. Volumes 3 and 4 achieve silver sales status in the UK.

He also releases "Revolutions" on React, which reaches number 53 in the UK charts, followed by the album "Hard Life" in 1998. In 2003 he appears on BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix for John Peel.

Freeform and later work

From 1998, Sharkey works with DJ Kevin Energy, and the pair help establish freeform hardcore. Sharkey coins the term himself. Their approach shifts hardcore away from its cheesier happy hardcore style towards a faster, more layered and technically complex sound. A major part of this movement is The Nu Energy Collective, where Sharkey and Kevin Energy are among the best-known figures.

He remains active as a DJ and MC, with appearances at major hardcore events in the United Kingdom and at events in the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan.

Personal details

His real name is Jonathan Kneath. He is born in Plymouth in the south of England and is formally trained as a chef.