Tiga is the stage name of Montréal DJ and producer Tiga James Sontag, born in 1974. He works in electronic music, including electro, electroclash, house, techno and EDM, and is associated with the Montréal scene. Before focusing on production, he promotes rave parties in Montréal in the early 1990s and is involved in creating the after-hours club SONA.

Early career and labels

Tiga studies at Selwyn House School in Westmount. In 1994 he opens DNA Records, a record store, and in 1998 he founds Turbo Recordings, the label he is connected with. His work as a DJ and producer develops from Montréal’s club culture and warehouse-rave environment.

Remixes, covers and collaborations

He becomes known for a run of remixes and reinterpretations, including Tomas Andersson’s “Washing Up”, Scissor Sisters’ “Comfortably Numb” and Soulwax’s “E-Talking”. He also records versions of Nelly’s “Hot in Herre”, Public Enemy’s “Louder than a Bomb”, Felix Da Housecat’s “Madame Hollywood” and Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses at Night”.

As a producer, Tiga works with Zyntherius, Richard X and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. He frequently collaborates with Mateo Murphy, with whom he forms the duo TGV, and with Jesper Dählback, who produces many of his later remixes. He also works with Stephen and David Dewaele of Soulwax, who produce about half of the tracks on his debut album Sexor.

ZZT and later projects

In 2007 he forms the temporary duo ZZT with Zombie Nation. The pair release “Lower State of Consciousness”, which also receives a remix by Justice.

Reputation

As his profile rises around 2000 and afterwards, he is ranked highly in DJ polls and is widely described as a leading electro DJ. His catalogue centres on club-oriented electronic music, with Turbo Recordings as a key outlet for his releases.