Tom Stephan is a house DJ, producer and remixer from Olean, born in 1970, who is also known by the Superchumbo alias and the name Rambo. He develops a transatlantic sound built around deep tribal rhythms, jerky beats and electronic bleeps.

Early life and move to London

He develops an interest in music at a young age, influenced by his father, who is a musician. He moves from upstate New York to London in 1991 to study at the London International Film School, but he becomes more focused on making music for films than on filmmaking itself. A trip back to the United States leads him to the Sound Factory, where he hears Junior Vasquez and is drawn to the darker New York house sound associated with artists such as DJ Pierre, Cajmere and X Press 2.

DJ career

Stephan begins his DJ career after warming up for Danny Tenaglia at Ministry of Sound. He goes on to hold residencies at Substation and Crash, a gay club in Vauxhall. A DJ mix of his reaches Danny Newman at Turnmills, which leads to a residency in the club’s back room and then to his own night, Roach. That night runs on the last Saturday of the month until January 2003.

Production, remixes and Superchumbo

He works both under his own name and as Superchumbo, a name he says means “super-leaded” in Portuguese. Under these aliases he releases a series of club tracks, including Irresistible, This Beat Is, Dirtyfilthy and Here I Come. The Revolution is named Track of the Year by Pete Tong in 2001. Stephan also remixes a wide range of artists, including Missy Elliott, Eric Morillo, Goldfrapp, Roger Sanchez, Kylie, Danny Tenaglia and Peace Division.

Albums, compilations and label work

His compilation work includes a joint Afterdark mix with Roger Sanchez on Stealth Records. He releases his debut artist album, Wowie Zowie, in 2005 after two years of production. The album features guest appearances from Celeda, Neil Tennant and Samantha Fox. By this point he has already had three Superchumbo singles reach number one on the US Billboard Dance chart.

Stephan also establishes the label ChumboMundo in February 2005. The label is intended to release Superchumbo productions and collaborations with artists including Toru S from Tokyo, Kamisshake from London, Italian DJ Ralf and DJ Pierre. Its early releases receive support from Pete Tong, Danny Tenaglia, Junior Vasquez, Deep Dish and Erick Morillo.