Mark Knight’s legacy already ranks him as a leading player in dance music culture. His rise to the forefront has been more than just gigs and remixes; his contribution to the scene via his label Toolroom Records, demonstrates abilities that supercede the glorified title of ‘DJ’.
This year, with a Grammy Nomination for work on the Black Eyed Peas’ multi-platinum album ‘The-End’, 3 of the biggest selling records on Beatport’s ‘Best Sellers List’; ‘Music Matters’ ‘Flauta Magica’ & ‘Good Times’, an IDMA nomination for his Toolroom Knights weekly radio show and a prestigious Beatport award for his single ‘Good Times’ – 2010 has most definitely been a year of colossal achievement.
So where did it all start…
In 2004, with a personal vision for house music, Mark created his own workshop for 21st century dance musicians, Toolroom Records, and with it a new way of thinking.
Since its launch, the Toolroom imprint has developed into an uncontrollable beast, celebrating success as the biggest selling label on Beatport and reaching the milestone of 100 releases in 2009 courtesy of Faithless.
As a producer, Mark has built a reputation for outstanding releases; ‘Man With The Red Face’, ‘Downpipe’, ‘Good Times’, ‘Devil Walking’, consistently topping international dance charts, and has been involved in producing tracks for leading artists, including new output from Faithless and contribution to the latest Underworld album.
And there’s more…
As a DJ, Mark holds international prominence, recognised the world over for his extended 7 hour sets, headlining festivals and clubs from Ultra Music Festival Miami to the Terrace at Space Ibiza.
In 2006, Mark’s belief and desire to inject freshness into a stale club scene, inspired him to program his own parties, this concept became a reality with the launch of Toolroom Knights at Ministry of Sound, London in October ’06.
Having gained unrivalled success as one of THE superior club nights, Toolroom Knights has gone on to generate great global success and support with Mark headlining Toolroom residencies at Cocoon Frankfurt, Space Miami, Ministry of Sound London, Pacha New York as well as hosting Toolroom arenas at key festivals including; SW4 London, Global Gathering UK, Dance Valley Netherlands.
All in all, it’s been a BIG journey for Mark Knight, pioneering a sound and attitude that’s gained respect from fans and industry people alike hungry for the integrity of Mark’s production skills and quality of Toolroom Knights’ parties. And there’s so much more to come.
We Welcome Mark and the crew to DanceRadio and hope you enjoy their stay!
www.djmarkknight.com
www.twitter.com/djmarkknight
www.youtube.com/djmarkknight
www.toolroomrecords.com
First there were Heineken and Edam, then came Sander van Doorn. The Dutch musical genius may not be as mature as his predecessors but he’s certainly made as much of an global impact in his comparatively short career.
Having made his debut in the world-renowned DJ Mag Top 100 at 32 in 2006, before climbing to No.10 in 2009’s poll, the fast rise of Sander van Doorn is a testament to his raw talent and dedication. In just seven years he’s clocked up more dance floor destroyers, sell out gigs and awards than most artists do in a lifetime and his journey is still in its infancy.
From the start Sander (and his alter egos; Sam Sharp, Purple Haze, Filterfunk & Sandler) has produced a variety of sounds at a level that only most producers can dream of, combining elements of trance, electro, techno and house constantly blowing away his fans and comrades, keeping everyone guessing what he’s going to come up with next. His debut artist album ‘Supernaturalistic’ was released in 2008 to rave reviews and launched a 32-date global album tour. He followed this by winning the coveted prize of ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ at WMC’s IDMA, where he also received a nomination for ‘Best Underground Track’ with ‘Riff’ and ‘Best Electro House’ DJ at 2009’s Ibiza House Awards.
It’s not only Sander’s solo productions that keep everyone on their toes but his bootlegs, covers and incredible remixes. This year we have seen Sander deliver official interpretations for multi-million selling and multi-award winning band, The Killers, with his re-working of their single ‘Spaceman’, as well as ‘Peace’ from electronic legends Depeche Mode.
Also let’s not forget his fantastic selection of collaborations, with artists including friend and mentor Marco V on the monster tracks ‘Organic’ and ‘What Say’, and ‘Close My Eyes’, the European Top 20 hit, with a man that needs no introduction, Robbie Williams. Sander is one of the most in-demand genre crossing producers of his generation, his releases regularly picking up support from as wide reaching places as Pete Tong, Judge Jules, Tiesto and Carl Cox – you’re as likely to find his records in a house DJ’s box as a trance DJs. In fact, in 2009, each and everyone one of Sander’s releases (Bastillon, Ninety and Bliksem) have made it to No.1 on Beatport.
Not content with taking the world by storm with his productions, Sander’s DJ skills are a force to be reckoned with. Every year sees Sander play to over one million clubbers. He consistently headlines huge events from Sensation to Global Gathering, from Trance Energy and Mysteryland through to his high profile summer residency at Cream in Ibiza.
It was Sander’s DJing experiences around the world that inspired his own night ‘Dusk Till Doorn’, taking clubbing to the next level, offering the ultimate Sander van Doorn experience. Having already wowed crowds at the launch in May at The Gallery, Ministry of Sound, in Ibiza in June and North America in October, Sander’s musical and visual journey continues to pleasure crowds around the globe.
Sander is extremely grateful to his fans and likes to give back as much possible. You can always be sure to find a couple of competition winners somewhere in an SvD crowd, on his private jet, in the DJ booth or staying at his hotel – Sander believes that giving the fans a piece of the action is a great way of repaying them for their support. In 2006 Sander set up his own radio show, giving fans the opportunity to hear him no matter where they might be. Now in it’s 3rd year and syndicated globally as well as being available as a Podcast, ‘Identity’ has given Sander a platform to distribute the sound that thousands of fans adore.
As Sander approaches the most exciting time of his career and having already achieved so much in a relatively short period of time, it’s easy to see where this man is heading – Number 1!
This is Sander’s return visit to djTR’s Music Vibes coming at you thursday night!
MICHAEL MAILLY began is career in club dj in 1980 at the young age of 16.
Since then Michael has rised up in his recognition of mixing the top clubs in the nations capital (OTTAWA) canada.
it has taken him to be invited to every big clubs openings in the OTTAWA region.
Mixing dance/house rhythms, got following dance music fans to every visit clubs that he appeared in his career.
True to himself and his vision,Michael has been making his club mixing a unique artform and a freedom of musical expression.
But MICHAEL’S career has also brought him to produce tracks and mix compilations (DJ NETWORK & POWERMIXX)
for the NU-MUZIK & PRIMUS record labels!!
Michael holds the most deejay competition wins in the region ,mixing it up a storm at the (NATIONS CAPITAL D.J. COMPETITION)!!
Catch his Fan page at :http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=7884873618&ref=ts
Tune in to catch his weekly show! Thursday Nights on DanceRadio.ca!
Dj Nikki Flame Bio
Nikki has been dj’ing now for over 10 years and has played in many top clubs in Scotland as well as a residency in Ibiza. She has rubbed shoulders with many top names – Anne Savage, Lisa Pin-Up, Rachel Auburn, Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, Darren Emmerson, Lisa Loud and John Digweed to name but a few. After a family break she has now returned to continue the journey. Over the last year Nikki has become the first ever female resident at the well known House night ‘The Rhumba Club’ which has been her favourite place to catch all the top DJ’s over the years. Over the last 1 she has 5 regular radio show s across the globe Most notably here on Dance Radio.ca, (Spritzer Soundz) featuring the best of all the tunes, promos Nikki has received each week.
Nikki’s style ranges from House, Progressive House/Trance , Tech, & Techno. She has unique mixing skills that builds sets progressively and effortlessly blending all the genres to create her HOT sound. “Dance floors across the globe need be on fire with passion and movement for the night to be memorable” commented Nikki “Don’t dim the lights, be bright be seen and keep on dancing, I want to take you on a journey”.
How did you learn to dj Nikki? “Well I was an avid clubber as I loved dance music so much, then I had the chance to play around with a set of Kam Belt Drive decks…OMG,
How hard were those to mix with…sensitive, but I cracked it as I could hear it and you just need to master the equipment, I then invested in my Technics 1210’s and what a dream to play on …and now I have my cdj 2000’s after testing out a few digital mixers and software I think I’ll stick with those, love them as much as my Technics to play”
Her pioneering of new and up & coming artists …whether they are dj/s/producers or indeed record labels is something she enjoys “I love hearing new sounds and keeping the music fresh, there is so much talent out there, it doesn’t always come from the ones who are on top” she adds “we have to keep the scene alive and give a hand up along the way and let the talent shine through” – House is a feeling, keep it real. “It also keeps my sound fresh and interesting, too” Nikki has also embarked on producing her own sound…so watch this space, it’s going to be HOT.
Likes —mmm all things that make em’ shake-it…love mixing up the genres to create a flow, take you on a journey…progressively…always planned out 2 hour sets with some progressive house, into techy techno then some harder edged Progressive tunes with a more trancy vibe then hit em’ hard at the end… 
Work it baby…xxx Seeing ppl dancing with their eyes closed suckin up the vibes…now that’s just priceless….Love the progg gods of dance…like John Digweed, he’s my inspiration and best night ever was Roger Sanchez….the whole crowd was uplifted. Give me anything from Mark Knight, Funkagenda, Wolfgang Gartner, Glitter, Daniel Portman, Guy J, Phunk Investigation, Glen Morrison, Jerome Isma –ae oh and so many more, and also love the work of Axis Trax and their tea\m…they have some really HOT tunage…check em out and also the Audio Dolls are doing great work at the moment aka Gemma Furbank & Steff Smith…love those girls. I Like getting new tunes everyday…and I love Vinyl and that I can play it on my Technics 1210’s still, a skill that many dj’s new to the scene will never have (should take a course I say) and my cdj 2000’s …
Dislike….dj’s who can’t get the flow together…stops the dancers in their tracks and that sucks…some dj’s forget who they are playing for..they get wrapped up in needless showing off…adding loads of FX…too much spoils the flow. Play for the crowd I say..:-)
Road humps, I dislike road humps too..heheheh xxx
Hopes…to play on a React Table one day…now that’s the future right there….
WHO IS RACHEL ELLEKTRA?
Rachel Ellektra. Musician, song-writer, producer, remixer, sound engineer, DJ and much more besides. She’s written for artists like Peyton and Angie Brown, produced for labels like Sony Music and Neo Records and has been recommended by the likes of Danny Tenaglia and Eddie Gordon. Multi-instrumentalist and multi-genre producer, she is almost impossible to ‘pigeon-hole’. So who is she and how did it all begin?…www.axistrax.com). It was initially a label to push out Rachel’s own musical doodles but it fast developed into a magnet for fabulous, undiscovered (and more recently well-established) dance artists. The label soon attracted a string of A-list supporters and celebrated it’s 1st birthday with a big bash at Ministry of Sound, London. Month on month Axis Trax grew and so did Rachel’s reputation as a producer/remixer. 2009 saw her remixing for the likes of Peyton, Park & Hussey, Nightstylers, Joyce Sims and Pete Doyle to name a few. This year her remixes and tracks have already hit 6 different top 10’s including various DMC charts and she’s hooked up with the likes of Colin Waterson, Samantha Stocks, Victoria-Wilson James and Debbie Sharp for some fresh collabs and is also a member of rising electro/breaks act Detroit Starrzz!
Rachel started out as a musician at just 5 years old playing keyboard, violin and guitar and had already been lead guitarist in 2 rock bands playing tracks by Hendrix, Cream and Led Zepplin by the time the dance music bug bit her at the tender age of 15. She began DJ’ing and progressed quickly to taking up her first residency within 6 months of getting her first set of decks. It was early in her DJ career that she first met Grant Nelson (or ‘The Wishdokta’ as he was known in 1992). Combined with her music background and DJ’ing skills, Grant inspired her to get into making dance music having challenged her to produce a tune!
With borrowed and blagged equipment, Rachel soon had the basis of a small studio set up at home. Soon she was putting demos together and sending them out to labels including to Grant hoping that someone would pick them up. His attention was captured by one of Rachel’s tracks entitled ‘Ultracore’. She headed to London and with Grant’s help and experience she polished the production and it saw release via FX Promotions/Boogie Beats Records. This led to her co-writing and producing ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ with Grant for Nice ‘n’ Ripe which went out under the slightly quirky artist name of The Dangerous Brothers.
Rachel continued spinning music at increasingly bigger events having the honour of playing alongside names like Carl Cox, Judge Jules and Louis Gaston (now one half of the Streetlife DJ’s). She also kept on with the tracks and when Grant took time out to head off travelling she started to work with other labels.
At the age of 18 she started her own label Larger Than Life Records which continued the sound she had developed from her time at Nice ‘n’ Ripe and went on to attract attention from the likes of Dreem Team, Tuff Jams and MJ Cole. She also started to branch into funky house and eventually started getting interest from majors such as BMG but sadly the licensing feel through leaving Rachel more determined to rise higher!
Having done a short spell at Amato International (in a joint project with Tim Bran of Dreadzone fame) she started increasingly remixing other artists. She hit lucky when friend Louis Gaston (Streetlife DJ’s) suggested she send her demos to one of the biggest labels of the time Neo Records. MD Eddie Gordon liked her sound and started pushing remix work her way, which led to her drifting towards tribal house. This gained her the attention of everyone from Paul Oakenfold to Danny Tenaglia with Danny even recommending her to people for remix work such as Sara Parker (with whom Rachel remains friends to this day).
In 2001 Rachel returned to her funky house sound. Her cunning mash-up of David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ with DSK’s ‘What Would We Do’ got tongues wagging and dance floors moving. Aczess’ cheekily titled ‘Do What We Would picked up the attention of many a big name DJ with the likes of Judge Jules, Brandon Block and Norman Cook caning it in Ibiza that summer and went on to get signed to Sony’s dance off-shoot INCredible. The track went on to be a massive club smash topping many well-known dance charts and making top 5 in several others.
It seemed as if Rachel was well on the up but sadly at that point she was forced to take a long period of time out due to medical reasons. A few years passed before she was ready to fully return to music making but when she did it was with full force!
In April 2008 Rachel’s label Axis Trax was born (
2010 promises to be a great year for Rachel so prepare to be Ellektrafied!…
Rachel is this weeks guest on djTR’s Music Vibes.
Lift up and Give it up tonight @ BPM as the DR crew touches down in your favourite party town! Your danceradio.ca co-founders Mike (DeltaEcho) and James (DJTR) are locking down the grooves tonight from 2AM – 7AM along side resident beat breaker OneEYE! Come out and get your groove on as we spin the sickest in Tribal, Tech, House and Techno!
