Emerald Steps

Kerri Chandler

Mad House, New Jersey

Kerri Chandler is a pioneer and a walking juxtaposition of the old and the new. His style and the type of music he plays has remained relatively constant for a number of years, and yet, in many ways he can be said to be one of the most innovative artists around today. Growing up with a DJ dad made the club a home from home, and Kerri stepped up to the controls at an early age. Kerri does soulful US house since more than two decades, and he does it his way, New Jersey style. Deep basslines and smooth grooves play over complex drumbeats, driving in tempo before long ambient grooves take their place to transcend the standard loud-quiet-loud dynamic. His tracks use everything from gospel to jazz and have a strong focus on vocals ingrained on him from his native New Jersey. Also an accomplished engineer and producer, Kerri has long been interested in manipulating sound and using new technology. Reel to reel tapes, 12"s, CD turntables and even laser beams, it seems the man could connect a car battery to a platypus and still get a good sound out of it. Equally at home playing to two hundred people or two thousand, Kerri always aims to deliver when he performs and remains thankful for the opportunity to play great music. A basement, a red light and a feeling.