Research of sounds

About
Chris Staropoli has produced his music under many aliases including Hyperdrive, TKC, Be Fly, Electric Mood and Americano X-Press, but arguably he is most well known by his earliest moniker That Kid Chris. With inspiration from the New York underground scene of the 90’s to ethnic rhythms heard around the world, his productions have been playlist staples to deejays the world over. Getting his earliest start by spinning mix tapes for friends, he has turned a passion for music into a career of deejaying, producing, and remixing.

Having been introduced to New York City's thriving club scene in his early teens when he visited the legendary Funhouse Disco, he credits this time in his life as a huge influence in his future music-making. Chris kick started his production career when he released ‘Keep On Pressin’ under the alias That Kid Chris. The tune had major buzz in the UK and was licensed by Sasha and Digweed for their seminal release entitled ‘Renaissance: The Mix Collection’, which went on to become the highest selling dance music compilations of all time. John Digweed later invited him to guest DJ on his prestigious ‘Transitions’ Radio Show [Kiss FM, London 03-22-2003]. Chris followed this release with ‘Feel Tha Vibe’, released in the U.K. on Manifesto Records, which went to #1 on the Muzik Magazine U.K. Dance Chart. Capitalizing on this notoriety, he began working with some of the top record labels in New York with several releases on Strictly Rhythm, Henry Street, Eightball and Nervous. This momentum led to DJ gigs at top NYC venues at the time- Roxy, Tunnel (residency), Limelight(residency), and Vinyl, all the while touring the rave circuit which was flourishing at the time. More stand-out releases followed including ‘Tonight’, released on G2 and licensed to Cream(U.K.), and ‘Come Together’, released on Junior Boys Own(U.K.); both featured on Pete Tong’s Radio One Essential Selection. With his production career in full swing, Chris shifted gears a bit with a new alias called Electric Mood, a collaboration with his now wife and vocalist Melanie S.. The track entitled ‘Sacred Dance’, released on Yoshitoshi, sports a haunting and unforgettable vocal, and has appeared on many top compilations, most notably Deep Dish’s Global Underground Toronto and Carl Cox F.A.C.T Australia II -A Global Tour. The duo continued on their musical path and later released ‘Reflections’, a cult-classic of sorts, which later became an anthem when Chris and his long time pal Victor Calderone collaborated on the remixed version, resulting in a timeless classic.

Always looking to push boundaries in the studio, Chris was ready, when major labels such as Arista, Atlantic, Maverick, Columbia and Jive requested his remixes for many of their top-selling artists. Some of his works included club remixes for the likes of Santana, Missy Elliott, Monica, Brandy, Rob Thomas, Vivian Green, Chris Brown, Lil Kim, Deborah Cox(#1 on Billboard Dance Chart) and Madonna, who featured his remix of 'What It Feels Like For A Girl' on her "Greatest Dance Remixes" compilation. Other notable remixes such as Danny Tenaglia’s ‘The Space Dance’, De’lacy’s ‘Hideaway’, Alcatraz’ ‘Give Me Luv’ and Bob Sinclair’s ‘Kiss My Eyes’ have cemented his reputation as a remixer.
Late in 2007, Chris launched his record label ‘TKC Music’, based in New York specializing in the deeper, more late night side of music. The imprint has become notorious for exploring the areas between tribal and techno with emphasis on sound quality and forward thinking production while always honoring the classic roots of house music. The boutique style label has been setting trends and giving exposure to many upcoming production talents. Some of today’s more popular producers such as Pirupa, Leon, Dave Rosario & Marc Galindo all got there start on TKC Music. Artists such as DJ PP, Chus & Ceballos, Austin Leeds, David Penn, Abel Ramos, D-Formation, Carlos Manaca, DJ Vibe, Ismael Rivas, Oscar L, John Creamer & Stephane K have all appeared on the label.

Now a veteran in the scene, but with no slowing down in sight, Chris still exudes the same passion for music and love for all things underground. As a DJ he has been afforded the opportunity to play at some of the worlds most legendary clubs such as Twilo, Sound Factory, Crobar, Pacha, Womb(Tokyo), Industria(Portugal) MOS(Tapai) and Stereo(Montreal). Chris not only continues to reinvent himself behind the decks, he pushes the envelope with every production and remix he masters. Producing and engineering his own records, he strives to be innovative in his attempts to master every idea, and give it life. Late in 2013, he released his third mixed compilation LP entitled Chris Staropoli-Destination : New York [2XCD]. A departure from all his past monikers, a rebirth of sorts. Featuring 29 Tracks in total, many of them originals, the album has been well received and supported by many of the worlds top DJ’s including Richie Hawtin.

Links
https://soundcloud.com/djthatkidchris
https://www.facebook.com/DJTHATKIDCHRIS/
http://tkcmusic.com/