In the realm of modern DJ culture, few artists possess the versatility to seamlessly transition from intimate club sets to commanding the grandeur of high-profile festivals or even sharing the stage with a colossal figure like Kanye West. A-Trak is one of those rare individuals who effortlessly spans this spectrum, holding a truly unique place in the music world.
A-Trak's journey into the music industry took a significant turn in 2007 when he founded Fool's Gold, a record label that would become a focal point for merging the various dimensions of club music. At its core, the label's mission was to blur the lines between genres and create a musical fusion that resonated with a diverse audience. This vision was first articulated in A-Trak's debut mixtape, "Dirty South Dance," which not only set the stage for his own production but also established a new standard for remixing. Each acapella and track were masterfully re-edited to craft something fresh, setting a precedent for innovative soundscapes.
In a remarkably short span of time, A-Trak's signature remixes, featuring artists like Boys Noize and Simian Mobile Disco, garnered widespread acclaim, while his original tracks, including "Say Whoa" produced for Nike and released on Kitsuné, made waves in the music scene. A memorable collaboration with Laidback Luke on "Shake It Down" further solidified his reputation, receiving support from influential figures such as Erol Alkan, Busy P, DJ AM, Annie Mac, MSTRKRFT, and Boys Noize. The year saw A-Trak creating two critically acclaimed DJ mixes, one for the esteemed US dance music label Thrive titled "Infinity +1" and the other for the renowned UK institution Fabric, known as "Fabric Live 45." As if his plate wasn't full enough, he was also on the cusp of recording his debut solo record.
A-Trak's meteoric rise in the music world is all the more remarkable considering his beginnings as a prodigious turntablist in the 1990s. At the tender age of 15, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning the 1997 DMC World Championships, a prelude to a slew of other prestigious DJ titles. He embarked on a global tour, first as part of Q-Bert's Invisibl Skratch Piklz and later joining forces with Craze and the Allies. His talents caught the discerning eye of none other than Kanye West, who handpicked A-Trak to serve as his tour DJ in 2004. Over the course of nearly a decade, A-Trak's youthful exploits were vividly captured in his acclaimed DVD, "Sunglasses Is A Must."
In addition to his achievements as a DJ and producer, A-Trak has also carved out a niche for himself as a streetwear culture icon. He has engaged in successful collaborations with a slew of influential brands, including Nike, New Era, Kidrobot, Zoo York, and various prominent fashion designers. Recent years have seen him headlining tours alongside the likes of Diplo, The Rub, DJ Mehdi, and Kavinsky, as well as sharing the stage with his older brother's band, Chromeo. His far-reaching influence extends to his work with Chicago rap sensation Kid Sister and his audible imprint on Kanye West's "Graduation" album. A-Trak's forthcoming solo debut is preceded by a four-track EP produced in collaboration with Armand Van Helden, operating under the moniker Duck Sauce.
After years of mastering the art of scratching, accumulating air miles, and evolving his distinctive style, A-Trak has assumed the role of the go-to artist for making crowds of all ages dance. To him, this moment represents the culmination of a lifelong career, and he's never been more ready to embrace it.
