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Aphrodite
- Avg user rating:
Out of 61 votes - Similar Artists: Mickey Finn, Hype, Zinc, Grooverider, Storm, Aquasky
Out of 61 votes
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Genre: Electronic & Dance » Jump-Up
Editor's review
With a succession of sample-heavy, low-riding jump-up tunes that date from the beginning of the rave era to the present day, Aphrodite cuts the sort of drum 'n' bass that will make the hairs on your arms tingle. Not only does he run the successful Urban Takeover label with U.K. producer/DJ Mickey Finn, but Aphrodite has a reputation as the man who puts the bass in drum 'n' bass.
Biography
Due to hit stores in late August, Overdrive is an intense journey through drum-and-bass, perfect for those long, sweaty nights under the strobe lights. Using an array of tempos and influences ranging from hip-hop to bhangra, Aphrodite has created a mesmerizing mixture that is sure to please. Listeners are treated to an exclusive collaboration with UK soul star Beverley Knight on "Sometimes" (double 12-inch available August 9th). Overdrive also features a number of Aphrodite originals, including a special remix with coproducer and former Urban Shakedown partner Mickey Finn on the album’s final track.
London-based DJ/producer Aphrodite, aka Gavin King began his musical career during England's 1988 "Summer of Love," smack-dab in the midst of the country's Acid House clubbing explosion. King and a partner ran a club night called "Aphrodite." The "Goddess of Love" theme fit the Summer of Love, and so did the Aphrodite-tag when the pair started getting booked all over England as "the Aphrodite DJs." Eventually, the moniker fell to King, who became DJ Aphrodite.
As the UK club scene began to shift to hardcore breakbeat and jungle in the early 1990’s, Aphrodite found himself a major player as both a promoter and a DJ. Turning his hand more towards production, Aphrodite established his own Aphrodite Records label in the mid 1990’s, essentially giving birth to the catchy form of jungle that would later become known as "jump-up”.
By 1996, Aphrodite had formed Urban Takeover Records with partner Mickey Finn. The duo was responsible for such classic tunes as "Badass.” Urban Takeover is also credited with releasing the first major drum-and-bass record to come out of North America; “Man of Steal" by Toronto's Vinyl Syndicate.
With his self-titled U.S. debut for V2/Gee Street in 1999, Aphrodite secured his place in the hearts of American drum-and-bass fans as the "King of Beats". Now, with over 30 releases to his name and a non-stop touring and production schedule, Aphrodite shows no sign of slowing down. His latest release, "Overdrive" is out on Feed Records August 23rd, 2005. Tour dates will be announced shortly.
