The influences are many as they are eclectic...Daft Punk, Moby, Orbital, Bjork, Miles Davis, Derrick Carter, Thelonius Monk, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Pat Nice, Jacob London, JT Donaldson, Miles Maeda, DJ Heather, Forss, Mr Oizo, Basement Jaxx, Johnny Fiasco, Rithma, Iz & Diz, Lance Desardi, Prefuse 73, Lawnchair Generals, Inland Knights, Swirl People, the list goes on...
Not many DJs get their start playing midnight at a New Year’s Eve party the first time they get their hands on turntables, but for Jeff Bloom, this is exactly how it happened. “I was embarrassed at how terrible I thought it was, but I got so many compliments after the set that I was encouraged and knew if I developed my skills, over time, I could eventually become pretty good.”
Despite the geographical proximity, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago does not necessarily provide one a particularly large exposure to house music. But, after moving into the city at 19 Jeff was inevitably drawn into the underground house music scene.
“It seemed an inauspicious time to be getting into dance music, especially with the digital revolution and with the rave scene was dying down. But it gave me a chance to hone my DJ skills at home, as well as focus on production. The revolution did however become an auspicious time to be getting into production, as computers and home studios were starting to be able to create a professional sound at a fraction of the price.”
Jeff Bloom’s debut single “That Old Thing” (fourplaymusic WMC 2002 10’’ sampler) was a deep house joint that gave some insight into his musical aptitude. “I was really drawn to the performance side of music, and so that most of my early electronic beats including ‘That Old Thing’ were recorded as a live PA using all outboard gear” (Yamaha Rm1-x, and SU700 among others). Over time though, Jeff’s production style began to incorporate aspects of both external hardware and newly evolving software.
His subsequent productions, while often in the “boompty” or “jackin” house variety can venture into the more “techy” realms, carefully blending an experimental edge with a broader appeal. Jeff’s EPs on Patrick Turner’s label Movim (“Can’t Stand Still” MOV-018), and Justin Long’s .Dotbleep (“Comin’ Out Swingin’” DBR-006) showcase his ability to get jazzy and funky, without being afraid to get a bit quirky and dirty.
Jeff gained some of his largest exposure as “Broadway & Wilson,” a duo with Andrew Emil. The pair put out a self titled EP on JT Donaldson and Tim Shumaker’s Gallery label (GMG-009) as well as did a remix for JT’s “Trust Me” for OM Records (OM 170SV) that gained a bit of popularity. Be on the lookout for some highly anticipated new work from this camp.
The success from these projects created an opportunity for Jeff to travel and play in Europe. “DJing in Europe really changed my life. I realized that the house music scene I loved so much in Chicago, was happening all over the world. It was wonderful to be so far from home yet to be surrounded by a new extended family.” During Jeff’s maiden voyage to Europe he had the privilege to play 7 times in 5 cities, including having the honor to play and be interviewed on Brussels Radio on Raoul Belmans’ (Swirl People) radio show. “Jeff Mills was interviewed after me, and just to be in the same room with legends like him and Raoul was a truly humbling experience.”
Jeff currently DJ’s across the country, but predominantly in his home city where the house music scene is still quite strong. You can find him occasionally at spots like Smartbar, and Lava Lounge, but you are more likely to find him going strong at his weekly residency at The Uptown Lounge, which he has done now for over the past two years. “Fridays are great, I get to play whatever I want and get to bring some guests to throw down too.” At most gigs, Jeff’s sets are rooted predominantly in house music, but at The Uptown Lounge you can absorb a more eclectic vibe with music flowing via other genres such as funk, soul, and rock, but always on the way to a bumping late night dance party.
Besides DJing and producing, Jeff is hard at work at creating an online presence with his upcoming website “Bloom.dj” as well as a digital music label Pointfive Recordings. “I’ve always felt that music should be free, but artists should be paid.” It may sound oxymoronic, but it is a revolutionary idea inspired by groups like Radiohead, whose last album was “name your own price,” and still brought in over three million dollars. “What good is making art, if nobody gets to experience it? Giving it away might be the best way to get the most amount of people to hear it, and that’s what I’ve always aimed for.” The idea with the new label is to have releases sold through conventional download sites like Stompy, Beatport, and iTunes, but to also be available for free (with suggested donation of course) straight from the record label web site. “With all of the changes going on in our industry and in the world, it’s a very exciting time to be alive.”
Guesthouse --- -022 A Bump in the Road EP (Stompy Top 100!)
Market House Meats --- B-Sides the Point
Itch N Sniff---INS-003, (Remix)
OM ... OM 170SV, OM 177 VLP (Broadway & Wilson Remix)
Industry Recordings ...004 (Broadway & Wilson)
Gallery ...GMG009 (Broadway & Wilson)
Dotbleep (2)...DBR003 Sampler, DBR006 Comin' Out Swingin' EP
Movim ...MOV018 Can't Stand Still EP
D'Lectable ...??? Unreleased!
FourPlayMusic...AF37227 WMC 2002 promo 10"
Pleasure Recordings (2)...PLE001 (REMIX), PLE002 (Subconscious Collective) [unreleased]
Past DJ venues:
Uptown Lounge, Chicago (Residency)
Smartbar, Chicago
Redlight, Milwaukee
Lava Lounge, Chicago
Subterranean, Chicago
Butterfly Social Club, Chicago
Streetside, Chicago
Rodan, Chicago
Four Nightclub, Chicago
Zentra Nightclub, Chicago
Betty's Blue Star, Chicago
Mercury Lounge, Chicago (Residency)
Borderline, Chicago
D'Vine, Chicago
Spot 6, Chicago
Vision, Chicago
Kabal, Kansas City
La Galleria, Miami
Aubergene, San Diego
Black X, Kortrijk, Belgium
Brussels Radio, Belgium
Knokke, Belgium
Gent, Belgium
L'AMARAL, Brugge, Belgium
+ more!
Jeff Bloom (PO!NTF!VE, Broadway & Wilson)'s Friend Space (Top 16)
Jeff Bloom (PO!NTF!VE, Broadway & Wilson) has 587 friends.
Here is the last one ep of Phobic Recordings with 2 track hot of JR From Dallas, with also two remix of quality by Homer Latham and Tom Special Interest
Yo, Jeff thanks for all the love and hospitality shown the other week while i was out there in Chi-town. Looking forward to doing it every summer (if not more often). Peep my profile cause i got some pics uploaded from my trip. Werd em up, pieces.
Man, it was so cool to finally meet you and rock at the Uptown Lounge with you and Elroy. Last week was a great time... Stay up and on the rise. Pieces, DJ Joemama -ESA
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