Chris J (Chris Kowalski) is a sound designer and producer living in the Los Angeles area. Born and raised in Chicago, Chris was exposed and inspired by the sounds of his city early on. His influences span salsa, jazz, new wave, industrial, hip-hop and of course the classic Chicago house sound.
As a child Chris reluctantly studied classical piano, realizing only later it would became one of his greatest passions, and his path to creative success personally and professionally. Throughout his teens Chris developed an affinity for the dark lush and soulful synthetic sounds of bands like Depeche Mode, Front 242, and New Order. In the mid 90s while studying improvisational jazz at the DePaul School of Music Chris first experimented with writing electronic music.
His early productions were made on the Demoscene sequencer “Screamtracker”, which soon after evolved into Impulse tracker. In 2000 Chris became an early beta tester of the revolutionary music production software Reason by Propellerheads. Nine years later Chris has had the pleasure of releasing his music on such revered labels as Good Looking Records, Covert Operations, Telluric, Svek , Statra, Grayhound, Phuturistic Bluez, Upstairs Recordings, Movim, Gamma Ray, Sensei and Spaced out. Presently Chris is working as an audio engineer for Double Helix Games.
out now - MISSPENT011 Sub - Cerberus EP /w Cycom & ICR remixes
Continuing on with an international agenda, ICR pushes forward with his Misspent Music digital imprint. In the latest installment, the Hungarian label head invites SUB, a cornerstone in the Austrian drumfunk scene, for the eleventh release. SUB's four-track 'Cerberus EP' is a guaranteed adrenaline-fueled journey for all fans of tight, intricate drumwork. "It's the best release on Misspent yet" ~ DJ Flight "A very good release for people who love the original d&b sound." ~ Equinox
coming in may: MISSPENT012 ICR - Feels Like Spring / Tingle Tangle
After Sub's cold, winter release, Misspent 012 is all about uplifting and emotive textures. This colorful and vibrant offering is sure to put smiles on dancers' faces as they open up windows and let the fresh sounds in.
Online Now!
