FLIGHT DECK: Keith Kemp September 11, 2008

A Detroit native, Keith’s exposure to electronic music via Industrial pioneers Skinny Puppy and Brian Eno sparked an early infatuation with synthesizers and audio software. Club life after high school inspired Keith’s interest in spinning records, connecting the dots to Detroit artists such as Plastikman, Underground Resistance and Carl Craig.

During this time, Keith could be spotted collecting vinyl at various record stores around the metro Detroit area, and later selling vinyl at the revered “Dance Room” of Record Time. With a growing record collection, Keith set out to make his mark in the heyday of Detroit’s mid-90’s rave scene, cutting his teeth in the Midwest with travels across the country to Seattle, New York, Memphis, Milwaukee, Omaha, Chicago and of course Ohio and Windsor. These years saw Keith develop into a highly regarded technical performer, combining his love of house, Industrial and German minimalism with Detroit techno, highlighted with performances at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival in 2002 and 2005.

After strictly DJing for a few years, he took the next logical step by cutting down his schedule and returned to his machines, working hard on his own unique take on electronic dance music. A self-described computer nerd and gear head, Keith has been collecting equipment since 1992 and has since established a technical prowess manipulating computers, samplers and synthesizers. He has since focused on various creative areas of electronic music: DJ, producer, operating a label, and performing his own music live.

Currently based in San Francisco, Keith continues to push his deep house and techno inspired compositions with digital and vinyl releases on Beretta Grey, D Records, Ferrispark and Gravid Digital.

THURSDAYS at SURA Ramp Chicago showcases DJs and producers who share their love of techno, house, tech house, and electro in a weekly series in Sura’s futuristic environment. Flight Deck nights feature noteworthy national and international talent while Launch Pad nights feature up-and-coming passionate local acts.

Official Website: http://www.rampchicago.com