The Outfit


Hi! How’s it going?

Great, thanks 🙂

How has your year been so far? Whats your plans for the festive season?

Our second year has been really successful at Apollo. Our listenership and DJ support has increased tenfold and we couldn’t be more excited.

Really digging the new LP on Apollo! What’s your relationship with the label? How did you come to release with them?

Thank you! Glad you are digging the release. As for Apollo, I am one of the founding members of the label, along with Lil’ Mark and DJ Heather. We are all close friends and really enjoy working together.

Were you always musical growing up? 

Yea. I started on the piano when I was four or five. I played piano until fifth or sixth grade, when my parents let me switch to drums and percussion. I then played in band, marching band, jazz band and more all the way past high school.

I think the funny part was in 1994, when my folks came home one day and the drum set was gone and a pair of turntables took its place, lol. (Well, they didn’t think it was funny)

What inspired you to make house music?

Well, for me it was a pretty natural progression over the years. This moniker is a bit new, but I’ve released well over 60 records and digital releases over a span of 23 years in house music, so I really enjoy the expression. There’s honestly nothing better than watching people enjoy something you had so much fun making. It’s really powerful.

Tell us about growing up in Chicago and the affect it had on your sound and career?

Chicago is truly the epicenter of house music. Not only that, it’s the home of the blues, so the music scene is just unbelievable. You can hear any type of live music 7 days a week. It’s really inspiring.

I think that being a part of the Chicago rave and club scene for the last 20 years has also allowed me to be around some of the best artists in the business, so I’m truly grateful. I’ve really learned a lot.

How did you come to get Chuck Daniels on the remix? Is he a good friend?

I’ve known Chuck on and off for at least 15 years or so. He’s a top notch cat. We met thru our mutual friend Jason Hodges.

How would you describe your sound?

The Outfit moniker is pure Chicago house, acid & tracky.

What are the best places to party in Chicago?

Smartbar has always been a favorite. The club has really come a long way over the years and it’s great to see all the newfound success and respect the venue has attained.

Which artists would you say have been the biggest influences on your sound?

Sticking to house music, I’d say Ron Hardy and Phuture.

Top 5 records in your bag at the moment?

1. Phil Kieran – Bomb
2. Honey Dijon – Personal Slave (Matrixxman Remix)
3. Torrfisk – Flash
4. Brett Johnson – Give It To Them
5. Mikey V – The Jones (JT’s Acid Version)

Best place in Chicago to dig for records?

Well, I miss the old spots like Hot Jams & Hip House, but Gramophone has always been the number one spot.

Where did the name The Outfit come from?

It’s a play off of the Chicago crime syndicate in the prohibition era. It was originally intended to be a guise for a group of people, however as of today, it’s been a solo effort thus far. Not to say that couldn’t change…

What does the future hold for The Outfit ? Any further goals and ambitions to accomplish?

You’ll see ongoing production for Apollo, both original and remix material. Further goals equal taking over the world with acid house 🙂

Flex What U Workin Wit is out now! Grab it here: 

https://www.beatport.com/release/flex-what-u-workin-wit/2151492