Green Velvet

This music industry legend, trailblazer, and currently one of the hottest DJ’s and
producers on the underground electronic music scene...Green Velvet… came into
existence more than 25 years ago. In 1993 Green Velvet launched Relief Records
and since that time has been a constant presence in the industry.
When this very eccentric, green Mohawk wearing Green Velvet emerged, he sent
shock waves throughout the House and Techno music scenes. What was even more
intriguing was his background. Born in the southern suburbs of Chicago, IL he has
always been an active athlete and focused student determined to follow his dream
of becoming a chemical engineer. While he excelled scholastically he was socially
introverted, but always committed to finding ways to share his enthusiasm for
living.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he began DJ-ing while attending undergraduate
school at the University of Illinois and later graduate school at U of C Berkley. Until
one day, he realized that while his dream was to become a chemical engineer…his
passion…his God given talent was to pursue life in the music industry. That passion
and commitment led him back to his hometown, and clearly kept Chicago on the
House Music map.
Even today, more than 25 years later…it is difficult to go to any electronic music
festival or set and not hear music from Green Velvet/Relief Records. Crowds
everywhere sing along when notable hits like: Bigger than Prince, Flash, La La Land,
Lazer Beams, Live Stream, Preacher Man, Shake and Pop, Sheeple, Suga, and
Voicemail, are blasting across the airwaves.
Part of the history of Green Velvet and Relief Records is all about the Love…. Love of
the music…Love of the fans…Love of other artists. The history of great releases on
the label and artists speak to this. There are too many artist collaborations to
mention…. but the likes of: Carl Craig, Detlef, Eats Everything, Jay Lumen, Mark
Knight, Mason Maynard, Mihalis Safras, Patrick Topping, Prok|Fitch, Riva Starr,
Shiba San, and of course …GET REAL, (the ultimate collaboration of Green Velvet
representing Chicago… the birth place of House and Claude VonStroke…growing up
in Detroit… the birth place of Techno) attest to his commitment to work with both
established and emerging artist.
One thing is very clear, in this industry success and change go hand in hand. Staying
current with the scene and his fans is paramount. 2013 was a big year for Green
Velvet: Bigger than Prince was voted the #1 Underground Dance Track of the year
by International Dance Music Awards and Green Velvet, the artist, received the Life
Time Achievement Award from Beatport. In 2017 Green Velvet was voted the #1 DJ
in North America by DJ Mag.
2018 is another record-breaking year: Relief Records reached the #1 Label in
Beatport Top 100 (all genres), Sheeple, (a collaboration with Green Velvet &
Prok|Fitch) held down the #1 spot for 8 weeks.
Green Velvet will introduce yet another innovation to his music arsenal beginning
with the 2018 launch of the LA LA LAND STAGES.
“It’s all about our fans, about their love, support, loyalty and encouragement.” More
than 25 years and going stronger than ever…no doubt…the best is yet to come!