Satoshi Tomiie is, quite simply, Japan's
most successful International DJ and House producer. Satoshi's
music career began at an early age when his parents encouraged
him to study the piano. He trained for an admirable ten years,
developing a distinct passion for jazz. In school he played
in various bands. Soon after, the sound of Hip Hop provoked
him to not only form his own band but also to start his foray
into DJ'ing and production. Then came house, as he became
fascinated by the early Chicago mix-tapes he was hearing.
A Japanese cosmetic company asked Satoshi to produce a track
for their forthcoming promo parties where legendary DJ Frankie
Knuckles was performing. Knuckles saw the potential in Satoshi's
music and asked if he was interested in collaborating. The
final result of their partnership was "Tears", a
defining moment in vocal house and a song now commonly regarded
as an all time classic. Satoshi soon took the leap and moved
to New York. Since his seminal hit "Tears" with
Frankie Knuckles back in 1989, he has gone on to become a
major part of the acclaimed Def Mix crew. Through this relationship
he has remixed and worked with the likes of Simply Red, David
Bowie, U2, Mariah Carey, Misia (Japan's #1 R&B artist),
just to name a few.
Even though Satoshi was a major DJ in Japan, the challenge
of spinning along side House greats like David Morales and
Frankie Knuckles became the motivation for developing his
own sound and identity and has established Satoshi as a headliner
and a mainstay in the DJ community. He tours constantly and
can be found spinning records in major clubs around the world.
In 2000 Satoshi wrote and produced his debut album for Sony
entitled "Full Lick" featuring performances by Kelli
Ali (former lead singer of Sneaker Pimps), Diane Charlemagne,
Robert Owens and others. The album has been met with critical
acclaim by his fans and the press with each single enjoying
top ten dance chart success. "Up in Flames", one
of the singles from the album, included mixes from John Digweed
and became a number one dance hit in the UK. It is also featured
on a number of mix cd's including Global Underground mixed
by Steve Lawler. In the US, "Up in Flames" and "Darkness"
established Satoshi's presence in the Alternative music scene
as well as the Dance music scene. The upcoming Global Underground
compilation mixed by John Digweed features "Love in Traffic"
the latest release from "Full Lick" in addition
to three other "Satoshi" productions/remixes.
Recently, Satoshi launched his own label "SAW.RECORDINGS".
It was Satoshi's desire to create a platform from which he
would be able to showcase ideas and creativity that are more
experimental and underground. His first single entitled "Paranoize"
by Bipath has caused major excitement from DJ's worldwide.
SAW.RECORDINGS is an example of the direction that Satoshi
is heading in, acknowledging the changes in the dance music
scene, thus shifting what House music is. House music never
stops evolving and expanding its borders and Satoshi Tomiie
will be in the forefront of this movement. Not forgetting
his Def Mix roots, Satoshi will release a mix compilation
for Definity Records this summer as he continues to DJ globally.
