Maelstrom began his career playing and producing Electro in the mid 90's, drawing influence from the works of Mo'Wax Recordings. It was in the period proceeding this, from 1998 through to 2005, that Maelstrom struck somewhat of a mid-career identity crisis, dabbling in a variety of genres and releasing more than 20 EPs in various styles including Techno, Drum n Bass, Hardcore and Down Tempo Funk under several aliases.
In 2005, Maelstrom realized his calling, finding new direction in a genre that was virtually unknown in his home country, France, at the time - Nu Skool Breaks. The open format of Breakbeat allowed him to synthesize all of the styles and sounds of which he has previously produced, played and loved throughout his career. This combined with the fact that he had found himself at the forefront of a new scene in France allowed Maelstrom the liberty to be creative and adventurous with his work and inspired him to create what is now unique recognized as the Maelstrom sound: Funky rhythms sampled from Soul and R&B music archives, layered with loud, phat basslines, a tough techno styled groove with a straight-up breakbeat swagger.
With a number of releases on Jalapeno Records and Rotax with the well respected and renown, Napz, and also on Labrok, Menu Music and West Records, Maestrom has quite simply exploded onto the scene in the past two and half years, drawing the support of artists across the globe, including the likes of Krafty Kuts, Aquasky, Lady Waks, Cut La Roc, the Utah Saints, Ellis Dee, Rennie Pilgrem and the Plump DJs!
With a recent release in "Disto Funk" recently selected by Krafty Kuts for his Fabric Live compilation, and several more receiving the remix treatment from the likes of the Drumatic Twins and Myagi on the way, Maelstrom is presently the name on everyone's lips.
Since June, 2008, Maelstrom is running the label KATORZA, beside Redux. At the same time he joins Expressillon for a personal introspective journey across his influences, sheds of the first free parties left up to the break / electro of the European clubs he plays in today, confronting them with his current techniques of production. |
