Gene Farris is one of the Chicago mainstays that proves that hard work and the inability to stay still will reward you to no end. His Farris Wheel Recordings just unveiled its 100th release, a long way from his first one in 1998. Featuring 13+ artists that have prior releases on the label, this labor of love took six months of preparation and features all brand new music from the likes of Sonny Fodera, Demarkus Lewis & Samma Lone, DJ Mes, Wally Callerio, Jerome Baker, the Pool House crew, Gene Farris of course and more.
Aside from running his label Gene is currently working on an album with a superstar cast that is slated to come out in early summer. Some of his collaborators are Loco Dice, Jesse Rose, Doorly, Sonny Fodera, Cajmere, Nathan Barato and Mihalis Safras.
Not to stop there, he also has the incredibly successful monthly party at Primary in Chicago entitled “Gene Farris and Friends.” With ten shows under their belt, the one year anniversary is just around the corner. You always know when it’s his event because the club gets ridiculously packed. Chus and Ceballos, Mark Farina, Harry Romero, Moon Boots… it’s not just the high caliber guests he brings in but the family vibe that always makes the night a guaranteed win.
And family is the one thing that has changed Gene’s life around. When his son Amare was born two and half years ago, “it was like a light switch turned on. I started taking my job a lot more seriously, and my career has completely changed,” he says. “I’ve been in the studio a lot more, putting out a lot more music and being more focused on the decks.” His touring has been nonstop, and he’s continued working with folks like Cajmere, Dirtybird and VisionQuest.
He’s also quit drinking since August, which he attests has made a tremendous change in him as well. “I’m in a positive place, I have a new girlfriend, it’s all been a blessing.”
Farris Wheel Recordings 100 is out now on Traxsource.
Published first in 5 Mag Issue #128, featuring Chicago Skyway, the Euro-Disco of Voyage, Getting Started in Vinyl, Ortella, Moppy & more. Become a member of 5 Magazine for First & Full access to everything House Music.
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