'New Music For A New Day'

CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE has successfully stamped his own sound across the modern dance scene globally, it’s no wonder he is in such worldwide demand. A phenomenally versatile DJ, Lawrence is as renowned for his work in the studio as in the clubs. With a string of albums under his belt, an equally noted remixer, and an innovative producer in his own right, Lawrence continues to take the dance floor by storm placing him in a category of his own.

Over the past few years, Christopher has received numerous awards and accolades; Winner of the “Best DJ” award at the DANCESTAR USA AWARDS, ranking in at Number 3 Trance DJ in the world by BPM Magazine’s “America’s Favorite DJ” poll for 2006, and one of the highest charting American artists in DJ MAGAZINE’S prestigious “TOP 100” DJs flying in at Number #14. Christopher has been nominated and/or won awards at the Dancestar UK Awards, DJ Awards, International Trance Awards, Global DJ Mix Awards, Los Angeles Music Awards and many more. Christopher has also graced the covers of countless magazines and publications worldwide.

Christopher Lawrence is poised to take his career to the next level with the launch of his new label, Pharmacy Music, and the release of 'Subculture', his first mix compilation in four years and perhaps finest mix CD to date. 'Subculture' packs over 60 minutes of tough progressive trance anthems mixed to perfection the way that only Christopher Lawrence can – featuring tracks by John ‘00’ Fleming, Steve Morley, Astrix, and Christopher Lawrence himself.

Lawrence is about to embark on a highly charged North American tour in support of his new album and very own Pharmacy Music Label. Keep an eye out for Christopher Lawrence in a city near you, kicking off in Minneapolis. More dates are soon to follow.

Chatting recently with Christopher, and noting that he was currently in worldwide demand for his musical talents, I first wondered at a young age had he ever thought such statements like this would be accompanying his name? "No, I never had any big dreams regarding my future. I never had any goals. I began DJing professionally by accident and at that time, there was no such thing as an international DJ."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your new mix compilation CD, how would you yourself describe your sound? "The best way to describe my sound would be underground progressive trance. I say underground because I do not play commercial trance anthems. To me, that is entry level trance and not very satisfying. I prefer a stronger and deeper sound but with energy. It is more important to me to create a mix that you will want to listen to over and over for years as opposed to throwing together a mix of the flavor-of –the-month tracks."

And for the record, did you ever consider creating a 'cute' DJ name for yourself instead of using your own name? "When I was first playing out in San Francisco my roommate Tod, the authority on all things cool, said it was lame to use my real name, especially since it was so long, and convinced me to release my first mix tape under the name “DJ Willard”. That lasted about a week as I felt like an ass introducing myself as ‘DJ Willard”! I repackage the tape under my name, but still have a box of tapes with the name Willard on them."

Your album title 'Subculture 01' is an interesting choice, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? "I think the title “Subculture” reflects the sound that I play as well as the sub or counter culture of the electronic dance music scene. This scene evolved almost twenty years ago, but still remains fairly underground in the US."

If there was one mix track on 'Subculture 01' that truly encapsulated Christopher Lawrence at his mixing finest, which one would it be? "My favorite mix on the album is the first mix because the tracks go well together and it sends the tone for the rest of the compilation. I also like the mixes going in and out of Z Machine “Floating in the Void.” There is a lot of work in those mixes."

Noting the quiet, thoughtful artwork for this CD, just what were you thinking about whilst this front cover shot was taken .. and why the sly smile?! "Naughty thoughts about my wife, Sara. You always get the best photos when you think about sex. A friend of mine in a band once told me this when I asked him how he consistently took such good photos. He’s right."

Why was it time to launch your very own new record label, Pharmacy Music ... and why that name? "I have been wanting to start my own label for a while, it has just taken a long time to get it off the ground. The label is a way for me to maintain control over my own music as well as an outlet for good music by other artists. Pharmacy is a great word. It looks good, is fun to say and easy to remember. The name has the implied drug reference and it can also be the cure for your music needs."

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to mix inside and out today if asked ... and why?! "'How Soon Is Now' by The Smiths. There is no way to make it contemporary, but I love that song. It sums up the essence of clubbing."

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "I love penguins. In fact, just a few weeks ago I took a tour to see the penguin colony living off of the coast of Melbourne, Australia. Not many people know it but there is a colony of five hundred penguins in Port Phillip Bay near the mouth of the Yarra. I also recommend “March of the Penguins”, an amazing movie of love and sacrifice."

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Christopher Lawrence's brand new CD, just answer this easy question: Christopher was ranked as the Number 3 Trance DJ in the world by BPM Magazine’s “America’s Favorite DJ” poll for 2006 ... but which two(2) DJs outranked on the list and in which order?

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great new AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before June 15th with your answer and the subject title 'CHRIS LAWRENCE SIGNED CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net