Natural Progression

Born in Tripoli, Libya and raised in Switzerland, Hisham Samawi always had a variety of musical influences in his life. This can be seen in the diversity of the music he blends together: a whirlwind mixture of tech-house, house, electro, breaks, banging drum beats and big basslines. "I don't really know what to call my sound. I just play records that move me and let others worry about what it is called. In my opinion, a good DJ makes everyone leave the club thinking he played a different sound. A good DJ makes a techno fan think he heard techno that night and a house head think he heard house."

Hisham is part of the new wave of talent rising up from New York. As he tours around the country and internationally, his following is growing steadily. In early 2004, Hisham completed an Asia tour with headlining gigs in Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai. He has graced the decks at all the major NYC clubs, and plays regularly in numerous other US cities. Notable globetrotting DJs Lee Burridge and James Zabiela both regarded Hisham as one of the best new artists to emerge from Winter Music Conference 2004.

Adding even more to his job description of DJ/Producer, Hisham recently launched his own record label. Native Theory first emerged as an idea, then a necessary platform to release tracks that defied conventional definition. "None of our tracks fit neatly into the predefined genres that often stigmatize existing labels." Hisham says. At the end of the day, we believe in the quality of our music and are proud to release it on our new label." Hisham is leading this charge with two of his original productions on the label's debut 12" "Holding On," both of which were featured on James Zabiela's Renaissance Alive album. It has already been met with critical acclaim, described as "minimal and innovative" (IDJ), "a solid tool" (BPM), "an unbelievable opening track" (GrooveTickets.com), "cutting edge" (ResidentAdvisor.net) and "Outstanding!" (KCBD News) M8 put it simply: "You know this is going to be big." Together with production partner Dennis Rodgers (112 Crew) there are already several tracks set for release later this year.

With multiple tracks played and charted by many of the scene's most respected DJs, the industry has taken notice of Hisham's production talent. In 2003, his remix of the classic track 'Atlas - Compass Error' on Plastica Red/R.I.P received rave reviews. It was called "earth-shattering," a "can't miss release" by Big Shot Magazine, and DJ Hyper labelled it a "stunning breakbeat mix" in his review for iDJ. Hisham also produced as part of the trio, Dirty. Their debut track, 'Cowbell', was in the June issue of Urb Magazine as one of the top 3 tracks of WMC 2003, and spread to charts at an impressive pace. His productions have received huge support from top DJ talent including Sasha & Digweed, Lee Burridge, Danny Howells, Sander Kleinenberg, and James Zabiela.

Between the launch of Native Theory Records, his upcoming releases, and his increasingly packed touring schedule, this promises to be a breakout year for Hisham.

www.hishamsamawi.com