My story...
London-born and raised by music-loving parents, I was surrounded by music from the very start. I’ve always been fascinated by how a great song can lift spirits, stir emotion, and bring people together on the dance floor - a curiosity that’s never faded.
I love discovering and sharing new music, as well as rediscovering forgotten gems, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have turned that lifelong passion into a career in the music and creative industries, doing what I love every day.
Biography
Fresh from leaving school Paul worked behind the counter at his local record store whilst simultaneously playing and promoting local club nights and events. Many years, many clubs and much vinyl later, Paul's extensive music knowledge and retail experience led to him being asked to join a team opening a new record store in the heart of London's Soho.
UPTOWN RECORDS
In 1995 Uptown Records opened its doors, and with Paul as Manager quickly established itself as one of the leading independent dance music stores in the UK and the essential must-visit store for any DJ's and dance music enthusiasts wanting to get their hands on the latest and greatest. Regular visitors would include Roger Sanchez, Norman Jay, Ashley Beedle, CJ Mackintosh, Danny Rampling, Eric Morillo, Smokin' Jo, DJ Alfredo, Dimitri from Paris, Jazzy M, Dave Lee, Mousse T, Michael Gray, Ben Watt and many more.
PRODUCTION
It was during his time at Uptown Records when Paul collaborated with another Uptown staff member, Aydin Hasirci (better known as ATFC) on a production called ‘Jungle Juicy Funk' released under the guise of Shere Khan. The track received worldwide support and was licensed by Defected for one of the first Defected In the House compilations.
FourFour PROMOTIONS
With almost two decades of industry experience and contacts under his belt, establishing his own promotions company was a natural progression for Paul. FourFour Promotions, looked after the promotional interests of the some of the industry's leading labels and artists including the Shapeshifters, Sandy Rivera & Deep Vision, Soulfuric, Blaze, West End Records, Peppermint Jam, Knee Deep, Purple Music, MoreHouse, MN2S, Onephatdeeva, Tommy Boy, Salted Music, Philly Groove and many more.
INTERNATIONAL DJ
Much respected and acknowledged for his never-wavering commitment to quality house music, Pauls reputation as a world class DJ grew and he joined the ranks of Defected Management as a resident DJ for Defected events and tours during the labels founding years. The opportunity to perform outside of the UK saw Paul playing regularly in Europe as well as further afield for events in Australia, Brazil, USA and Singapore.
For a comprehensive list of clubs and events go to the CLUBS / GALLERY page.
RADIO
Pauls radio journey began with in 1996 when he joined London's biggest and most influential pirate radio station Girls FM. A few years later Paul was offered the chance to present and launch a new weekly show for Defected from the Ministry of Sound radio studio, later Paul would also host his own show (At the FourFour front) as Ministry of Sound radio moved to digital DAB. Paul now hosts a monthly show 'The Farris Forum' on Vocal Booth Radio.
HOUSEXY
In the spring of 2005 Paul received a call from the Ministry of Sound asking if he would help them put together a 'cool' compilation aimed at the market dominated by Hed Kandi and Defected. The role was to compile the track listing, mix both CD's and help to come up with a name for the compilation. The compilation was mixed live by Paul on 2 CDJ1000's and two Technics 1210 turntables at Wired Masters in London and 'Housexy' was released in September of the same year.
RECORDS LABELS
Paul set up a record label called Soulution releasing two tracks Henny's keys" and "Rainbow" from Crash Control aka Toronto based DJ, producers Dino and Terry. Con Brio records followed with releases from Pray For More Ft Latasha Jordon - 'Breaking Away', the Forum Trax EP Vol 1 and Soularis - 'Don't Change' / 'Taste' which was also licensed for the Miguel Migs compilation '24th Street Sounds.
HOUSE MUSIC AWARDS
Paul and Melanie Farris launched the hugely successful House Music Awards in London in 2004 .
A sold out event attended by Roger Sanchez, David Morales, Frankie knuckles, the Shapeshifters, Ben Watt, Reel People, Ron Caroll, Danny Rampling, Junior Jack, Yousef, Martin Solveig, Nic Fanciulli, Inaya Day, ATFC, CJ Mackintosh and many more.
Now living in Brisbane, Paul hosts a monthly show on Vocal Booth Radio, shares mixes via Soundcloud and plays selectively at events in Brisbane.
View clubs and gallery page.
Listen to the latest and archived mixes on Soundcloud.
