Elevation
Elevation has seen rapid success through his musical production talents.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, Elevation‘s interest in music was visible from the start. By the young age of five this interest really began to soar when he touched the piano for the first time in his life. He was immediately fascinated by the instrument and the sound that it made and continued to play for years. To further feed his burning passion for music he was introduced to playing the organ when he was eleven years old. After many years of classical training, and winning first place college level musical scholarships at ages twelve through fourteen, he discovered Electronic Dance Music.
In 2001, when Trance was at its first peak, Elevation purchased his first pair of turntables and a mixer. After getting his feet wet behind the decks and being inspired by artists like BT, ATB, Sasha & Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, and Armin Van Buuren, to name a few, he began to create music on his own.
Elevation’s production skills truly began to soar in August of 2002, while using the infamous bedroom production software, Fruity Loops. During the course of the following year, he produced countless tracks, many of which became favorites among friends and others with whom he shared his work. Shortly after May of 2003, Elevation upgraded his producing software to Reason 2.5, rendering him able to unleash the full potential of his talent.
Elevation’s breakthrough arrived when he submitted a project of his, then entitled Clear Blue Sky, to well-known DJ and producer, Markus Schulz. Schulz, having a keen ear for talent, quickly began work on the track with Elevation, who soon became Schulz’s protégé. After working together for a few short weeks, Schulz and Elevation produced the masterpiece of progressive-trance, Clear Blue. Released on Armada Music imprint Electronic Elements, Clear Blue has seen success worldwide with some of the biggest names in trance today. Together with Markus, Elevation helped conceive the sound that has come to be known as “Coldharbour”. Then, at age 16, Elevation reached heights he never foresaw.
During the course of 2004, Elevation found himself busier than ever. Expanding his DJ career, he began a semi-monthly residency at the prominent club Bleu in Detroit. He has played packed venues in Miami and other places around the US, playing alongside such greats as Armin van Buuren, Gabriel & Dresden, Max Graham, and of course Markus Schulz. Dont be fooled though, he hasnt slacked off in producing! In August of 2004, Elevation completely upgraded his studio and from then on his achievements continued to multiply.
In 2005, Inspired by Markus Schulz, Airwave, Sander van Doorn, Andy Moor, and others he began to explore new sounds. He created his first solo production Ocean Rain which is featured on A State of Trance 2005, Mixed by Armin Van Buuren. Following shortly thereafter Elevation was approached by Armin Van Buuren to remix the single on his artist album Shivers. He also delivered a storming remix of Hammer & Bennett – Language released on Coldharbour Recordings. He has also spent a great deal of time collaborating on the Markus Schulz album. In july, Markus Schulz & Elevation stepped in to the studio once again! This time to give Nalin & Kane’s “Open Your Eyes” the Coldharbour remix treatment, which received confirmed support from Tiesto, Talla 2XLC, Armin Van Buuren, Edgar V, and more.
In 2006, Elevation stepped up to the plate once again. His remixes of Basic Perspective – Small Step On The Other side, Kenneth Thomas Featuring Colleen Riley – Ghost in The machine, and the club stomping remix collaboration with Markus Schulz, Karen Overton – Your Loving Arms (Markus Schulz & Elevation Intro Mix) are seeing strong support from the top DJ’s in the world. Elevation made his debut as a headlining DJ accross the globe in cities such as Las Vegas, Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Previously Elevation held a residency at Detroit’s only super-club; The Bleu Room.
2008 brought much attention to Elevation through his Majai “PHORIA” remix, which hit a high on beatport.com at number 7. The remix was also on Paul Van Dyk’s CREAM Ibiza 2008 mix compilation, and Armin Van Buuren featured the hit in his ‘State of Trance Yearmix 2008! The newest remix for Blackhole Recordings “RENEGADES” has recently been thrown into the scene and has already had much support from the world’s best DJ’s. Biscayne most recently released during WMC 2009, hit 1 on Audiojelly.com for weeks, and was supported and still being played by the World’s best DJ’s. With a few surprises under his belt, Elevation will be dropping a few hits coming soon…be ready!