Theo Parrish (born 1972[2]) is an American DJ and record producer based in Detroit, Michigan,[3] and known for his genre-spanning DJ sets and unconventional house productions.[2] He is an owner of the Sound Signature record label,[4] and a member of the group 3 Chairs.[5]
After graduating, Parrish moved to Detroit and became involved in the city's music scene, eventually releasing the track "Lake Shore Drive" as a B-side to a Moodymann 12" in 1995.[2] His first solo release was the Baby Steps EP on Elevate in 1996.[2] Parrish launched the label Sound Signature in 1997, and followed with his debut LP First Floor in 1998 on Peacefrog Records.[2]
He is a member of 3 Chairs,[9] with Detroit DJs Rick Wilhite, Moodymann, and Marcellus Pitman,[5] The Rotating Assembly,[10] and of T.O.M. Project.[11] He often used the Akai MPC 2000XL in his productions.[12]
Style
Parrish became known for his eclectic house DJ sets, in which he mixed "classics and obscurities" from disco, jazz, soul, and new wave.[2] His early releases weaved these influences into "slow-burning, immersive grooves."[2]Vice stated that "his lengthy sets are masterclasses in the manipulation of black dance music, EQ heavy workouts that educate, entertain and inform," and added that "Parrish has an innate understanding of the pleasure that comes with repetition."[13]
