Roy Davis Jr. describes the music that he makes as "soul electrica"; soul music mixed with electronics. His style has changed and grown up through the years as he returned to the spiritual side of house music, away from the sound that he once was associated with - Phuture's "acid" and "wild pitch." Today, Roy's production style expands more on the soulful elements of house, combined with an unmistakable deep funk sound of Chicago. An artist in every sense of the word, he even contributes Curtis Mayfield-like falsetto vocals to many of his songs.
Originally born in California, Davis moved to Chicago's south side early in his childhood. After being turned on by legendary acid-house pioneers like Phuture and Lil' Louis, he became a DJ and began producing as well, with his first single, "20 Below," recorded for the Jack Trax label. Added on board the Chicago house production team Phuture as a replacement for DJ Pierre, Roy Davis Jr. later followed his mentor to New York and worked at Strictly Rhythm, recording his own singles for Force Inc., Big Big Trax and Power Music.
In 1991, Roy got together with Jay Juniel and Sheena Mahome and started the group Umosia on Polydor/Big Beat. "We are Unity" was the first single. Roy then went to Strictly Rhythm, where he brought his talent and skills to develop into great forms of art with the Believers' "Who Dares To Believe In Me?", Underworld's "Angels Calling", Phuture "Rise From Your Grave", "Inside Out" and also the internationally-respected Roy Davis Projects 1-3.
In 1996 Roy and a nineteen year-old producer, Peven Everett, recorded a song titled "Gabrielle" that became an anthem in dance music, a year's end Top Ten hit on many of the European radio and charts. It was a tune that would change Roy's musical direction as well as take him back to his spiritual roots. The year 2000 also saw Roy diversify his production work with critically acclaimed remixes for Gus Gus, Eric Benet & Faith Evans, Terry Dexter, and Hip-Hop queen Mary J. Blige.
Roy will continue his remix work, and is also in the process of making tracks for Wesley Snipes' upcoming movie Blade 2. He also composed music for a touring production of the Alvin Ailey Dance theatre of Harlem. Finally, Roy will continue his work as one of the top touring DJs in the world, and his busy performance schedule sees him spinning in venues worldwide. |
