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Dj FM
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The world of electronic dance music has changed rapidly in the past several years. Advances in technology have made it possible for independent artists to write, perform, and produce their own material, then distribute that material electronically over the internet, all without the benefit of a studio or the support of a major recording label. Additionally, electronic acts such as the Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers, as well as their US counterparts The Crystal Method, Dubtribe Sound System, and Rabbit In The Moon have taken techno out of the studio and created stunningly diverse live performances of music that had for years been strictly DJ-oriented. The question remains, however - who will be the new innovators in this era of live electronic music? Enter The FM Initiative.... Dj FM, otherwise known as Jon Gerler, has been making music all his life. Trained on piano and trumpet as a child, he gained a fundamental knowledge of basic music theory and song arrangement. In and out of bands in high school, Jon simultaneously learned to play electric and bass guitar, and upon entering college purchased a four-track which he would use to begin cutting his own demo tracks. Largely rock-based, these instrumentals were not reflective of his diverse range of musical interests, from classical to hip-hop to industrial and metal. It was during this time that Jon discovered the so-called "rave" scene of the early 90's, which would inspire his fascination with DJ-ing and DJ culture. Continuing to play in rock and alternative groups, Jon met Chris Wimberley of Raleigh area bands Lazarus Rattle and The Day, whom with long-time friend Jason Clevenger and guitarist Daniel Phelps formed S.G.O. The group decided to cut a demo with Osceola Studios (The Connells, Cravin' Melon, Blues Traveller), where Jon met producer/engineer Thomas Mohbat. Internal conflicts eventually sent the members on their separate ways, but Mohbat and Gerler continued to work together upon discovering their mutual interest in electronic dance music. Still regularly attending raves, Jon also began DJ-ing, adopting Dj FM as his stage name. Armed with a pair of Pioneer CDJ-700s and a DJM-500 Mixer, Jon prefers compact discs to conventional vinyl. "I have nothing against vinyl as a medium. The simple fact remains that CDs are more cost effective for independent artists to produce, and I've found that production costs are a tremendous factor keeping new artists out of the public eye." 
In Fall 1996, Jon began work on his solo debut with Mohbat acting as producer and engineer. The result of their efforts, the "breakup" EP, was a flawless merger of both live and programmed instrumentation - techno that was both danceable and atmospheric, yet which retained the "organic" textures of conventional rock & world music. "Breakup" was released in spring 1998 to much critical acclaim, from such well-known names as Frank Capra, Jr., producer of television's "Dawson's Creek," but there was still work to be done. Enlisting the assistance of former S.G.O. drummer Jason Clevenger (and eventually a vocalist to help round out this "power trio"), Jon assembled The FM Initiative to perform his material in a live setting. 1999 holds much promise for The FM Initiative, who are preparing to enter the studio to record their debut LP "Hours, Minutes, and Seconds," a record which will continue to push the boundaries of electronic dance music even further by incorporating heavy doses of live drumming, percussion, and guitars with electronic textures. They will also continue to explore the possibilities of electronic distribution for their music. Those who have ears will hear. The saga continues....
(MP3) (Real Audio) 
Baranquilla (MP3) (Real Audio)
Proton Girl (MP3) Real Audio)
Please contact the band at: djfm@bellsouth.net Dj FM Official Homepage: www.djfm.com |
The FM Initiative
Since 9 September 1999 |
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