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In the past six months alone Mark Knight has achieved more than most electronic luminaries do in a lifetime. A Grammy Nomination for his work on the Black Eyed Peas’ multi-platinum album The End at the start of the year; 3 of the biggest selling records on Beatport’s Best Seller’s List – Music Matters, Flauta Magica & Good Times; an IDMA nomination for his Toolroom Knights weekly radio show; and a prestigious Beatport Award for his single Good Times. Not a bad start to 2010 and more than enough reason to confirm why Mark Knight and his Toolroom Records imprint have rightfully and deservedly become one of electronic dance music’s most iconic, influential and driving forces. So where did it all start? As the name suggests, a million miles from the heady world where he now resides, in the relatively unglamorous settings of – you guessed it – a toolroom! In 2004 armed with only an undying lust for house music and a personal vision for a new direction, Mark created a workshop for 21st century dance musicians. Toolroom Records was born and in a short space of time developed from a dream into a uncontrollable beast that now actively enjoys its success as the biggest selling label on Beatport, celebrating their 100th release in 2009 with none other than Faithless and more recently reaching the staggering milestone of 200 releases only a year later. As a producer, Mark has built a reputation for outstanding releases, consistently topping international dance charts with tracks like Man With The Red Face, Downpipe, Conscindo, Good Times and Devil Walking, while working behind the scene on production for leading artists, including new output from Faithless and contribution to the latest Underworld album. As a DJ, Mark holds international prominence, recognised the world over for his extended 7-hour sets, headlining festivals and clubs from Ultra Music Festival Miami to the Terrace at Space Ibiza. Yet not content with merely turning up and performing at other people’s parties, in October 2006 Mark’s belief and desire to inject freshness into a stale club scene inspired him to programme his own events. Toolroom Knights launched at London’s Minstry of Sound in October ’06 and has gone on to gain unrivalled success as one of THE superior club nights. Generating massive global acclaim, Mark headlined Toolroom residencies at Cocoon Frankfurt, Space Miami and Pacha New York as well as hosting Toolroom arenas at key international festivals – SW4 London, Global Gathering UK and Dance Valley in the Netherlands are just some that have capitulated beneath his titanic house sound. It’s been a big journey for Mark Knight and one that shows no signs of slowing down. A pioneer of both a sound and an attitude towards house music that’s gained respect from fans and industry people alike. Mark now kick-starts the second half of 2010’s adventures with his third personal mix for the critically-acclaimed and commercially successful Toolroom Knights compilation series. Featuring breath-taking new talent as well as exclusive tracks never heard before, the double CD album is also supported by a mammoth world tour that will take in the biggest venues across United States, Brazil, Europe and beyond. The world is waiting and yet again, Mark Knight and the Toolroom stable are set to deliver. There’s still so much more to come. www.djmarkknight.com |