John Hawley - Laundry Bar - Miami US - May 2008

Biography of John Hawley

Music and dance have always been driving forces in Jonn Hawley's life. At the age of nine, Hawley learned to play the saxophone, cello, trombone, and standup bass. As a teenager, music continued to shape the course of Hawley's life; in the late eighties he began break dancing in clubs throughout Milwaukee and Chicago. Unfortunately, in 1991 a knee injury ended Hawley's dancing days. Instead of backing away from his passion for music, Jonn was able to turn his misfortune into what is now a successful career by actively pursuing his love of music as a DJ. Hawley drew inspiration from the budding House and Techno music scenes in Chicago and Detroit. His career as DJ was influenced by the sounds of Derrick Carter, Ralphi Rosario, Mark Farina, Derrick May, Green Velvet and 'Fast' Eddie Smith. Hawley's musical talents were quickly recognized. Along with playing at numerous raves he soon found himself playing at some of the most influential clubs in Chicago and Milwaukee, such as: Karma, Red No. 5, Smart Bar, Mad Bar, Dragon Room, Tom Tom, Three, Dish and Thai Joes. He was also named resident DJ at Milwaukee's Summerfest in 1998.

In 1999 Hawley decided to put together all the pieces of musical knowledge he had acquired throughout his life and dive into the world of production. In 2002 Hawley began releasing tracks using the aliases Under Origin and 5900 West. He also established his production studio Foundation 75. Then in 2003 Hawley launched his label Soul Fuel Recordings at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida, USA.

Currently Hawley is busy traveling to deejay, releasing tracks on his own, as the Sound Navigators, and with partner in crime Marcus Aurelius as Organized Crime on various underground house labels, as well as his own label Soul Fuel Recordings.