Chris, 26, has had a telling influence on the worldwide progressive and underground scene. The formation of two outstanding underground record labels, Source of Gravity Records & Gravitation Records, as well as a long list of productions and DJ gigs worldwide has seen him progress further than he possibly could have expected, with massive leaps been made in the last two years in particular. In light of this, on the DJing front Chris has played around the UK at some of the best underground nights on offer, and made several trips further a field to Greece, America, Portugal and Corfu. Several other international trips are also in the pipeline. Also he has gained a great deal of radio exposure under his own name and the Source of Gravity name with progressive and ambient guest mixes for radio stations on the Isle of Man, in the U.K. as well as Argentina, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Greece and America.

Chris' DJ style balances the aggressive and emotional sides of progressive with a strong feel for a crowd and the energy required to fill a dancefloor. He enjoys playing a warm up set as well as the main event, as his in-depth understanding of dance music is second to none.

In addition to this, the production team formed with his brother Olly and Mark Wheawill, under the guise of Source of Gravity, has seen 11 singles in total. These productions have been supported by the likes of John Digweed, Nick Warren, Anthony Pappa, Chris Fortier and Hernan Cattaneo,. Chris has also entered in collaborations with other artists and is developing his own production sound to match his DJing style which focuses on a balance between energy, aggression and deep emotion. Current joint projects include Sterio & McGrath, Sterio & Wheawill, Shanghai Corporation, Blast Furnace vs Lynx with many more in the pipeline.

Source of Gravity original productions have found themselves on 6 labels so far, Source of Gravity, Gravitation, Pied Piper, Dorigen, Mechanism and 3 Beat offshoot 3Three. These productions have formed the basis on his two labels, Source of Gravity and Gravitation Records. Founded in 2000, the original label, Source of Gravity Records, has since seen 15 releases and worldwide acclaim. Reviews in Muzik, M8 Magazine, DJ Magazine as well as DJ support from John Digweed, Sasha, Nick Warren, Lucien Foort, Chris Fortier, Anthony Pappa and Hernan Cattaneo is something that is a true reward for the hours of work Chris has put in to get Source of Gravity Records and Gravitation Records on the map. Gravitation is the offshoot label set up in mid 2001 to showcase new artists and more underground material, and hit its 10th release in the middle of 2003.

Chris has also began to write reviews for several websites, in particular the excellent www.progressive.nu, as well promoting events on his native Isle of Man and second home, Manchester. It will be interesting to see how this talented individual gets on in 2004, after the major progress made so far in 2003.


Interview

Over the last few years Source of Gravity/Gravitation have grown into one of the leading edge labels for talent and production. Did you ever think the labels would turn out as successful as they are today?

I always knew that I would work hard to succeed with the labels, with a passion for the music at the forefront, as well as a constant evaluation on how we were doing. It is hard sometimes as such much of the progressive scene from what I can see is based on the internet, and getting face to face feedback is not easy. Being in the Isle of Man sometimes makes it hard as well, but I always organize my time off Island to maximum effect. This isolation also as its benefits as I can take everything in, planning the way forward and organizing production, label and DJing schedules without much distraction. With the labels I have kept things going despite the recent troubles for the music industry in general, just plugging away in our own little bubble. With the era of the super club and super label at the end we are coming into own.

Your involvement with production has increased in the last couple years and can be seen on labels such as Source of Gravity/Gravitation, 3three, and more recently Nascent Recordings. How do you manage to balance your time between the two labels, DJing, and production...not to mention the various nights in Isle of Man?

Balancing everything is very hard, especially as at various stages I have had other jobs outside music. However I like to be very organized, and it is a skill in itself to keep everything on moving forward on several fronts. Fortunately I have the inability to sit back and do nothing so I am always planning the way ahead. I am lucky that I have had the chance to share my vision and ideas (especially on the production side) with some talented individuals during the 3 years allowing the whole Source of Gravity ideology to move forward. I thank them whether they are involved or not at the moment as its a team effort, and everyone has their bit to contribute.

Your latest production effort soon to be released on Source of Gravity titled ‘Orion’ is probably your best work to date. How well does this lend itself to more original and commissioned remix work?

Yes "Orion" has turned out well. I have been apprehensive about the whole project to be honest as usually I do collaborations with other DJs & producers. However the original mix has had some great support and has just got licensed onto a compilation in Belgium. Hopefully it can lead to more production and remix work, if I can find room! I think many people expect once you have had a few releases, or a good release remixes come flooding in, but it is a skill to negotiate with labels as much it is to write the music sometimes!! There is not enough money in the scene for agents at times so all have to do it all . However I am hoping to revamp my home DJ and production set up when I move into a new property in November. This should be a new start and create a more productive working environment.

Do you feel that your taste in music differs much from what you play vs. what you produce?

I can say with a strong degree of certainty that it is the same all across the board whether I am DJing, producing or running the labels. That is the music that I feel and love. I am not into this moving around just to go with trends. The remit with the labels has always been if I like & pushes the right buttons I will sign it. Whether is is the cool sound of now or a big artist it shouldn't matter as long is it done right.

More so now than ever Djs & artists are starting up their own labels releasing backlog of fresh new material even though the industry is in a tight situation. What advice can you lend to these freshly initiated labels?

Yes this is a big issue, and it is probably born from the big labels being really tight on what they are signing, leaving the up and coming producers to go it alone. Even now the bigger artists are going DIY so they have control over their destiny a little more. We started Source of Gravity Records in a similar way 3 years ago, and with dedication, skill and passion things have progressed from there. It is very hard to critical analyze your own material, because to the majority of people you are "attached" to the music you have created. I think you should be ready for the ups and down, be organized and be in it for the long haul. Having a good and varied roster of artists is good as well, but don't sign up too many, most labels release between 4-7 releases a year.

Are there plans for a Chris Sterio or Source of Gravity/Gravitation mix compilation in the not so distant future?

This has been something I have thought about. Timing with this type of thing is very important, and it is a massive project to manage. It is everyone's dream to have a mix CD released, but you want to make sure it as a project managed properly. I am currently thinking that it would be nice to release a CD to celebrate 5 years of the label. 1 CD mixed and 1 with unmixed tracks sounds good to me.

If you had to walk away from this business/industry for whatever reason, what would you say is/was the most important thing you have learned while being a part of something of such proportion?

That's a hard question! Probably to live the dream and never give up. You never know where you might end up!!

Tell us about your recent nights in the Isle of Man?

Many of the nights we are put on have to done so to provide an alternative to the usual cheesy rubbish that dilutes the nightlife!!! What we do really is about the music. The night we are doing at the moment is called "Future Funk" with Steve McGrath (Lynx) and myself as residents. It is in really smart lounge part of a leisure complex. We play allsorts, progressive, ambient, tech, house and breaks. I want to put something on for those into their music, and to provide an alterative sound from the commercial mainstream.

What is your most memorable experience DJing?

Memorable - that's an interesting question. Several spring to mind - probably a pick between playing in Corfu to 700 mad Greeks in 2001 or this year playing in Lisbon and seeing the Hardfloor mix of "Blue Monday" lift the roof off! There have also been some great moments when playing some of the Source of Gravity material, especially the Sterio & McGrath mix of Andro's "Space", Source of Gravity - Perseverance and Meizon "Aeon" amongst others.

What do you like to do in your spare time, if any? Word has it you’re a sports fanatic.

I am yes! Sport has been something that has been with me since a very young age. I am still heavily involved, and I have an admin job for the Isle of Man Cricket Association, as well playing for the Isle of Man side, and being a Level 2 coach. There is a fair chance the Isle of Man side will be playing the European Championships in 2004. A big dream of mine is play abroad for the Isle of Man cricket side during the day, and DJ in whichever country we are in at night!!! In addition to that I have a degree in Sports Studies, and have represented in the Isle of Man at junior level at football, hockey and rugby. I still play hockey and football at the highest possible level on the island! Aside from that (!) I spend my time with Suzanne (girlfriend) who has been so supportive of what I do on the music front, as well with everything else I do. She is the secret Source of Gravity!

Some heavy hitting labels are closing their doors as of late. How do you feel this affects the somewhat struggling music industry?

Yes this is not good to see. Unfortunately, as happens in the music industry, everything is overdone to the point of everyone getting bored and moving onto the next big thing. This really is something is damaging the industry, this short term thinking. Why not have a  balance so that the best will rise the top, and none of this making a quick buck and moving onto the next "big" thing! I hope that everyone can look at what has happened and learn from it. It is truly sad to see the likes of Hooj Choons shut down after what they did for progressive and house music. However this should be a big wake up call for everyone.

For more information on Chris Sterio visit his website at www.sourceofgravity.com.