Joey Youngman has emerged as one of underground house music’s most prolific producers. The DJ, producer and A&R of Fetish Recordings and Jackin Tracks has influenced the future sound of house music through hundreds of releases. At just 24-years-old, Youngman’s classically trained musicianship and natural gift for crafting a funky, disco-infused sound have already placed him in the top tier of global house talent.

Youngman sent out his first demo when he was 13; by the time he turned 16, ’90s-heavy house labels such as Nervous, Distant, and Moonshine had his music in hand. Youngman began backing his demos with DJ gigs at central California clubs where he showcased catalogues of original tracks. 2003 saw his production style evolve from a filtered, French-disco sound into a slower brand of deeper, funky house. His first track from the new era, “Luv Bump,” emulated the classic sound of Derrick Carter and earned him his first release on San Francisco’s Good Family imprint. “Luv Bump’s” success also landed his name on a slew of other West Coast house labels, including Nightshift, Doubledown, and Om.

Youngman’s passion for his craft constantly fuels his creative energy. “The first time I heard electronic music, I felt like I was looking at the world from the outside,” says Youngman, who attended his first rave in his hometown of San Luis Obispo, Calif., when he was 13. Unlike other club kids who embraced the music by way of the rave scene, Youngman says the music found him before the scene caught hold. The drug-free experience enlightened him. “From the moment I heard that first mix tape and saw that first show—it was my mission in life to create house music,” he says.

In early 2004, Youngman took another step forward in his production career by launching his own label, Fetish Recordings. He created the imprint to release original tracks, along with several EPs under the artist alias, Mario Fabriani. Later that year, Youngman made the decision to pursue house production full-time and signed onto the esteemed Blue Collar Entertainment roster. The move sparked a series of global tours and increased his exposure to audiences around the world. In late 2004, Youngman launched his second label, Jackin Tracks, and moved to Austin, Texas,, where he continues to redefine the conventional boundaries of his music. “When I’m making music, I’m picturing that last great gig I played at,” Youngman says. “My inspiration always comes from my live shows.”

Youngman’s sound is characterized by bumpy, funky basslines, drums and the “dirty disco” sound that has reemerged in his production work over the past year. He is credited with helping ignite the “New School Jack” movement that continues its rise on the Midwest and West Coast. “I’ve crafted my own style that still has the elements of all my influences.” he says.

While Youngman keeps exclusivity with Fetish and Jackin Tracks, he continues doing selective remixes for labels including Om, Naked Music and the occasional boutique imprint. In 2005, he stopped selling original tracks to concentrate on the development of his own labels. The result? Fetish Recordings and Jackin Tracks stand as two of the top selling names in underground house music. “I am living the way I always dreamed I would be living,” Youngman says.

I managed to speak to the busy man yet again and here is what he had to say :

KJ : Are you looking forward to coming to London?

JY : yes! I love playing in the UK, and I have a severe weakness for English girls. Luckily this time I have a work permit too, so no customs shenanigans!

KJ : This is also a very special occasion for you? Why :)

JY : will be playing on my birthday.

KJ : How YOUNG does that make you MAN? :)

JY. Getting up there eh?

KJ : LOL! Wine, good mature wine

KJ : Can you tell us about any new plans for this year on your labels?

JY : I am just going to keep doing what I've been doing. A few new names will be showcased, but the vibe and the sound is going to stay the same. It will just continue to become more polished and perfected.

KJ : You havent been much of a FREQUENT FLYER here. How long has it been since you played in London?

JY : I think it's been almost a year since I've played London. Went to the UK a few times last year, just different cities.

KJ : How is you friend Producer Mario Fabriani doing? Havent heard from him in a while?

JY : He is having a bit of a rough time right now actually. Last I spoke to Mario, he had been evicted from his flat, and was living in a cave in the hills outside of Napoli, over-indulging in wine. Luckily he works mostly on a laptop so I think he may still be working a bit on music from the cave.

KJ : Is he going to be releaseing anything soon ?

JY : Yes, tons. I rely heavily on Mr. Fabriani for the output of the labels.

KJ: Miami Winter Conference, whats is your involvement and where will you be and when?

JY : I will be everywhere. Playing 8 parties I think so far, so if I'm not playing I will hopefully be in my hotel room surrounded by a harem of beautiful women. Not counting on that last part though.

KJ : The Monumental EP, Tell us more, You and Bryan Jones, a good team after so Long....whats the method?

JY : You know, we just make tracks as usual, but I wanted to do another EP with both of us on it. So I got 2 tracks from him, and I made 2 myself, and the rest is just about design and timing. I really feel like we have both influenced a lot of people with our music over the last couple years, and helped to start some new trends in house music, so I think this record is pretty much a "must-have" record that will help to define this genre of music. At least that's what I tell myself in my own head. Maybe people will think it sucks though!

KJ : Any thing to say to the people who are lookign forward to seeing you?

JY :Bring your friends, and tell them to bring their friends. We can have a bikini contest and the winner gets free Fetish records and a date with me. Sound good?

KJ : Sounds like a solid plan *Evil Grin* :)

KJ : Thanks Joey, Appreciate it again!

JY : no problem at all.