Lee Foss: The Architect of Modern House Music’s Coolest Wave
By Leila Antakly for Ninu Nina
From the basements of Chicago to the beaches of Ibiza, Lee Foss has been quietly rewriting house music’s rulebook for over a decade. The Chicago-born, L.A.-transplanted visionary first cut his teeth spinning raw techno at SmartBar and disco edits at underground residencies, before becoming a driving force behind one of electronic music’s most influential collectives, Hot Natured (alongside Jamie Jones). Now, with a debut solo album on the horizon and a string of incendiary EPs on labels like Culprit and Wolf + Lamb, Foss is stepping into the spotlight—and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
His sound—a hypnotic blend of jacking house, sun-soaked disco, and futuristic grooves—has become the secret weapon of dancefloors from Berlin to Bali. But it’s his relentless hustle that sets him apart: whether it’s building L.A.’s scene from the ground up or crafting the kind of timeless anthems that dominate both underground clubs and festival main stages.
In this exclusive interview, Foss opens up about his Chicago roots, the making of his debut album, and why the last six months have been the wildest ride of his career. Buckle up—this is the rise of house music’s next cult hero.
Your greatest inspirations?
I am constantly inspired by music. There are some artists who provide inspirations consistently, but more than anything I am inspired by moments of brilliance and transcendence in music. Sometimes I find a bit from a song I like, and I start to sample it/do an edit, and 99% of the time, but the time I finish the track, the sample isn’t in the song anymore, but its worked almost like a sculpture where I have molded around the sample then not needed it anymore.
I’m influenced primarily by my friends. I’m lucky that the music I’m into is what my friends are making. Jamie Jones is probably the biggest influence on what I do, and we work together the most. I take a lot of influence from disco producers like Paul Simpsons, Patrick Adams, Jacques Fred Petrus/Mauro Malavasi. New school disco producers like Metro Area, Tensnake etc. . . .
Most memorable gig and why?
I would say the Wolf + Lamb party at the Marcy in Brooklyn. I’ve played it a couple times, and the most recent one in September was probably the best party I’ve ever been to. I was going through a difficult time, but during the party itself the energy in the room was as good as I have ever seen and it really took me outside of myself.
Every time I play the Standard rooftop for our Culprit parties, it’s a great party. Also the Hot Natured Parties Jamie Jones and I have thrown in Miami and Detroit have been really fun, and that’s edifying to put the work in yourself and see the results.
What would be a dream collaboration or event for you?
To be honest I’m really happy with the collaborations I have, I work with Jamie Jones as Hot Natured, and Lee Curtiss as Freelance Lovers. I guess my dream collaborations are with pop artists/vocalists as I feel like the electronic artists I already work with are as good as it gets. Would love to work with La Roux, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Nas. I would like to time travel back to 1993 to work with Notorious B.I.G. and S.W.V.
Other artists you like?
Currently in electronic music I really like what Deniz Kurtel is doing, Tensnake is really doing something original, all the Visionquest guys, Wolf + Lamb, No Regular Play.
Favorite websites?
Well, when I have any money at all, ebay because it’s the best way to get vintage synths and sunglasses.
Challenges of what you do?
I think the challenge when you are a working dj and a producer, is that when you are touring regularly its hard to get the energy to make music, which is how you get work, and if you aren’t out djing then you have plenty of energy to make music but less income. Being part of a scene locally can be inspiring but it can also be draining, it’s a double edged sword.
Favorite cultural hot spots in the world? Hmm, I’m liking NYC these days, I live in L.A. and think it is a real hotbed for what I’m into, I love London and I’m going there for a couple months in a few weeks. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities. I’m looking forward to checking out Japan and South America, but I haven’t gone yet.
