Lee Foss: The Architect of Modern House Music’s Coolest Wave
"One of the most talented new forces in modern dance music today."
DJ MagazineFrom Chicago's basements to Ibiza's beaches — Lee Foss has been quietly rewriting house music's rulebook for over a decade. And it all changed with a chance trip to Ibiza in 2001.
Born and raised in Chicago — the birthplace of house — Foss cut his teeth on the clubs and raves of the late nineties, experiences that initially sparked his interest in house and disco. A chance visit to Ibiza in 2001 changed his whole approach to music. It was there that summer that he first became friends with Jamie Jones, and the pair formed a tight brotherly bond that quickly blossomed into the Hot Creations label partnership, later the Hot Natured band project, and worldwide event brand Paradise.
His unique sound — born from a lifelong love of classic house, 90s hip hop, 80s electro and Detroit techno — has earned fanatical grassroots support from clubbers across Europe and North America. By 2011 he had climbed to number 18 in Resident Advisor's Top 100, a feat achieved in a remarkably short time.
"Sometimes I find a bit from a song I like and start to sample it — and 99% of the time, by the time I finish the track, the sample isn't in the song anymore. It's worked almost like a sculpture where I have moulded around the sample then not needed it anymore."
Lee FossYour greatest inspirations?
I am constantly inspired by music. There are some artists who provide inspiration consistently, but more than anything I am inspired by moments of brilliance and transcendence in music.
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 of 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.
What would be a dream collaboration or event?
To be honest I'm really happy with the collaborations I have. I guess my dream collaborations are with pop artists and vocalists — the electronic artists I already work with are as good as it gets.
The 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 it's 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.
Favourite cultural hot spots in the world?
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 favourite cities. I'm looking forward to checking out Japan and South America — but I haven't gone yet.
Labels & Scene
// A constellation that redefined underground houseThe closest creative partner — friends since Ibiza 2001. Together they co-founded Hot Creations and built Hot Natured and Paradise into global phenomena.
The other half of Freelance Lovers — a partnership that channels raw Chicago house instinct into a deep, groove-driven project.
Completing the Hot Natured core — a group that scored a UK chart hit with 'Benediction' and helped redefine emotive house for a new generation.
Doing something genuinely original right now. One of the artists Lee currently points to as pushing electronic music in a fresh direction.
A new-school disco producer who, like Foss, treats the dancefloor as a place for musicality and emotion rather than pure function.
Two collectives that share Foss's ethos — music with soul, depth, and a commitment to keeping underground culture alive on a global scale.
Rooms & Residencies
// From Spybar to Watergate
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