Paul Farris is one the UK’s most respected house figures, earning his stripes as a DJ but also working in the industry as a label chief, promotions company owner, radio presenter & magazine contributor. Paul started working straight out of school, first behind the counter whilst simultaneously playing and promoting nights, then much later opening a new record store in the heart of London’s Soho. Uptown Records opened its doors in 1995 and with Paul as Manager quickly established itself as one of the leading independent dance music stores in the UK. It was during his time here that Paul – under the guise of Shere Khan, with ATFC - produced ‘Jungle Juicy Funk’, with its Bootsy Collins vocals and soul & funk influences.

From running Uptown, Paul moved on to set up his own promotions company, FourFour. It quickly flourished and now works with some of the industry’s best labels including West End Records, Soulfuric, Purple Music, Kidology, JellyBean Recordings, Tommy Boy, MoreHouse; and artists including Jazz N Groove, Julius Papp, Mark Wilkinson, Cleptomaniacs & Copyright.

What next for someone so immersed in house? Paul has recently started a label in the UK, Con Brio, meaning “With Spirit” in musical terminology. It's a house label as you'd expect, with the first release, Soularis EP “Don’t Change” & “Taste” receiving good support from the likes of ATFC, DJ Mag, Seamus Haji, CJ Mackintosh, Slammin Boys, Music Week, Ministry Radio, Mike Gray & Jask. Keep an eye out for the second release on the label soon.

Somehow in amongst all these activities Paul still has time to play in some of the world's best known clubs. He has been associated with Defected Records since the label's inception, as their resident DJ. Much respected and acknowledged for his never wavering commitment to soulful house, a set from Paul will encompass the most upfront soulful tunes, combined with essential house classics.

What do you think are the most vital ingredients in shaping the Defected sound?
I think you would have to ask the Defected boss Simon Dunmore that question – but I honestly think Defected philosophy is just to put out quality house music. I don’t think there is a definitive ‘Defected Sound’, certainly as their resident I am not restricted to Defected tracks or any particular sound – I play what I am into personally and more importantly what I feel will get a great crowd reaction.

What are your thoughts on your back-to-back set partner Richard Earnshaw?
Richard is without a doubt one of the best UK producers around at the moment and I am really looking forward to playing alongside him.

What do you know about Melbourne and it’s music scene?
I was very impressed with Melbourne when I visited last year and can’t wait to get back. I visited some of the record stores and felt that the city had a very cosmopolitan vibe about it, as well as a vibrant clubbing and live music scene, I can’t wait to return.

What 3 records never leave your box and why?
I have many old favourites that I like throw in the box occasionally, but it’s always in constant rotation. Plus I don’t want to offend anyone! (laughs)

What can Melbourne audiences expect from your upcoming Seven gig after you wowed them in 2003 ?
Quality house music with a soulful edge delivered with 100% passion.