When you think quality House music, San Francisco's Chris Lum should immediately spring to mind. Originally from LA, Chris' reputation of late has soared to dizzy heights mostly due to his tight productions, noticeably with partner on occasions, Jay J. His discography mirrors the growth of Rabbit numbers during mating season, but more importantly, it's more about quality than quantity when Chris is involved. His Bigger Tool EP from 2001 and one of his recent collaborations with Jay J, “Freaks Like Us”, have showed this. His music has been described as "Pumping beats to get the crowd moving and deep moody layers to deliver his messages".
Chris has taken a few moments from his time to answer a few questions we could throw at him.

What DJ's and Producers have inspired you in the past and in the present?

These questions are always hard to answer. There have been many in all different genres of music throughout the years. But to narrow it down for you, in the past it's been guys like Wayne Gardiner, Frankie Faliciano, Victor Simonelli, Tommy Musto (a very narrowed down list). Check out Roots (On Moulton Studios Recordings) to hear the full answer to that question. In the present I really like the works of the Soulfuric camp, Tiefswartz, Penn and Chus, Jay-J and of course PVD. He's kinda like my musical beacon of hope. Guiding my wayward House vessel into the port of Trance.

Why do you think your collaborations with Jay J are so successful?

Witchcraft. Lot's and lot's of witchcraft. That, and the fact that I think Jay-J is one of the top engineers in our industry. Forget all of this malarkey about liking RAW sounding stuff or things being over-produced. He makes our shit sound dope. Period. When it's played on the dance floor it works! Usually! Ok, once in a while...All right all right. One time in LA the bonus beats to Up All Night went off... :) Seriously though (yeah right) I think me and Jay-J work well together because we are both flexible with each other. We are very comfortable with each other’s abilities and tastes. Sometimes people just vibe together. Jay-J and me have a lot of fun together. Even when we are stressing big time with our company, we manage to laugh and talk shit a lot. I mean a lot! That sense of fun carries over into at least 80% of our sessions. I think people pick up on that when they listen to the cuts.

You have produced and remixed MANY tunes in the last year or two, does it come naturally or is hard work a key player to your success?

Well hard work is certainly a key factor in our success. We work a lot. Our release schedule for 2001 can testify to that. Or just ask our wives. They will tell you. For me, portions of the process come naturally. But not all.
The hard part now is that the demand for work is more than the time we have to do it. So that kind of time pressure can put a damper on the creative vibe of session. But hey...I'm not complaining. Thanks for buying our records everybody. I'll take these problems any day.

Some of your productions have been noticed by DJ's in other genres (such as Danny Howells). Do you find this encouraging and has it helped your name to be more widely recognized and respected?

Sure, ya know. Exposure at any level helps. It's certainly helped a bit with the recognition but I'm not so sure about respect. I have yet to equate the two. I won't feel like I've reached a true level of respect until I can get PVD to play some of my music. I can quit after that. In fact I think that I would quit if that happened.

Do you have any favourite particular productions of yours?

Just a couple. I think maybe Hurtin Me on Afterhours, Hanging Out on Siesta, or maybe my duet with Rick Astley back in 1991. "Spooning In Key Of Love" was only released in Peru and Belize but man...The feeling and emotion between Rick and myself that day was captured so beautifully on that song. I miss Rick.

What can we expect from yourself in the near future production and DJ wise?

Got several remixes coming out by the summer for NRK, Hustle Recordings, One Little Indian, and Strictly Rhythm. Some original projects will be a new one for Nightshift (Tango), Siesta and Tilted Records. I've got some stuff in the works for NRK, Junior and our two labels (Moulton Studios Recordings and Multitracked). I'm really hoping to just find time for my album of show tune remixes. So far I've finished my House remix of Oklahoma and My Fair Lady. I'm really excited about the possibility of that project. Should be fantas-dili-ocious.