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As one-fifth of the legendary crew 626 Soul, Chris Specht is one of the leaders of the Austin dance music scene, bringing to the decks the skillful mastery and knowledge of a true House veteran. Citing 80’s dance clubs and the warehouse parties of the now legendary Dallas crew Hazy Daze as his first excursions into House Music, Chris has used these early influences to help bring about in Austin a new House sound that is unique, refreshing and soulful.
Chris Specht originally moved from Dallas to Austin in 1991 in order to attend the University of Texas. It was during this time that Chris gained exposure to the burgeoning rave scene that was developing all around the state at the time. His intense love for the music and the dance culture inspired him to take up deejaying, and by 1994 Chris was playing at local clubs, park parties and on local Austin radio shows. He joined forces with his sister, DJ Jacqueline, and a variety of other locals to host park parties and other small underground events in an effort to push himself and the local dance music scene.
In the spring of 1996, Chris Specht met up with 626 Soul founder Coy West and became part of a fledgling crew whose main focus was to bring about a unification of the dance music scene through soulful sounds, positive vibes and a new heady approach to partying. Together with Coy West, Jon Porter and Twist-1, Chris Specht helped organize events such as free park parties, club nights and an on-going series of Full Moon Renegades that helped unify the local Austin scene. It was through the Full Moon parties that Chris Specht’s success and popularity gained, leading him to play at various raves, clubs and private parties in and around Texas. In 1998 the 626 Soul crew added DJ Mel and Robert M. By this time the crew and Chris Specht were synonymous with all the spiritual, mystical and beautiful qualities associated with the Underground party scene. This reputation, coupled with his excellent skills behind the decks, has made him one of the most sought after House DJ’s in Texas.
The year 2000 has found Chris Specht heavily involved with the both the local Austin dance community and the global House scene. His unique sound of Deep House incorporates a multitude of influences and sounds including tribal percussion, dub and funk basslines, 80’s synth arrangements, trippy effects and a soulful drive that is reminiscent of the House roots established in Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco.
His fluid style and impeccable taste in music make him one of the best that Austin has to offer. Chris Specht continues to work on monthly events and projects with 626 Soul, and he has also branched off to work with other crews such as Ladybug Productions (headed by his sister, DJ Jacqueline.) He has a weekly Thursday night club residency at the Caucus Club with Moonshine Recording artist, D:Fuse, and a monthly House party at Velvet called House Calls with 626 Soul founder Coy West. Chris Specht’s future projects include heading up a local label dedicated to House Music and Downtempo, continuing to sponsor local events through 626 Soul and other crews, and traveling around the country to spread the Austin vibe, the Southern House style, and his own blend of soulful sounds.
