Zepherin Saint - a name that many people across London have been fortunate to see and hear as someone who's been flying the flag for Deep Soulful music across all tempos for many years and as co-founder of London’s deep house label Tribe Records we explore where it all began.
Dean Zepherin can not be defined under one title as his career has been multifaceted combining production, remixing, A&R, artiste management and nowadays running Tribe records along side his Dj work and Melange productions. It all started for him when he fell in love with the drum kit at aged 8, from here his musical journey continued in playing the cello and piano before graduating to his elder brothers record collection, 2 turntables and a mixer at aged 12. (Albeit with out them knowing)
At an early age Zepherin new music was his purpose as he had an understanding for all types of music and upon hearing his brother return home excited with Adonis “No way back” in 1986 he found his musical calling to create House music. This led to early forays in the studio for Zepherin producing the first British garage classic “Give Me Back My Love” Boys in Shock feat. Carol Leeming becoming the first UK act to sign with Jack Trax along side label mates Fingers inc. Released in 1987, the single received huge attention on the New York and Chicago dance floors and was included on Jeff Mills all time Choice compilation for Azuli.
After being forgiven and granted permission to rock his brothers turntables Zepherin and his brother Stan Zeff (Tambor) co founded Shock sound-system which arose to the pinnacle of House music in 1988 converting weekly crowds to this newly imported sound at their residency Clink Street though out the summer of love. Clink Street became a cornerstone for the underground movement that took over the clubs and a new era was born. Notting hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival known only at this time for playing Reggae and RNB was transformed into a frenzy for the next ten years when the Zepherin’s had the idea to take House music and their sound-system to the streets.
In the 90’s Zepherin managed London’s leading dance music store Black market and fine-tuned his business ability. Looking for new ways to be both creative and develop as an entrepreneur he started a production company that produced and managed arties signing deals with American labels DreamWorks and Def Jam. Zepherin's Production Company enjoyed working with writers such as R.kelly, Tim and Bob and Daniel de’bourg and produced the acclaimed Neo Soul album “ Untitled” for Terri Walker, which was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music prize and 4 mobos.
Missing the passion of his DJ life in 2006 he re-entered the arena as if he had not left and provided the cutting edge soundtrack for a private party for none other than Michael Jackson in Bahrain and had the honour of playing classics as ‘ Don’t stop till you get enough’ to which MJ treated the audience to an up close an personal performance, a moment Zepherin will never forget.
Studio work progressed and Zepherin produced another classic ‘Circles’ with Nathan Adams. Receiving tremendous support on dance floors across the globe, this brought about a new chapter when Zepherin Saint and his now label partner Matt L- S set up Tribe records which set out to bring a new feeling to house music of quality over quantity. Releasing a string of acclaimed cuts in its 1st year of existence Tribe continued to push the boundaries of dance music creating a togetherness fusing house music from around the world.
Currently Zepherin is in the studio producing Nathan Adams debut album and working on a world music album featuring artistes from the Middle East for his Melange production company.
WMC 2010 witnessed what Zepherin saint and Tribe is all about, if you were unable to attend you can subscribe to Zepherin Saint Podomatic to receive your monthly dose of his DJ skills, edits, Tribe exclusives and soon to be released live sets from Tribe events.
For bookings contact: bookings@triberecordsuk.com
http://zepherin-saint.podOmatic.com
