INPUT | Nick Hook/ DJ Spinn/ Karizma/ Novelist/ Recloose at Output

Heavily responsible for the grimy techno-soul of NYC's Cubic Zirconia and the greasy bass of Drop The Lime's live show, DJ and producer Nick Hook has been "twisting knobs" (self-description) for a minute now. He is no stranger to the dark underbelly of the late-night clubs, having played in some of the finest temples of boom the world over. His unique strain of acid-fried basslines and vintage drum machines have kept him in demand amongst a smorgasbord of musicians, including Men Women & Children and Head Automatica and he is currently working with El-P of Company Flow,L-Vis 1990 of Night Slugs and is the engineer behind everyone's favorite Azaelia Banks EP. He also has red hair, which is a plus in our books. Look for is upcoming solo EP with Scion dropping in October!


Coming up from nothing to something is a hell of an accomplishment, that's why when it comes to DJ Spinn, that feat is highly attainable. Starting out at the early age of 14, DJ Spinn had his mind set on future musical goals Growing up, writing, djing, dancing, and producing, DJ Spinn made sure to stay on top of his game. In 1997, while dancing with Chicago's infamous "House-O-Matics", DJ Spinn gained a honorable rep djing for one of Chicago's number one dance groups. In the same year, he headlined DJ gigs at the biggest teen parties in Chicago including those at Club Cavilini's in Harvey, Dolton Expo, Markham Roller Rink, and The Rink on 87th, not to mention numerous house parties and school events.

By 1998, DJ Spinn had a following that loved the style of house tracks he and long time buddy DJ Rashad were creating. Their notoriety led to the opportunity to drop one of his house tracks, Bout It Bout It Mix,on vinyl—aka a 12" record—with Ray Barney's Dance Mania Records. A year later, the legendary DJ Chip and DJ Thadz album, Bang Ski, which included the track Bang Bang Bang Skeet Skeet Skeet, also featured DJ Spinn's Chicken Headz and DJ Rashad's Child Abuse. As they gained more DJ and production credits, it was only a matter of time before DJ Spinn & DJ Rashad got their chance to grace Chicago's world famous dance music distributor, Dancemania. But in early 2000 "Dance Mania Records" had stopped its 20 year musical legacy which was responsible for the legendary careers of Traxman, DJ Funk, Jammin Gerald, Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, DJ Milton, DJ Slugo, DJ Nephets, and DJ PJ, to name a few. Nevertheless, DJ Spinn knew his success would not be hampered by the fall of any label.

Since 2000, DJ Spinn has released numerous albums, remixes, and sets which have changed the way people thought about House music. Whether it be DJ'ing at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, or creating the No. 1 selling Juke track of all time, "Bounce N Break Yo Back," DJ Spinn has become the figurehead of the local movement that is taking the world by storm. With upcoming projects with MIA, Bok Bok, Headhunter, Big Dope P, Basutbudet, and Ghetto Division, DJ Spinn is setting the foundation that will make himself an integral part of the international music scene.


Kojo Kankam, better known as Novelist, is an English Grime MC and producer from Lewisham in South London. He is a founding member of The Square crew and was nominated for Best Grime Act at the 2014 MOBO Awards. He has been called the "new face of grime" and was described as "the poster child for the first generation of real grime kids" by DJ Logan Sama.

In 2013, Novelist clashed with Wiley's younger brother Cadell, Novelist was featured in a BBC Radio 1Xtra documentary broadcast on mother's day called Grime mums focusing on the role parents played in the careers of prominent grime MCs. After an instrumental track called Sniper began to receive airplay on London underground radio stations, Novelist was signed to produce an instrumental EP for influential grime imprint Oil Gang. He recorded a song entitled "Take Time" in a studio session with experimental producer Mumdance in October 2013, which was later signed to Rinse and released as a single in the summer of 2014.

In early 2014, Novelist's music began receiving regular rotation on radio stations including BBC Radio 1Xtra and Rinse FM. He recorded a guest set for DJ Cable's Sixty Minutes mix, which was broadcast on Mistajam's BBC 1Xtra show on May 28, 2014. He was featured on Cable's Sixty Minutes mix again later that year recording a second guest set with The Square. In late 2013, Novelist began working with NoHatsNoHoods. In mid 2014, the label signed his crew The Square and their first release on the label The Formula came out in August 2014. Novelist is signed to XL Recordings and has recorded a track with Jamie xx for his forthcoming release on the label. In September 2014, Novelist received a MOBO nomination in the Best Grime Act category. In November 2014, Novelist was named on the long list for the BBCs Sound of 2015 list and XL Recordings announced that his debut release on the label would be a collaborative EP with Mumdance. The EP, entitled 1 Sec was released on January 20, 2015, the same week he turned 18.