Paul Edge | 16.04.1978 | Biography

The desire to become a credible DJ began for Paul around 1995 after stumbling upon the early sounds of House through dance music compilation tapes + CD's from the likes of Tony De Vit, Tall Paul, Tuff Jam, Erick Morillo, Boy George, Graeme Park, Pete Tong and Danny Rampling.

Like most aspiring DJ's, the early years began in a humble manner with basic equipment and a small collection of 12"s, varying in genre from 2 Step to Chill Out to House. Learning to mix many different styles of dance music paid dividends, not just to technique but to finding a definitive style and understanding what works.

After a year of handing out mix tapes to college friends, around mid 1997, he got some great feedback and guidance from close friends and fellow DJ's Andy Clarke & Ed Kurno and was soon playing alongside them at Chemistry, a monthly event held in various clubs around his hometown of Swansea in South Wales.

While gaining experience alongside some of Swansea's best DJ's an instrumental part of Paul's development were regular Saturday nights out in the super-club 'Escape' where the worlds best DJ's were rolling out week after week.

Regular and inspirational performances by guests such as Full Intention, CJ Mackintosh, Jon 'of the pleased' Wimmin, Boy George et al were more than encouraging and by 1999, Paul, along with new DJ Partners Jon Parry, Matt Harding and Dave Jay setup 'Religion' a weekly party held on Sunday nights at Spoofers Bar in Swansea, this is where Paul's own style was grown and nurtured.

Religion was very successful, but after almost 2 years, the group decided to part and go their separate ways. When Religion folded, Paul & Dave Jay reunited some 6 months later, after they were approached by Escape to host a 'Club Classics' night on Sundays.

'Club Classics' only ran for several months into 2001 when financial difficulties pulled the curtain down on what was starting to be another adventure.

By 2003, after what Paul calls "Time to think" he resurfaced after not playing anywhere for over a year when some news of Matt Harding, a former understudy and partner, caught his attention. Matt had been developing a lot as a DJ, playing all over Swansea and making a name for himself and after a visit to one of his gigs, Paul & Matt re-bonded after years of doing their own thing and almost instantly, formed a duo, playing Thursday nights at Indigo in Swansea.

"Like most things in life, it's all about timing". Timing played a big part in the next phase & one of the biggest parts of Paul's DJ life. March 2003, the arrival of a new pre-bar in Swansea's infamous Wind Street 'Revolution' and on the opening night, Paul & Matt secured what was to be, a 2 year+ Saturday night residency & Along the way, forming the Radikal Funkamentalists, playing alongside guest support act's such as Jeff Jefferson (Miss Moneypenny's), Shovell (M-People, Copyright, Chicane) 2 Many DJ's etc and also guesting as a monthly resident for 'Soul Heaven' at Bar5 alongside Aaron Ross & Neil Pierce in collaboration with Legendary Welsh House Brand Lamerica run by Craig Bartlett who headhunted Paul for night's at Cardiff's Emporium nightclub to appear on the bill with the likes of Joey Negro. 

Paul has enjoyed an enviable path on the DJ ladder, whilst holding down solid residencies he has been dedicated to appearing as a guest also.

Appreciating the importance of experience and chasing dreams, with Matt Harding as his 'wingman' the 2 have entertained across the spectrum, from the most humble of venues in run-down areas, playing to a handful of clubbers, to carting record bags in the rain while lost for hours, without money or transport, right through to Champagne & Tapas while playing post sunset at the legendary Café Savannah in Ibiza, they have had a ball and continue to do so to this day. 

Playing at Revolution not only brought recognition, it brought awards too, such as, Revolution winning 'Best Pre-Club in South Wales 2004' and runner-up 'Best Up & Coming DJ in South Wales 2004' at the People's Dance Music Awards in Cardiff.

Paul's residency at Revolution came to an end when he moved to London in 2005. 

After just 12 months had passed, he was reunited with his best friend and long time DJ partner Matt Harding. The plan to take on the London scene was forming and then bolstered by the motivation and ideas of Gareth Hamer, another Swansea friend, events & promotion guru and marketing genius.

\\religion promotions was born in the summer of 2006. Headed up by Gareth Hamer & Nick Bruce and strengthened by additional DJ recruits Aleksei, Paul KC, The Stereo Bitches & Nathan Jones. The \\religion promotions brand rapidly grew in popularity and strength and within 2 years they had clocked up the venues, putting on dancefloor blowing parties all over London. From a christening outdoor Summer party in a Beer Garden in Camden to rocking the Juno Room in the World famous Turnmills, quite a sensational achievement.

It’s 2009 and at the age 31 years old, Paul has his finger on the musical pulse firmer than he ever has. Currently residing in Geneva, Switzerland, he continues to develop his style and signature sound, encorporating Digital mixing alongside traditional Vinyl methods he has embraced the advantages of technology and the versatility that it affords a creative DJ. He’s still pushing a combination of sounds and original ideas, striving to cover the complete spectrum of what he still affectionately loves “House” in all it’s many glorious forms.

http://www.religionpromotions.co.uk