JACK TRASH
Minneapolis, MN – House/Techno/Owner/CEO
“The sloppiest dj in the Twin Cities!” This title has served Jack well over the years, years filled with an unparalleled passion and love for music. Jack grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, where his youth was filled with a classical background, tons of skateboarding, and a developing love for alternative forms of music. Jack moved to the Twin Cities from Wisconsin to attend the University of Minnesota in 1990. He started volunteering at WMMR, which would turn into 770 Radio K several years later.
Adopting the alias Cool Cool, he started mixing and producing a dance mix show called Skeen Time with fellow dude Dj Hot Hot (cheesy, huh!). In 1991 Jack met ESP Woody McBride and Kevin Cole. Jack and ESP worked at a U of MN dorm together, and a friendship was built that would eventually result joinging with Rich Best to create Mile High. During the early 1990′s, Kevin Cole and his Depth Probe parties layed the foundation for underground parties where alternative forms of electronic music could be heard. Jack grew close to Cole, helping with promotions, production, and djing at Depth Probe parties. Jack used the dj name J.T. throughout most of the 1990′s.
ESP and Jack joined forces in 1992 to throw the first “rave” ever. “Return to the Source” set the stage for a Twin Cities stage that would eventually host some of the sickest parties in the Midwest. Jack eventually took over the reigns of the Depth Probe helm, and in 1993 he tried out, and won, a slot as a resident dj at the infamous First Avenue Nightclub. Jack djed into 1998 at First Avenue, constantly pushing the barriers of music that the club presented, and throwing all-age Depth Probe parties in the mainroom featuring local dj talent. Jack also met future Mile High/Sound In Motion partner Rich Best during these years. Rich was a booking agent for First Avenue, and he had similar visions with Jack on what club life could be like in the Twin Cities.
In 1994 Kevin Cole brought Jack into the world of REV 105. Jack produced and mixed Radio Depth Probe, Bumper to the Bone, and the Industrial Revolution. Jack also took over as production director in 1995, and worked closely with the brains behind REV 105 to create one of the most inventive and original radio stations ever. In 1996 REV 105 was bought out by a competitor, and took some time to figure out what the future held. He had been out of school for several years, and knew he wanted to work with children. At the same time, Rich Best, ESP Woody, and Jack were joining forces to throw mainroom showcases at First Avenue, featuring djs like Terry Mullen and Hoschi. Rich Best left the club to focus on Compass Entertainment.
Jack realized that First Avenue was not satisfying his drive to support music, and quit the club to pursue the partnership that would quickly become the Mile High. In 1998, Jack was finished at REV 105, quit First Avenue, started the Mile High, started working at Let it Be Records, went back to college, and met his future bride Daisy! What a year!
The Mile High became official with Outta Space, a musical showcase at Ground Zero featuring Josh Wink, ESP, and Jack Trash. Jack has since graduated from the U of MN with a degree in elementary education, and he is currently a 5th and 6th grade teacher in Stillwater, MN. Jack and Mile High worked hard to create a balanced scene that provided electronic music on a number of different levels.
Large-scale raves like Mental, Turned On, and Gimme Tha Funk, intimate parties like Visions, and club events featuring djs like Paul Oakenfold, Richie Hawtin, Dj Dan, Carl Cox, and many others helped provide the Twin Cities, and entire Midwest, with a variety of positive musical events, as well as lay the groundwork for Sound In Motion. In 2001, Jack and Rich Best decided to pursue a vision called Sound In Motion, parting ways with longtime partner ESP.
Sound In Motion is a group of individuals working together to provide dance music to the community. The main goal is the advancement of dance music through a variety of medium, reachable conveniently by a variety of people and produced through a variety of creative outlets. Jack and Rich provide the core management of financial and creative decisions. Jack prides himself in involving as many local djs as possible at Sound In Motion events, using the various forms of parties as outlets for aspiring djs. Jack has found a home for his musical passion with Aphrodiso & Sound In Motion, and looks to continue his drive as throwing the best parties available.
During the past couple of years, Jack has worked closely on the management team of aphrodisio records to organize and produce a variety of tasks. The label successfully launched a vinyl release schedule in late 2002, and has over a dozen eps out with several mix cds. Jack has worked on other various projects, including television and radio music commercials, corporate cd projects, commerical cd projects, and a radio show. Aphrodisio is in the process of tying their projects and processes with Sound In Motion and PLUSH. Jack has had two vinyl releases: “Trash Talkin” and “Soul Sensation.”
Jack was voted “Best Club Dj” in the Minneapolis/St. Paul City Pages Best of Edition in 2003, and continues to showcase his deep passion for music through his SIM events. “I have always had my heart in providing music-based events as an option for people to take part in.”
Jack’s musical tastes revolve around an open door policy that follows his mood. He tends to float through house and techno nowadays. Jack has used various dj aliases to fit some of his different moods. Cool Cool, Life, Justin Tweaks, J.T., and Naiya have all taken shape over the years. Jack loves djing using 3 turntables, a cdj1000, Pioneer efx500, and Peavey Grabber sampler, and was the first Twin Cities dj to push this manner of creativity to the masses. Jack has a vision of combining djing with producing music, completely redefining what can be created.
Jack loves many things, first and foremost his wife Daisy, son Mikai, and their Alaskan Malamute Naiya. He enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding with Daisy, teaching, going to movies, bicycling, checking out djs, basketball, drawing, and playing music (of course). Jack is a total dork, but uses that label to freely express himself as his heart desires. “Life is a delicate balance, with good and bad reinforcing each other to provide a powerful range of emotions and experiences.” Jack gives thanks to his family and friends, who over the years have constantly supported his drives and desires.
