DJ

Jay Steinhour

The Basement Boys continue an active international DJing schedule-Teddy Douglas (Jay is now retired from the decks) play gigs all over the world. Click on the Events link to s In 1986, three young DJs began making music on a 4-track recorder in a Baltimore basement studio. Little did they know at the time that more than 15 years later they would be viewed as pioneers of American dance music.

The original Basement Boys Production team was Jay Steinhour, Teddy Douglas, and Thommy Davis. Davis left to pursue other ventures in 1989, about the time DJ Spen joined the team. Along with musicians Irvin Madden (bass), Gary Hudgins (keyboard), Wayne Cooper (guitar), and Victor Williams (percussion), the Basement Boys have been responsible for some of clubland’s biggest anthems.

Following the success of their debut single, “Love Don’t Live Here”, signed to Jump Street Records by Cynthia Cherry, the Boys rose to commercial prominence producing Ultra Nate’s debut album “Blue Notes In The Basement” for Warner Bros., as well as her 2nd album “One Woman’s Insanity”. Meanwhile, they were quickly becoming underground club faves with their singles “Searchin'” (under the guise 33 1/3 Queen on Nu Groove) and “Tonite” (recorded as Those Guys on MCA Records). In 1991, they reached Gold Record status as the production team behind Crystal Waters, with her global smash hit “Gypsy Woman”, and in 1994 with “100% Pure Love”, from her gold Mercury LP-“Storyteller” (her second album). In 1992, they produced the debut album for R&B duo Mass Order on Columbia Records, spawning the international club hit “Lift Every Voice (Take Me Away)”.

With their studio wizardry well documented in the charts and on dancefloors the world over; high profile artists began seeking the Basement touch for remix projects. To date, the Boys have remixed songs such esteemed acts as Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Lenny Kravitz, and Paula Abdul. However, even with mainstream acceptance, the Basement Boys have remained true to their DJ roots, remixing underground artists like Shaun Escoffery, Bob Sinclair, and The Shamen. In addition, they continue to expose and nurture new talent on their own label, Basement Boys Records, which was established in 1995.

Over their 15+ year career, the Basement Boys have always had their ears to the future of music, with a knowledge, respect, and love of the past. Their solid disco, soul, R&B, and even rock roots have given them an open mind and ear for discovering fresh sounds and talent. The production team is always looking forward and expanding beyond the DJ booth with artists like Margaret Grace, Vinx, and Fertile Ground. Keep your mind and ears open, for you never know what sound will come from the basement.ee where they will be.