Scratching the Surface

Seb Fontaine

insists he never wanted to be a DJ, but it seems he was almost predestined for the profession. His mother was a DJ, and he was conceived in Ibiza, the world’s electronic-music party mecca. Although he grew up in London’s 2-Tone ska scene and still fantasizes about being a member of Madness, Fontaine found himself spinning hip-hop in clubs around London just as house music and raves began to gain a foothold in his homeland. Needless to say, house changed his life dramatically, and he eventually became one of the U.K. scene’s key figures, a position he enthusiastically maintains by hosting club nights such as Type in London, as well as a show on British dance station Kiss FM. His Prototype series of mix CDs on the Global Underground label are among the imprint’s most popular releases. Catch Fontaine this Thursday, August 18, at the Church.