Jul 01 2024 87 mins
For the Eighth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Merlin Bobb representing stories from New York.
Merlin Bobb, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a renowned DJ and widely acknowledged as a pioneer of the house music genre. His contributions to the industry have garnered significant recognition, including an invitation from Boiler Room to perform his first live DJ set in 2022. Growing up in New York exposed Merlin to a rich tapestry of musical genres, from R&B and jazz to disco, salsa, punk, and hip hop.
Merlin's journey began when he landed his inaugural mix show on WBLS, quickly capturing the hearts of dance music enthusiasts. Throughout his career, he fearlessly experimented with diverse techniques and musical styles, consistently pushing the boundaries of DJ-ing. This marked the commencement of a remarkable and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his prowess behind the DJ booth, Merlin exerted influence as an executive at major music recording labels such as Atlantic and Elektra Records. His instrumental role in introducing and popularizing the burgeoning house music scene to a wider audience cannot be overstated. Merlin worked closely with industry giants like Missy Elliott, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Outkast, and Dr. Dre to name a few, signing, developing, and collaborating with these iconic artists. He also collaborated with prominent dance music DJs and producers like Frankie Knuckles, Timmy Regisford, Roger Sanchez, Kerri Chandler, David Morales, Steve Hurley, Louie Vega, Roland Clark, Marshall Jefferson and Tony Humphries, contributing to the production of remixes and the dissemination of the house music sound.
Merlin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Club Shelter NYC, an esteemed nightclub that swiftly became the epicenter of New York City's house and dance music scene. The indelible impact of the Shelter brand and the vibrant culture it fostered continues to reverberate throughout the global house music community.
Recently making his return to DJ-ing, much to the delight of his fans, Merlin remains an influential figure in the world of house music on a global scale. His ongoing dedication and creative contributions ensure that his legacy endures and continues to shape the landscape of house music.