Green Velvet (real name — Curtis Alan Jones) is an American DJ, producer, and one of the pioneers of Chicago house, techno, and electro. He is known for his distinctive sound, his stage persona with green hair, and eccentric performances. Green Velvet has become a cult figure in the global club scene, blending elements of acid house, techno, funk, and spoken word into his music.
Early Years
Curtis Alan Jones was born on April 26, 1968, in Chicago, USA. Coming from a middle-class family, he was passionate about music from an early age — from Prince and Parliament-Funkadelic to classic soul. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in electrical engineering but soon devoted himself entirely to music.
It was in Chicago — the cradle of house music — that he began producing his first tracks under the alias Cajmere, inspired by the 1980s legends such as Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Adonis, and DJ Pierre.
Cajmere and the Birth of Green Velvet
In the early 1990s, Curtis created the alias Cajmere and released his first hit, “Brighter Days” (feat. Dajae), in 1992. The song instantly became a Chicago house classic and remains one of the genre’s defining tracks. That same year, he founded his own label, Cajual Records, and later Relief Records, which released works from legendary artists like Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak, Gene Farris, and Glenn Underground.
In 1995, Jones introduced a darker, more techno-driven persona — Green Velvet. The name represented his experimental alter ego — mixing provocative lyrics, satire, philosophy, and manic sound design.
Selected Discography
- “Brighter Days” (feat. Dajae) — 1992
- “Flash” — 1995
- “The Stalker” — 1996
- “Answering Machine” — 1997
- “La La Land” — 2001
- “Shake & Pop” — 2006
- “Bigger Than Prince” — 2013
- “Deceiver” (with Claude VonStroke) — 2019
- “Simulator” (with Patrick Topping) — 2021
Many of his tracks have topped Beatport charts and become anthems of house festivals worldwide.
Sound and Style
The sound of Green Velvet fuses acid house, techno, and funk with spoken word elements and satirical lyrics. His music is defined by minimalism, syncopated basslines, and signature vocal inserts filled with humor and philosophy.
Key Features:
- Monochrome basslines and acid synths from the Roland TB-303;
- Irony-infused and philosophical vocal passages;
- A fusion of house, techno, and electro;
- High-energy live performances.
Collaborations and Projects
Green Velvet has collaborated with numerous artists. His duo project with Claude VonStroke — Get Real — became a sensation on the club scene. He has also worked with Chris Lake, Patrick Topping, Technasia, Detlef, and Shiba San.
His labels Cajual and Relief played a crucial role in shaping the house sound of the 1990s and 2000s, launching the careers of countless young producers.
Festivals and Performances
Green Velvet is a regular performer at major festivals such as Ultra Miami, EDC, Tomorrowland, Movement Detroit, and Defected Croatia. His shows are renowned for their charisma, audience interaction, and visual aesthetics — green lighting, sunglasses, and his signature suit.
Achievements
- One of the pioneers of Chicago House and Techno;
- Founder of Cajual Records and Relief Records;
- Over 30 years on the global scene;
- Member of projects Get Real and Cajmere;
- His tracks are featured in Mixmag’s “100 Greatest Dance Tracks of All Time.”
Interesting Facts
- His real name is Curtis Alan Jones — the Green Velvet persona emerged after a “vision” during a studio session with a Roland synthesizer.
- His track “Flash” satirizes society’s obsession with technology and social media — remaining relevant today.
- Green Velvet is a committed vegetarian and advocate of mindful living.
- His Relief label has released music from artists such as Fisher and Chris Lake.
- In 2023, he celebrated his 30th career anniversary with a special “From Cajmere to Velvet” tour.
Legacy
Green Velvet is more than a DJ — he is a symbol of Chicago’s electronic revolution, a philosopher of house music, and an artist bridging the past and the future. His energy, creativity, and style have forever shaped the perception of techno and house, making him one of the most respected figures in electronic music.
