Real Name: Ian Carey
Date of Birth: September 13, 1975
Place of Birth: Maryland, USA
Genres: House, Soulful House, Funky House, Deep House
Occupations: DJ, Producer, Remixer
Active Years: 1998 — present
Early Life and Family Influence
Ian Carey grew up in a small town in Maryland, just two hours from Washington, D.C. Music surrounded him from an early age: his father worked as a sound engineer, and his mother played guitar. By the age of eight, young Ian could already set up backline equipment for live concerts and often traveled with his father across the country, absorbing the atmosphere of America’s clubs and music venues.
He wasn’t an exemplary student at school, but upon entering the University of Maryland (Baltimore), he realized the importance of education. It was there that he discovered dance music — the energy that would later define his career.
Hip-Hop, Graffiti, and the First Steps in Clubs
Beyond music, Ian was also passionate about graffiti, which helped him become part of Baltimore’s local hip-hop community. At the beginning of his journey, he performed exclusively Hip-Hop sets, playing weekly at the Midnight club. Around this time, he also took a job as a sales manager at Music Liberated, where he first heard House music.
As hip-hop became increasingly commercial, Carey gravitated toward a more underground sound. He began attending the legendary Paradox club, where DJs such as Teddy Douglas, DJ Spen, Karizma, Tony Humphries, and Joe Claussell performed. It was there that his passion for soulful house was born, ultimately defining his artistic direction.
Projects and Artistic Development
Together with Jason Papillon, Ian formed the project Soul Providers, whose tracks «Rise» and «I Don’t Know» became soulful house classics. Their music was played on dancefloors worldwide, and support from Defected Records brought them international recognition.
In 2003, Ian left the United States and moved to the Netherlands, where the house scene was thriving. Selling his home and relocating to Europe became a decisive step in his career. There, he began collaborating with leading labels such as Defected, Hed Kandi, and Ministry of Sound.
Career Peak and Global Recognition
One of Carey’s standout releases was «The Power» (Defected / Fluential), showcasing his signature style — deep basslines, soulful vocals, and uplifting grooves. Later, he launched the Saturated Soul project with legendary Eddie Amador, producing the hit «Got To Release».
Since the 2000s, Carey has become a sought-after remixer, working with Kid Crème, Danny Marquez, Ferry B., Dina Vass, StoneBridge, and Cyndi Lauper. His remixes have been released by Defected, Soulfuric, Elan, Eye Industries, and Houseworks.
Defected, Touring, and Residencies
Ian Carey has been a frequent performer at Defected In The House — legendary parties across Europe. He’s graced the stages of iconic festivals and clubs worldwide — from Space Ibiza to Pacha, Ministry of Sound, and Supermarket Zurich.
His touring map includes Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Poland, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and Japan. He also held two permanent residencies in Switzerland: The Supermarket (Zurich) and To See Club (Fribourg).
Top Tracks
- Soul Providers – Rise (Defected Records)
- Soul Providers – I Don’t Know (Defected Records)
- Ian Carey – The Power (Fluential / Defected)
- Saturated Soul – Got To Release (Subliminal / Elan)
- Ian Carey – Say What You Want (Nero Records Sweden)
- Ian Carey feat. Michelle Shellers – Keep On Rising (Spinnin’ Records)
A special place belongs to «Keep On Rising» (2007) — a true house anthem that has earned millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. In 2022, a new vocal version was released, reminding audiences of the timeless energy of the original.
Influence and Style
Ian Carey’s sound blends elements of soul, funk, disco, and house. He is among those who shaped the European soulful house sound in the 2000s and brought it to a global stage. His style is marked by melody, emotion, and live vocal arrangements, keeping his music fresh and relevant even today.
Recent Work (2020–2025)
In recent years, Ian Carey continues performing as a DJ and producer, remastering classic tracks and releasing new material via his label Elan Media. He also collaborates with young artists, fostering the growth of soulful and vocal house around the world.
In 2023–2025, Ian celebrated 25 years in music with a special anniversary tour and the compilation «House Legacy: 25 Years of Soul». He also launched a podcast dedicated to the history of house music, sharing his experiences and stories about the genre’s legends.
Legacy and Significance
Ian Carey is one of the key producers in American soulful house, bridging the traditions of the U.S. East Coast with European club culture. His music has become an integral part of Defected Records’ history and laid the foundation for modern house music.
He remains true to his philosophy: «House is not just music. It’s a community, a soul, and an energy that connects people.»
Fun Facts
- Worked under several aliases: Soul Providers, Saturated Soul, The Ian Carey Project.
- Co-owner of the multimedia company Elan Media Group.
- His tracks are frequently played by David Guetta, Bob Sinclar, Roger Sanchez, Fedde Le Grand.
- One of the few Americans to conquer the European house scene.
Conclusion
Ian Carey is the embodiment of the classic house era — an artist who built a bridge between American groove and European sound. His music is the soul of the dancefloor, and his career is a testament to passion, dedication, and an enduring love for house culture.
