Carl Cox, a British house and techno club DJ, radio DJ, and record producer, is known as one of the most influential figures in electronic music – a living legend some would say. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become a global ambassador for house and techno, gaining fans around the world due to his larger-than-life stage presence and unique DJ techniques.
Cox started as a child, right when disco and house music were becoming popular. Over the years, he’s earned countless awards, including being named the first-ever #1 DJ in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 poll in 1997. Today, he’s based in Australia and Cox continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, inspiring today’s rising names.
While fans may know the highlights of his incredible career, here are 10 lesser-known facts about Carl Cox.
1. Pioneer of Three-Deck Mixing
Carl Cox gained recognition in the late 1980s for his innovative three-deck mixing technique, which was groundbreaking at the time. This approach allowed him to layer multiple tracks, creating complex and dynamic sets for which he soon became known.
2. DJing Two Millenniums in One Night
On New Year’s Eve 1999, Cox managed to perform in both Sydney, Australia, and Honolulu, Hawaii. By flying across the world between time zones, he celebrated the Millennium twice in one night, which became known as a historic moment that showcased his commitment to his profession and fans.
3. Curator of “Carl Cox & Friends”
Two decades ago, in 2004, his “Carl Cox & Friends” concept launched at the Ultra Music Festival. It provided a platform to showcase diverse talents within house and techno and is now one of the best-known stages at festivals worldwide, including Tomorrowland, Awakenings, and EDC Las Vegas.
4. Long Residency at Space Ibiza
During his 15-year residency at Space Ibiza, which ended a decade ago, Cox made Tuesday nights a weekly pilgrimage for electronic music fans. His residency, “Music Is Revolution,” is perhaps what made Space Ibiza as a global hotspot for house and techno. He recently announced his new residency at Ibiza ‘Hyperclub,’ starting in June.
5. Founder of Awesome Soundwave
Cox has founded multiple record labels, and his second label, Awesome Soundwave, focuses exclusively on live electronic music artists. This brings a focus on improvisation and live performances, challenging the DJ-dominated paradigm often found in today’s electronic music.
6. A Global Ambassador…
Back in 2017, Carl Cox became the official global ambassador for Ultra Music Festival’s Resistance stage, which is famous for showcasing underground house and techno. Naturally, his involvement lifted the stage’s prestige, attracting top-tier acts and fans from around the world.
7. Advocate for Live Vinyl and Digital Sets
In the era of digital DJing, you might think Cox would conform to the industry norms. However, Cox remains one of the strongest advocates for vinyl. His final set at Space Ibiza in 2016 was a 10-hour hybrid performance, blending vinyl and CDJs.
8. A Businessman in Motorsports
When he’s away from the stage or studio, Cox has a passion for motorsports. Back in 2013, he founded Carl Cox Motorsport in New Zealand, which later expanded into the eco-conscious racing series, Extreme E.
9. A Genre-Breaking Collaborator
Cox worked with the famous Australian group Yothu Yindi in 2019, remixing their song “Treaty” and performing live with them at the Babylon Festival, which famously brings together international talents. This partnership was profound as it merged electronic music with Indigenous culture, as the group includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members.
10. A Visionary Festival Curator
Cox launched the Pure Festival in Australia in 2017, a boutique event focusing on techno. Since its launch, it has become known for its immersive experience and top-tier acts. Keeping it on the smaller side, this event reflects his commitment to quality over quantity. He continues to perform at other events as well.
