Gratts – the Belgian DJ known as Tristan Jong is an all-action polymath, and quite possibly the most beloved Belgian export since La Chouffe. He’s spent the last two decades lugging bags around the European club circuit, while involving himself with tight-knit label cabals such as We Play House and his very own label – Ensemble.
Gratts contribution to We Play House allowed him to scour the bills at renowned venues like Berlin’s Griessmuehle, London’s Corsica Studios, and now Amsterdam sadly defunct Rembrandt club Studio 80, cropping his name around key cities of Europe. In his mind, genres are not important: rather, it’s all about the uplift, the heart and the freedom. He is a dedicated music digger, spending most of his days unearthing forgotten groove-heavy tracks in order to revitalize their originality.
He has found himself comfortably playing alongside acts such as Steffi, DJ Sprinkles, Alexander Nut and András Fox. Mixes for Feel My Bicep, and sets for notable festivals such as Dimensions and ADE. While he is certainly noted as a selector, he’s a keen curator: heading up a house playlist series on the 22tracks website; steering the Beyond The Clouds and Ambassade nights in adopted Berlin, all the while running his label Ensemble alongside fellow 22track-er Kong, with releases to date ranging from spectral basement jams to expansive edits of 70s cult ethno-jazz.
Tracklist:
Vakula – JVM (Leleka)
DJ Slym Fas – Hula Hoop Dance (Intangible Records & Soundworks)
Dan Curtin – Spliffed (Peacefrog)
Byron The Aquarius – Aquarian Voyage (Sound Signature)
Dom & Alex Featuring Jane Hamilton – Open Your Eyes (Swirl People Remix) (Deep Future Recordings)
DJ Fett Burger & Jayda G – Velvet Vortex (Sleep D Rainforest Version) (Butter Sessions)
Johnny Fiasco – Fallin (Cyclo)
RT Sound Factor – What Does It Mean? (Electric Blue)
Atjazz – Shape (DiY Discs)
Javonntte – These Words (NDATL)
Gary Romalis – Groovin (Intangible Records & Soundworks)
Gemini – Psychosis (Cajual)
Demarkus Lewis – Fly 2 Heaven (Vista)
Skatebård – Data Italia (Full Pupp Slagerparade)
Vick Lavender – Did You Really (Nite Life Collective)
Lifealude #1 Featuring Emma and Olive
Thee Housecat Experience – Life (Love Mix) (Strictly Rhythm)
