Felix’s DJ Duty Merits the Buzz

Since his first hit, “Thee Dawn,” 10 years ago, Felix Da Housecat has run an influential label, Radikal Fear Records, and remixed the likes of Diana Ross. But until recently, nine out of 10 U.S. music fans probably had no clue who Felix is.

In the last month, though, Felix, who came out of the legendary Chicago house music scene, was named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s 10 artists to watch in 2002, and his “Kittenz and Thee Glitz” was named the best album of 2001 by Muzik magazine.

Felix, whose real name is Felix Stallings Jr., rode that wave of attention into town for a rare appearance Thursday at the Bossa Nova club in Santa Monica. If he was feeling the pressure of his new buzz, he certainly didn’t let on during his two-hour-plus DJ set.

Displaying a distinctive style that found him almost teasing the audience with his long buildups, false rises and extended scratch solos, Felix wove a pastiche of dance music beats from R&B;, techno, house and world music.

Felix, whose own music draws heavily on the ‘80s, proudly displayed his influences, playing recognizable hits from that era such as Prince’s “Controversy,” the Clash staple “Rock the Casbah” and a techno remix of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.” Blended into his mix, though, the songs bore the distinct Felix imprint. That’s the highest compliment you can pay any DJ.

--Steve Baltin