Kev Obrien

Following a soul-searching hiatus that began in 2014, which spanned nearly three years, long-time NYC-based DJ and producer Kev Obrien and former founder and label director of Stranjjur, is back in full-swing; readying himself for the launching of his new imprint, eyedyllic music; a boutique digital and limited vinyl imprint which he and partner Mik Santoro, of Ibiza, are launching in summer 2017. Eyedyllic is ready to paint a sonically picturesque scenario upon the walls of the electronic music world in 2017, with music slated from artists such as James Teej, Tone of Arc, David Marston as well as singles from Obrien and Santoro, and other core up and coming stalwarts, such as Italian-based prodigies Keira and Ercos Blanka, amongst others. Prior to his lengthy hiatus, Kev's former signature brand, Stranjjur, was widely revered and supported across the industry. Regularly recognized by peers and fans alike for his abilities to craft spell-binding DJ sets, his knack for this alone has sent him far and wide across the globe. After playing nearly every venue NYC had to offer, he moved on (both solo and with his former partner in Manhattan Projject, Chris Luzz) to headline parties and label showcases -- both big and small -- as far down as South Africa, Central America, and off to Europe and back; not to mention a litany of U.S. gigs that crisscrossed the map. All the while, reaching a global fan base as his former globally syndicated radio show, Stranjj Selections, reached millions over the span of its five-year run, on stations such as Ibiza Global Radio, Proton Radio, DI.fm and many more. Obrien and his former production and label partner Chris Luzz (together known as Manhattan Projject) reached a pinnacle in 2012/2013, as the duo together built one of the quickest-rising labels in recent years, receiving major acclaim from DJ Mag, Mixmag, Resident Advisor and delivering anthems that dominated radio charts across Europe. Everyone from Sven Vath, Solomun, Sasha to Soul Clap were regular supporters of the unbound diversity of sound and genre-defying music that Obrien and Luzz curated on Stranjjur during it's brief twenty release span. His fierce dedication from the beginning stages of Stranjjur's climb as an event curator in NYC led he and whoever stood by his side in Stranjjur in introducing and nurturing then-unknown artists, such as Gab Rhome, Rami Abousabe (now one-half of super-duo, Bedouin), HearThuG, David Marston (now writing hits and part of Crew Love with Wolf+Lamb/Soul Clap), Superlover (as one of half of Kassette Boys), Fabo, Karmon, Ataxia, Nhan Solo, Lula Circus, Lee Brinx, Evans and more. The imprint also released EPs as well from more known artists such as H.O.S.H., Sasse, and more. To the surprise of many, Obrien suddenly closed Stranjjur’s doors in 2014, citing the need for a firm pressing of his own personal reset button, before disappearing into the abyss onto a soul-searching journey, which has finally now led him full-circle, to return to the music. This time, however, the focus is sharply turned away from the 'empire-building' mindset which he held in past years, and instead focused solely on doing what he does best: telling his riveting story, through his productions and DJ sets, and focusing simply on doing what he loves, day in and day out; which is making music, or working with other like-minded individuals on projects that allow other artists to continue doing what they love as well.