Former Selv

Biography

Jerry Abstract completely encompasses electronic music in his lifestyle as a DJ, Producer, Remixer, Designer, Promoter and Friend to the community. He’s the Art Director for Seattle’s Decibel Festival. He also consults promoters around America, judges laptop battles, hosts his own events and was tagged as a “Next 100” artist by URB Magazine in 2007 and 2008 for his production talents.

He creates tracks and remixes in his personal studio for the labels Shitkatapult Musick, Semisexual, From 0-1, Schematic, Knight Riders, Equal Recordings, Slant Records, Sub Sensory, Daly City, mass.mvmnt, Innerflight Music, Memex, Fourthcity, Peloton, Dragon’s Eye Recordings and Dulcette. Jerry Abstract has published customized DJ mixes for Shitkatapult, Electric Deluxe, Detroit Underground, From 0-1, Mass.Mvmnt and Slant Records. In addition to his monthly contribution to Resident Advisor’s top ten charts, Jerry has been featured many times over on a multitude of worldwide radio broadcasts. His production aliases include Ian Ginsing for his experimental tech-house adventures, and Former Selv for his more ambient and non-dance floor oriented compositions, Avee Libretto for his collab IDM project (with Derek Linaman), while saving the Jerry Abstract moniker for all of his other creations.

Mr. Abstract’s influences come from a variety of places, starting with his counter-cultural growth in Detroit during the earlier waves of techno while attending secret inner city underground parties in the early 1990’s. In 2004 he spent the summer living in Berlin, but currently resides in Seattle taking inspiration from the scenic Pacific Northwest. As a true asset, Jerry has kick-started both the second and third waves of the Cascadian electronic music movement. Locally he has held a residency at the popular but now defunct Groovetech, co-promoted the infamous Robo.Trash weekly and helps with regular Decibel events.

On top of all of his multi-disciplinary functions, JAbstract maintains a healthy international DJ schedule with multiple appearances at Detroit’s Movement (DEMF), Tresor (Berlin), Tonic (NYC), Miami’s WMC, Bumbershoot (SEA), and of course a rare live set each year at the Decibel Festival (SEA). He has played alongside the likes of Richie Hawtin, Derrick May, Green Velvet, Modeselektor, Apparat, T.Raumschmiere, Bruno Pronsato, Richard Devine, The Advent and countless others. With Cascadia itself now home to a bevy of talented electronic music producers, Jerry Abstract has raised his game to become one of the city’s only elite DJ’s, Producer’s, and Remixer’s while bringing a positive attitude and skills to match other international talent.