GREGOR SALTO

DJ and producer Gregor Salto has been dominating the Dutch club scene for over a decade with his original dance music. Tracks like ‘Mas Que Nada’, ‘Paris Luanda’ and ‘Damelo’ seem to underline Salto’s identity as a Latin House artist, but a closer look shows his interest in Pop, Soul, African and World music. He is constantly seeking to cross existing boundaries and take on new challenges, all the while with a fixed eye on the ever changing international dance scene. “I’m known for being quite versatile”, says Gregor.
Mr Salto is not afraid to expand his horizon and successfully started working with other artists. His track with Pitbull, “Echa Pa’lla”, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category Best Urban Song, and he was happy to share a Grammy with Pitbull in the category Best performance. Earlier this year they already received an ASCAP Award (American Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers) for this song. Salto’s unrivalled productiveness has made him an extremely popular remixer. The Gregor Salto remix for Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’ was included late last year on the deluxe version of her latest album ‘Unapologetic’. Further he has delivered remixes for pop stars like J-Lo, Rita Ora, Skunk Anansie, India Arie and George Micheal and djs like Nicky Romero, Axwell, Bob Sinclar and Roger Sanchez.
He has released tracks with most Dutch superstar DJ’s and his own tracks kept him in the top ranks as one of Holland’s most in demand DJ’s and producers while spreading his fame throughout the globe.
Gregor got infected by the house virus when he heard Royal House’s classic anthem ‘Can You Party’ at a school dance. “It was so different from everything else I’d heard before”, explains the Haarlem-born DJ. “It just sounded so impressive on the dance floor.”
After some years of experimenting on his dad’s Commodore Amiga computer, he debuted at eighteen years old with the 12“ vinyl ‘Pangaea’ on a sub-label of Amsterdam’s legendary Outland Records.
It would take a decade of hard work before Gregor had his first big break. In 2004, ‘Can’t stop Playing’, a catchy house tune produced with dr. Kucho, skyrocketed the Dutch top 40 and remained there for more than two months. ‘Can’t Stop Playing’ marked the beginning of an ongoing rollercoaster ride through Dutch club land, bringing him everywhere from the smallest of backwater barns to the hippest of innercity super clubs. Headlining most of the country’s leading festivals, Gregor established himself as a leading artist in Dutch club land with his distinctive mix of tropical, latin and soulful grooves, set to a solid base of house and electro.
Besides DJing and producing, Gregor also keeps busy with the corporate side of things. In 2001 he started his own imprint G-REX Music. In 2009 G-REX became a part of the Dadadam label group of which Gregor is CEO. Dadadam now represents multiple labels with various styles. The common factor of all releases is the creativity and talent of all producers. In Gregor’s words: ‘I truly believe our Dadadam organisation is unique in it’s musical diversity, we are an important breeding ground for Dutch electronic dance music’
Check Gregor’s monthly ‘Salto Sounds’ podcast online!