Curtis Jones, also known as Green Velvet, is a Chicago native whose music has had a monumental impact in the house music scene for the past 30 years. His iconic green Mohawk and sunglasses attribute to the magnetic appeal he has crafted around the Green Velvet persona.
Growing up, he was always an active athlete and focused student determined to follow his dream of becoming a chemical engineer. While he excelled scholastically, he was socially introverted but always committed to finding ways to share his enthusiasm for life, which drew him to music.
In 1993, Green Velvet launched Relief Records and has been a constant presence in the industry since then. Even today, more than 25 years later, it is difficult to go to any electronic music festival or set and not hear music from Green Velvet/Relief Records, such as “Bigger than Prince,” “Flash,” “La La Land,” “Voicemail,” and others.
Part of the history of Green Velvet and Relief Records is all about love – love of the music, love of the fans, and love of other artists. He’s championed not only the artists that helped shape house music culture but also the new generation, often performing extended B2B’s with the likes of Dom Dolla and others.
Green Velvet’s music is often described as a blend of funk and vocals reminiscent of Parliament paired with the intricate layers of house and techno. Recent singles such as “Hot N Spicy” or “The Greatest Thing Alive” is a testament to his ability to remain relevant in fresh, creative ways.
In this article, we have hand-picked ten artists who share a similar sound and artistic vision with Green Velvet. These artists, ranging from the veteran house duo Prok & Fitch to the innovative emerging talent of Tony H, all exhibit a commitment to spread love and insatiable grooves through their music.
Our Handpicked List Of Artists Who Sound Like Green Velvet
Prok & Fitch
Prok & Fitch are a British duo comprising Ben Prok & James Fitch.
Regularly cited as one of Beatport’s highest-selling artists annually – with the longest ever standing #1 “Sheeple” with Green Velvet’ remaining at No.1 for an impressive 16 weeks – their music strikes an appealing balance between intensive intricacy and rolling groves. Their journey mirrors Green Velvet’s in their willingness to change and experiment with new sounds and ideas within House. Like Velvet, their creativity has pushed the genre into exciting new heights.
TONY H
Anthony Henderson, known professionally as Tony H is a Panamanian Tech House and Techno DJ.
He’s one of the most in-demand house artists coming out of Seattle. He has a great ability to blend classic 303 acid sounds with irresistible grooves. His upcoming ‘Sener’s Lab‘ EP is a perfect representation, reminiscent of Green Velvet’s flair, as is recent singles like “Tiffany’s” and the title track of his 2024 album ‘Who’s In Control’. Like Green Velvet, Tony H is an avid sampler, often incorporating recurring phrases and vocal chops that enhance the hypnotic aura of his tracks.
Sherm
Matt Sherman, known as Sherm, is also based out of Chicago and is a house artist, podcaster, Hood Politics A&R, and the co-founder of Chicago Music Nexus.
Selected by DJ Mag and Forbes as one of electronic music’s brightest rising stars, Sherm shares a knack for infectious grooves and electrifying energy with Green Velvet. His latest ‘Activate Reality’ EP, crafted with Stund, traverses the house and techno realm featuring rumbling grooves, striking synth stabs, and futuristic vocal samples that echo Green Velvet’s innovative style.
Manda Moor
Manda Moor is a Danish-Filipino DJ and producer based in Paris. Her productions and DJ sets blur the lines between House and Techno.
Manda Moor brings a fresh perspective to house music with her vibrant productions and infectious energy. Similar to Green Velvet, she’s influenced by the House of Chicago from the ’90s, while being groove and tech infused. Her tracks often feature funky basslines, playful synths, and a sense of fun that is reminiscent of Green Velvet’s more playful tracks. Songs like “The Climax” and “Karate Cat” highlight her talent for creating fun, dynamic house music that bears similarity to how Green Velvet approaches his music.
ANATTA
ANATTA is known for his infectious tunes and intricate production style. His music often features hypnotic rhythms, layered textures, and a driving energy that aligns with Green Velvet’s funky house sound. Tunes like “Tobacco Docks” and “American Spirit” incorporate a lively energy, drawing a parallel to Green Velvet’s more upbeat and danceable side. Like Green Velvet, ANATTA uses catchy vocal samples and dynamic beats to create a captivating and fun dancefloor experience.
Nala
Hailing from Miami, Nala got her start playing popular electronic clubs and festivals where she developed a reputation as an impeccable tastemaker. Her knowledge of house, indie dance, electro, and breaks, as well as her ability to add live vocals have made her a standout performer – similar to Green Velvet.
Nala’s music often features a blend of techno and house with a futuristic twist, similar to Green Velvet’s charisma, especially when it comes to the vocals. Tracks like “Growth” and “Not About You” showcase her ability to merge different elements and create a unique sound that captures the essence of Green Velvet’s eclectic style.
Motez
Australian-native Motez is known for his deep, driving techno sound that resonates with the darker, more techno side of Green Velvet’s productions. Tracks like “Good 2 Go” his remix to Anna Lunoe’s “Deep Blue Sea” showcase his ability to create powerful, bass-heavy beats that captivate the dancefloor, much like Green Velvet’s techno tracks.
Bontan
Bontan has become one of the biggest ever selling acts in Beatport and even won Best Newcomer in the DJ Awards.
Bontan’s music is characterized by its energetic house beats and catchy hooks, drawing a parallel to Green Velvet’s dynamic and infectious style. His tracks, such as “Get Down” and his remix of “Do You Feel Me,” feature groovy basslines with an old school flair that echo the yet powerful essence of Green Velvet’s productions.
Mendo
The owner of club specialists Clarisse Records, Swiss-born Mendo has been crossing the coordinates of deep, tech, tribal and funky house since the Millennium countdown.
Mendo’s sound is a perfect blend of house and techno, often featuring rhythmic, percussive elements and soulful vocals. His ability to craft immersive and danceable tracks, as heard in “Get A Funk” and “I Wanna Gain” aligns with Green Velvet’s knack for creating music that moves both the body and the soul.
MIANE
Based in Ibiza, MIANE brings a fresh, modern touch to house and techno, with a focus on hypnotic grooves and catchy vocal samples.
Similar to Green Velvet, her DIY mentality, her passion, and the curiosity she develops towards any innovation – both digital and analog – have helped her stand out from the rest. Her tracks, such as “Who Are You?” and “Broken,” are reminiscent of Green Velvet’s style, incorporating repetitive phrases and deep, driving beats that create an infectious energy.
Must See DJ Sets From Green Velvet:
