CamelPhat are an English DJ and production duo made up of Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala, originally from Liverpool, UK. They officially formed as CamelPhat in 2006, although both had deep roots in the local club scene long before that.
Before adopting the CamelPhat name, the pair released music under numerous aliases (including Whelan & Di Scala, Pawn Shop, and The Bassline Hustlers), experimenting with different electronic styles and building production experience across multiple labels.
The guys met in the early 2000s at 3 Beat Records, a well-known Liverpool record shop. Both were working as DJs and quickly formed a friendship based around their shared passion for House music. They initially collaborated as part of a group called The Chosen Few, releasing covers and remixes in the mid-2000s before focusing on their own identity.
The duo began releasing music as CamelPhat around 2010, even wearing wrestling-style masks early on to keep the focus on their music rather than their image.
During the early 2010s, they built a reputation within underground house music through releases on respected labels like Toolroom, Suara, Glasgow Underground, and Spinnin’ Deep.
Then came the breakthrough moment, COLA. The partnership with Elderbrook was released on Defected records label in June of 2017 and had great commercial success, in reached number 18 in the UK singles chart, Number 3 in the dance chart and in 2018 came a Grammy nomination for ‘Best Dance Recording’.
Cola achieved multi-platinum award and billions, yes BILLIONS of streams, this thrust CamePhat from underground producers and DJs to global headliners. Click the link to have a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qke-jOUqSXU&list=RDqke-jOUqSXU&start_radio=1
The boys have gone on to release albums like Dark matter, which I think is a masterpiece, and Spiritual milk, I’m lucky enough to have a signed copy of the artwork for this album. CamelPhat have defined that deep tech sound with heavy basslines and synths combined with emotional vocals in releases like Panic room, Breathe, Hyper colour and Be someone.
I know Cola gets all the recognition but for me Spektrum is just amazing and would be my tune of choice. Click the link and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLtdvs3Pbc8
The successful releases have led to global recognition and made them one of the most in demand House artists around. Tours across Europe, America and further afield have been extensive, headlining events like Coachella, Glastonbury and Creamfields and holding residencies in Ibiza at clubs like Pacha and Hi. They are also praised for immersive DJ sets and live performances that emphasise atmosphere and storytelling.
CamelPhat have released music on a wide variety of labels, including Defected, Toolroom, Afterlife and RCA and in recent years established their own label, When Stars Align, launching new music and collaborations.
Their breakthrough with “Cola” opened the door, but their sustained success has been driven by consistent production, genre-blending creativity, and strong roots in club culture. Long may they continue releasing dancefloor weapons and gloriously crafted albums.
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