  Contact 95 North: 95 NORTH PRODUCTIONS,
INC. Phone : |
95
North Productions... A unique musical endeavor
founded by two individuals determined to produce the
finest dance music to be found. Richard Payton and
Doug Smith met as members of a local rap group named
Trigon. The group met with limited success including
opening for De La Soul and Chubb Rock. However, they
decided to break up during the summer of 1991 and
Richard and Doug began pursuing other musical
interests. Their love of house music led to a
collaboration which resulted in the initial demo of a
song called 'Shattered Love'. After evaluating offers
from a number of record companies for the song, the
duo decided to go with Strictly Rhythm Records.
While searching for the right vocalist for 'Shattered
Love', the duo submitted instrumental tracks which
were subsequently released on Strictly Rhythm to
positive acclaim. As their success increased, early in 1993, Richard and Doug decided to form 95 North Productions, Inc. (taken from the interstate highway that connects Doug, Richard, and New York City, on which they constantly traveled earlier in their careers trying to get established.) Based out of Washington, DC, the aim of the production company is to involve itself in songwriting, production, and remix projects. Among the projects that have been released so far are "What I Need" by Crystal Waters (#1 Billboard Dance Chart), Hold On" by 95 North featuring Sabrynaah Pope (#30 Billboard Dance Chart, Billboard HotShot Debut), "My Life" by 95 North featuring Sabrynaah Pope (#29 Billboard Dance Chart), "The Winding Song" (#2 Billboard Dance Chart) of which they did vocal and dub mixes, and “Bring Back The Love” by Laura Harris, which is currently #29 on the Billboard Dance Chart. 95 North also co-wrote and co-produced the hit “Just a Freak” (which was featured prominently in the Dennis Rodman-Jean Claude Van Damme thriller “Double Team”) and “Spin Me” on Crystal Waters’ most recent album. 95 North has also established themselves as a DJ team. Doug spins the records while Richard adds live overdubs of organ solos, flutes, percussion, sound effects and whatever else comes to mind. In essence, they create live remixes during their sets. They have played in England at the Ministry of Sound, The Loft and Garage City, The Base in Milan, Italy, and various other venues in Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Finland. They have also played several times on the Bobby and Steve Show on Kiss FM London. They currently have a bi-weekly residency at Red in Washington, DC. In October of 1998, 95 North launched 95 North Records with the release of “Save Your Soul” by Mijan with remixes by London’s own R.I.P. Productions. The record was critical acclaimed by many and went on to become the Number One selling import at Black Market Records during its first week of release. 95 North will also be managing the careers of hot new producers Next Level. |