Craig Loftis aka Grand High Priest

Craig Loftis has been in the Chicago music scene since 1979. He first came on the scene as a party promoter, starting what was to become one of Chicago's most successful social clubs...VERTIGO.
In 1981, after having problems with booking D.J.s, he became a dj himself, and that was when it all began.
Realizing That Music was his true gift from God, he decided to take it further by attending the Columbia College in Chicago where he received a degree in Art and Entertainment Management and Sound Engineering. As time went on he made a few important contacts and accomplishments in Chicago's entertainment scene.

In 1983, he redesigned the lighting and sound system for 2 clubs owned by Jim Flint, The Baton Show Lounge and the Re Doubt, two very influential Chicago clubs. During this time Craig was also working very closely with the 'Godfather of House', Frankie Knuckles. After redesigning the sound system for his club the PowerPlant 1015 he became Frankie's personal sound engineer and opening DJ for the next 4 years. In that year Craig and Frankie worked on the development of Frankie's production company PowerPlant LTD.

Along with various remixes of existing songs, Craig and Frankie concentrated on producing a Chicago artist named Jamie Principle. The track 'Your Love' has stood the test of time and is looked on as one of the most influential and important house records of all time, this demonstrated Frankie and Craig's production genius.

When Frankie decided to leave Chicago in 1988, Craig was offered the position as chief engineer in charge of production for DJ International Records where he remained for the next eight years. In that time Craig engineered, mixed and produced songs for Fast Eddie, Tyree Cooper, Julian Perez, Badboy Bill, Frankie Hollywood Rodriguez, Joe Smooth, Sterling Viod, Paris Brightledge and Mike Dunn just to name a few.

In 2000 Craig's career moved forward as strong as every, he started a new promotion company,
Loftwerk Productions and is responsible for some of the hottest party's in Chicago. Lotwerk Productions Has worked with such artist as Loleatta Holloway .Ava Cherry, Sharon Pass, Darryl Pandy, Byron Stingley, Rochelle Flemming, Georgy Porgy and Martha Wash. Craig also became a member of the Slang Music Group a remixing company based in Chicago. During his time with Slang, Craig has done mixes on such artist as Pink, Kelly Price, Sisco, R-Kelly, Ruff Endz, Backstreet boys and Whitney Houston.

Craig's also an active member of The Nu Bang Clan a collection of DJ's who have aligned themselves under one accord, to bring the world the best new music that the club/underground community has to offer. Founded in 2001, by the 10 original masters of styles, Nu Bang Clan quickly established itself as one of the hottest DJ Collective's. Expect new material from Nu Bang Clan including Craig Loftis later this year. Check www.nubangclan.com for more details.
In Chicago
Craig has also started his own (long awaited) record label Loftwerk Records in Chicago, that had its first release "DREAMIN" In February 2002, look out for future releases this year.

2006 was Craig's year with the release of the phenomenal "Mary, Mary" track under his Grand High Priest pseudonym on WEZE records. The record was a worldwide smash gaining support from Kenny Dope, Louie Vega, Danny Krivitt, Dennis Ferrer, Karizma to name a few...

The track has recently been reworked to be released on Loftwerk records with vocals by the phenomenal Chicago songstress Dajae. It comes with remixes from Terry Hunter and Joe Smooth. The record will also be released in spring 07 in the UK through Endulge records, the label behind the legendary Southport Soul Weekenders. 2007 also see's a Craig Loftis release on the all new Strictly Rhythm label, that's destined to be a big favorite at this years Miami Winter Music Conference.

Craig's DJ'ing has taken him to all corners of the globe giving you a real taste of the Chicago house sound with his distinctive and skillful Djing style. With various label releases, DJ dates and talk of an album in the pipeline, it looks to be a busy and exciting year ahead for Craig Loftis and one that will take him to the top of his game and beyond...

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