Artists > Eric Cloutier

Born and bred in Michigan, and currently based in Brooklyn, Eric Cloutier is one of a new generation of American DJs bridging the gap between dance music's past and its future. His sets have a sprawling depth and sophistication that fuses the brooding intensity of tripping techno with the mechanic funk of contemporary house.

Cloutier started spinning records in 1996, quickly establishing himself in Detroit's competitive local scene, holding down residencies at The Necto and prominent afterhours spot The Works. This led to a job booking Oslo, where he brought the likes of Richie Hawtin, Luciano and Michael Mayer to town, as well as handing out residencies to local legends Three Chairs and Stacey Pullen.

In 2006, Cloutier made the jump to New York and quickly established himself, earning a residency at the premiere monthly techno night The Bunker and mid-week soiree Den of Thieves. He's also begun his own night, Down, in which he often stretches out to play lengthy sets that showcase his range, effortlessly threading together deeper shades of house and dub-infused techno. Word has been spreading too: 2009 saw Cloutier recording two mixes for the mnml ssgs podcast series, beginning to work in the studio for the first time on his own material, making his European DJing debut and getting tapped to play at Japan's renowned Labyrinth Festival. That latter honor may be the most telling of all: Only a select few are asked to spin at Labyrinth. (It's the provenance of studious selectors like Daniel Bell, Donato Dozzy and Peter Van Hoesen.) To not only spin in their company, but to have ably held his own should tell you all you need to know about Eric Cloutier: He's a DJ for whom quality—above all else—is the watchword.