BIO
Belgian 4T4 (né Kristof Michiels) was born a music passionate and has witnessed the evolution of electronic dance music from the front row; his carreer encompasses more than 3 decades thanks to a very early start. He’s one of the most revered and respected staples in Belgian DJ-culture. He has enjoyed grand national succes as dj and producer (sometimes even rapper) of rap group ’t Hof Van Commerce and as a party-dj, and is known as a bridgebuilder between a large variation of styles and cultures. His skills are renowned. He’s also enjoyed some global underground recognition, mainly due to releases on well-respected connoisseur labels such as Bearfunk and Nang. He’s a true vibemaster.
What makes him truly stand out from the crowd though, is his ability to never get conditioned by surroundings or fashion. Whatever he does, he does his own way (cue Frank Sinatra now), solely based on his own insights. Although often labelled stubbornness, it could also be integrity. He does not cater to the balcony. (Thanks, David).
Besides playing with Laurent Garnier and DJ Shadow multiple times, he’s also played with Derrick May, Felix Da Housecat, Carl Craig, Etiienne De Crécy, Cassius a.m.o. His music can / could be heard in sets by Monsieur Garnier, Horse Meat Disco, DJ Harvey, Claptone to name but a few, and legends such as Nicky Siano (from Studio 54!) and DJ Sneak follow his Soundcloud page.
Besides all this, Kristof is a movie-maker and editor taking his love for music and mixing into the realm of the visual with great acclaim and ability.
Some more random facts:
He started as a new beat / house dj in underground Hasselt club ‘t Kelderke in the late 80’s.
Born in ‘73
Played Rock Werchter’s main stage 4 times
Played Pukkelpop 10+ times
Calls himself a “montagist”
Does most of his artwork himself (see the artwork page)
Made a documentary about 50 years of Belgian dj’s called “Platendraaiers” (“Record Players”) for national tv, which reached an audience of 500.000+
It spawned an official “Monopoly Discotheken” edition
Considers dividing music up into styles as complete nonsense
Was part of the same scene that includes Mo & Benoelie / The Glimmers / Rheinzand, The Magician, Soulwax / 2manydj’s, The Subs,…
Made a very succesful movie portrait of iconic Belgian musician ARNO
In all his years as a working dj, he’s witnessed the rise and fall of trends like swingbeat, new beat, hip house, rave, jungle, crossover, acid jazz, trip hop, big beat, ragga, (modern) r&b, 2-step, deep house, electro house, minimal, nu disco, dubstep, edm, trap a.m.o., always adapting and weeding out the cream of the crop, incorporating them into the blend without losing his own identity: an unrivalled timeless party feeling. You can’t beat that with a stick.
A reporter was talking to Thelonious Monk and asked him what kind of music he liked. "Well, I like all kinds of music." Then the reporter said, "Even country music?" Thelonious didn't answer him. The reporter repeated, "Well, do you like country music too?" And Thelonious didn't look at the reporter, he looked at his tour manager and said, "I think the fellow's hard of hearing."