Kerri Chandler is a deep house DJ and producer from East Orange, New Jersey, often called the maestro of house music. Born in 1969 into a musical family, he started DJing at 13, released his first single in 1991, and has since put out more than 100 records. He’s one of the defining figures of the New Jersey deep and garage house sound, and runs the labels Madhouse Records, MadTech and Kaoz Theory.
Kerri Chandler at a glance
- Born: 28 September 1969, East Orange, New Jersey
- Sound: deep house and garage house, the New Jersey sound
- First single: Super Lover / Get It Off (1991)
- Labels: Madhouse Records, MadTech Records and Kaoz Theory (2016)
- Residency: Club Zanzibar, Newark, in the 1980s
- Output: more than 100 records
The early days in New Jersey
Kerri Chandler grew up in a jazz-playing family in East Orange, New Jersey. His father, Joseph Chandler, was a DJ who introduced him to soul, disco and the sounds of New York’s underground clubs.
He started playing records at the Rally Racquet Club in East Orange at just 13. A year later he was interning in recording studios and beginning to produce. In the 1980s he became a resident at Club Zanzibar in Newark, one of the most important clubs in the history of New Jersey house.
A deep house discography
His first single, Super Lover / Get It Off, came out in 1991, and a run of records followed that helped define deep house. Highlights include:
- Mistery Love (1993)
- Atmosphere E.P. Vol. 1 (1993)
- Ionosphere EP (1994)
- You’re in My System, with The System (1998)
- Bar a Thym / Sunshine & Twilight (2005)
Kerri Chandler albums
- Hemisphere (1996)
- Kaoz on King Street (1997)
- First Steps, with Dennis Ferrer (1999)
- Kerri’s Jazz Cafe (2000)
- Saturday, with Jerome Sydenham (2001)
- Trionisphere (2003)
- Computer Games (2008)
- The Thing for Linda (2010)
- Spaces and Places (2022)
Madhouse, MadTech and Kaoz Theory
Alongside his own music, he has built labels that support other artists. Madhouse Records signed names including Roy Ayers and Dennis Ferrer. MadTech Records followed, with artists such as Waze & Odyssey, and in 2016 he founded Kaoz Theory.
The Kerri Chandler sound
His records are known for warm, rolling basslines, jazz-influenced chords and a deep, soulful groove that comes straight from New Jersey’s garage house tradition. As a DJ, he’s equally at home with classic records and new music, which is why his sets work for long-time house heads and younger crowds alike.
Kerri Chandler and today’s house scene
He continues to tour worldwide and is still booked for the biggest events. In 2026 he was among the artists announced for the 30th anniversary of Amsterdam Dance Event. His influence runs through the deep and soulful house DJs and producers who followed, from New Jersey to London.
Where to start listening
- Early deep house: Atmosphere E.P. Vol. 1
- Vocal garage: You’re in My System
- Club classic: Bar a Thym
- Recent album: Spaces and Places (2022)
You’ll find much of his catalogue on Traxsource. Read more on the Kerri Chandler Wikipedia page.
Frequently asked questions about Kerri Chandler
Who is Kerri Chandler?
Kerri Chandler is a deep house DJ and producer from East Orange, New Jersey, known as one of the defining artists of the New Jersey deep and garage house sound.
When did Kerri Chandler start DJing?
He started playing records at 13, at the Rally Racquet Club in East Orange, and released his first single, Super Lover / Get It Off, in 1991.
What labels does Kerri Chandler run?
He has run Madhouse Records, MadTech Records and Kaoz Theory, which he founded in 2016.
What are Kerri Chandler’s best-known records?
Well-known records include Atmosphere E.P. Vol. 1, You’re in My System and Bar a Thym, plus albums such as Computer Games and Spaces and Places.
What genre is Kerri Chandler?
Kerri Chandler plays and produces deep house and garage house, rooted in the New Jersey sound.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
