Jamie Lewis is a Swiss DJ, producer and former record shop owner who founded Purple Music in Zurich in 1997. Built on a blend of gospel and house music, Purple Music is widely seen as one of the most influential house labels of the 2000s, with releases from Kings of Tomorrow, Sandy Rivera, Bob Sinclar and Dimitri From Paris, and vocals from Jocelyn Brown and Michelle Weeks.
Jamie Lewis and Purple Music at a glance
- Real name: Cem Berter
- Label: Purple Music, founded in 1997 in Zurich, Switzerland
- Sublabels: Purple Tracks and Indeependent
- Sound: soulful, gospel-inspired, vocal and deep house
- Residency: a monthly Purple party at Kaufleuten, Zurich, running since 1997
- Recognition: twice nominated at the UK House Music Awards
From record shop to record label
Before launching the label, he ran a record shop, which gave him a sharp ear for what DJs wanted to play. In 1997 he started Purple Music in Zurich to release house records with a strong gospel and soul influence, and with big vocals at the centre.
The Purple Music sound
Purple Music stands for warm, uplifting, vocal-led house. Its catalogue is packed with powerful singers, including:
- Jocelyn Brown
- Michelle Weeks
- Lisa Millett
- Inaya Day
- Michael Watford
The label scored some of its biggest successes with remixes of disco legend Cerrone, especially Hooked On You and You Are The One.
Artists on Purple Music
Over the years the roster has included Kings of Tomorrow, Sandy Rivera, Bob Sinclar and Dimitri From Paris. More recent artists include Dario D’Attis, Souldynamic, Roberto De Carlo, Kemal and Anthony Romeno. The Purple Tracks and Indeependent sublabels cover deeper, more DJ-focused sounds.
Jamie Lewis the DJ
As a DJ he is known for long, soulful sets that move between deep grooves, vocal anthems and disco-flavoured house. His monthly Purple night at Kaufleuten has been part of Zurich’s club life since the label began, and he plays clubs and festivals across Europe.
Where to start listening
- The Cerrone remixes: Hooked On You and You Are The One
- Vocal releases featuring Jocelyn Brown and Michelle Weeks
- The current Purple Music catalogue on Traxsource
Read more on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions about Jamie Lewis
Who is Jamie Lewis?
A Swiss house DJ and producer, born Cem Berter, who founded the Purple Music label in Zurich in 1997.
What is Purple Music?
A Swiss house label known for soulful, gospel-influenced vocal house, with sublabels Purple Tracks and Indeependent.
Which artists have released on Purple Music?
Kings of Tomorrow, Sandy Rivera, Bob Sinclar, Dimitri From Paris, Dario D’Attis and Souldynamic, among others.
Where does he play in Zurich?
He hosts a monthly Purple party at Kaufleuten, which has run since 1997.
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.
