Originally from right outside of Paris, France, Raphael Hautin (aka Essence) is a DJ/producer currently living in Tampa, FL. It was during his childhood that he discovered his love for electronic music and hip hop. His exposure to techno and trance date back to his childhood visits back home to France, where electronic music had already gained popularity. In the mid ‘90s, Essence attended a plethora of raves and underground parties on the East Coast (USA) which had a profound impact leading to his motivation to learn the art of DJing. Sasha & John Digweed’s Northern Exposure mix album provided pivotal inspiration leading to Essence purchasing a pair of Technic 1200 turntables and a mixer. Learning how to DJ became an obsession and truly a labor of love.
Essence began DJing at clubs in North Carolina in 2000, where he had opportunities to perform alongside Doc Marten, Hipp-e & Halo, DJ Micro, and DJ Icey to name a few. His influences include Sasha & John Digweed, Hybrid, Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Hernan Cattaneo, DJ Dan, Doc Martin, Mark Farina, Terry Mullan, Danny Tenaglia, Bassbin Twins, DJ Icey, Chris Fortier, and Huda Hudia. Essence has performed at legendary clubs in Florida including Club Firestone, Club Underground and the Amphitheatre. Essence’s mixing style fuses elements of techno, trance, house, hip hop, and breakbeat to cultivate a unique musical journey. During Essence’s DJ sets, you can expect a high energy, bottom heavy, dancefloor driven, uplifting, sexy, and sophisticated sound. With a focus on breakbeat, Essence is currently in the studio working on his own productions. He is excited to bring his unique sound and positive energy to longtime friend Ira James’s Vessel Recordings.
