An ardent musician from an early age: playing several instruments varying from mandolin to drums; participating in marching band to rock band – Tolgar’s history clearly depicts an amalgamation of musical sensibilities and his desire to share with others the music that he loves: breaks.

Writing and performing freestyle as a hip-hop MC in New York was his introduction to electronic music. Afterwards, it extended into funky breaks and jump-up jungle while in Florida. Encountering artists like DJ Icey, Baby Anne, Huda Hudia, Rick West, DJ Trixie etc. and befriending many other DJs along the way, he was inspired to spin and began practicing on his friends’ turntables. By 2000, Tolgar was back in Chicago practicing on turntables of his own, spinning all forms of breaks: from funky to nu-skool, as well as spinning drum ‘n’ bass, tech-step and jump-up jungle. Over time, breaks became his main focus.

Breaks, rather an obscure genre of electronic music, was sparsely showcased in Chicago. Motivated by its absence, Tolgar and his friend and fellow DJ JohnEVolution decided to promote it by launching Recess at Katacomb in the summer of 2002. Together with John and Marcel, Tolgar retained a monthly residency at Katacomb until they joined Chris Gin and Localsound’s weekly party Hard Candy at Big Wig (now known as Four), as a monthly breaks event. In 2004, Tolgar left Recess to pursue his own event promotion/digital label company Base10 with the initial focus to cultivate an enjoyable environment in which to exhibit breaks. Teaming up with Local Hero, Base10 was invited by Bass by the Pound to run a monthly breaks party (every 2nd Friday) at Lava Lounge (859 N. Damen Ave.) called Algorhythm. Algorhythm included an impressive roster of domestic and international guest DJs including 30hz, Alex Hall, Chad North, Undecided, and Smithmonger – who had this to say about Tolgar: “Chicago is in good hands. Their breaks scene needs this dude at the controls.”

In addition to promoting others, Tolgar’s own reputation as a DJ has grown. He has opened up for the likes of U.N.K.L.E., Adam Freeland, Hybrid, Stanton Warriors, Smithmonger, DJ Monk, DJ Icey, 30Hz, The Crystal Method, Meat Katie, Dylan Rhymes, and Hyper; headlined in Seattle at The Spot (Pleasuretown) in March 26, 2005; that same year was ranked the 42nd breakbeat DJ on www.thedjlist.com; 2008 saw the first two releases for Tolgar under the Audio Logic imprint with his remix of Slang For Donuts and original tune, Transistor Radial.  Tolgar’s live sets now display his love of breaks with the fast paced sound of fidget house and 2009 will feature more releases from him with that trademark dirty sound.

He’ll be on opening and closing duties on June 8th in Chicago at the House of Blues with LA Riots and The Crystal Method;  on June 26th with DJ Icey at Smartbar; and on June 27th will be playing the midwest’s party for Burning Man fans, Lakes of Fire, in Michigan.  Come say hello!

More of Tolgar ay MySpace, Twitter, SoundCloud, and Tolgar’s own site.

Booking contact Click to reveal email

Play individual tracks and then click on the links below to purchase!

1. WoNk – Jump [Ho-Ju Records]
2. Dj Zinc, Dave Spoon – Ghost Train (Lee Mortimer Remix) [Televizion]
3. Princess Superstar, Larry Tee – Licky (Work It Out) – (Herve Goes Low Remix) [Ultra]
4. TJR – Good Evening Chicago – [Potty Mouth Music]
5. Breakdown – Play With It feat. WHiskey Pete & Julz (Gigi Barocco Remix) [PBR Recordings]
6. Rustler – Get Dumb (Deviant Soundsystem Remix) [Electric Sushi]
7. Gigi Barocco, Blatta & Inesha – Where Is It (Calvertron Remix) [Jack Knife Records]
8. Gigi Barocco – The Rhythm [Cheaper Thrills]
9. Brad Slims – Kill The System (Stupid Fresh Remix) [Prompt Digital]
10. Stupid Bastard – Hype Up [Bomb Squad]
11. Wongo, Will Bailey – The Cannock Wobble (Hot Mouth Remix) [Simma Records]
12. Justin James (Chicago) – Encore (Electric Soulside Remix) [Jak'd Recordings]