Music is his way of life…Richard Earnshaw has been playing piano since the tender age of seven. He has been active in the world of computer production for thirteen years, and is now – still - only 28 years old. He completed formal training with a music degree from the University of London; where the freedom of expression he found in jazz, funk and soul beckoned to him to leave behind the manuscript and metronome…

In 1998, Earnshaw and friend Mark Horwood teamed up with Piers Penfold to create The Fusion Groove Orchestra. Richard will tell you that the collaborative efforts inherent in the Fusion's work – with output like 'The Dream' featuring Simon Green; their remix of Lynden David Hall's 'Forgive Me'; and Boris D'Lugosch featuring Roissin Murphy's 'Never Enough' – is what helped mould and shape his own soulful vibe.

With gumption entitled a young and talented producer, Earnshaw soon sought an audience with a team who had long provided inspiration, and sent a show-reel to Soulfuric chiefs Brian Tappert & Marc Pomeroy. Impressed with the remix ability and production skills of the young Englishman, Brian asked Richard to put together something original for the label.

The result? 'People are People' - and the synthesis of the Soulfuric / Earnshaw sound.

Released in May 02 on Soulfuric Deep, 'People Are People' is a rhodes and guitar led melodic diamond. Its dope chords and jazz-swing combined together to become last summer's full-size favourite on dancefloors from Manchester to Miami, and Melbourne.

"To perform soulful house music live is such a great buzz… when you've got your rhythm and horn sections and vocalist giving it some there is an incredible vibe between you and the crowd. Working in the studio is great fun, and to see people enjoying your music in clubs is brilliant, but performing it live is simply fantastic…

Ask him about his influences, and he will reel off a million – Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Jean Michel Jarre, Quincy Jones, Beethoven, Bach, Earth Wind & Fire, Vangelis, Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode. Look at his upcoming release schedule, and it will reflect just how wide-ranging his skills and style are.

This summer there are all-new Earnshaw projects under the monikers Undercover Joe - for truly soulful house; and JOL Project- which a more eclectic, jazz infused affair whose first release is a cover a 'Cry Me a River'. Then there are the familiar guises, Dubweiser - giving you deep soulful house; and Spiritchaser – the deep tech house outfit that offers just a hint of downbeat and breaks.

Earnshaw is also producing for Groovefinder Productions, putting together the endless talent of Simon Green, whose first release is due out in the coming months on Groovefinder US. Richard has completed remixes for Refunkt ('Heaven' featuring Michelle Weeks), Concept/SuSU ('Take Me Higher', Avalon/”Show Me Love”, Mamarazzi), Avex ('Free', Towa Tei), Arista (“Get It While It’s Hot”,Nodesha) amongst others. And from Soulfuric camp there are distant rumblings of 'People are People' Part II, and a new vocal project as yet un-named. There is a new collaboration with label-mates Copyright. And to top it all off, an on-going album project, with an expected release next year on Groovefinder.