Thris Tian

One of the original architects of the Boiler Room, which has grown to become the world's most respected and popular underground music show, Thris Tian has built a reputation as a passionate and exciting DJ and and demonstrated his natural talent as a music selector. As the Lead Programmer / A&R for Boiler Room, he's responsible for the dynamic and eclectic line-ups that have become synonymous with Boiler Room sessions from around the world – from London to Los Angeles, and Berlin to Cape Town.

A musical apprenticeship with Gilles Peterson at his record label Brownswood Recordings provided a solid foundation and saw Thris Tian naturally graduate to researching for Gilles' radio shows and gigs, as well as A&Ring for the label. The most important lesson imparted by Peterson was the confidence to develop as a DJ on 'instinct" and to embrace the broader spectrum of music from scenes around the world.

It's a lesson Thris Tian took to heart as he began working at legendary London record store Sound of the Universe and their label Soul Jazz, gathering a wealth of experience and vinyl along the way. And now, labels including Ninja Tune are now seeking his recommendations and compilation selections. That lesson is also brought to life every Sunday night on Thris Tian's Dark N' Lovely Global Roots show on NTS. Regular listeners have learnt to expect the unexpected, tuning in for his well-travelled selections – from West African grooves to Norwegian gospel.

Thris Tian's activities on NTS have spilled over into wonderful displays of his talent as a DJ on 'instinct" – with fresh and exciting selections – and has seen him take to the decks in Hackney via Harlem and Hiroshima and all the spots in between; this has included gigs alongside Detroit legends Theo Parrish and Moodymann, London young guns Jamie XX, James Blake and Disclosure, and musical pioneers Mulatu, Erykah Badu and Q Tip. And wherever he is, you can be sure he'll be hunting down new music and mind expansion to share on his return.