DVS1’s status as one of the world’s most revered DJs and prominent voices in the preservation of true club culture is built upon an all-encompassing love of music, deep respect for his craft, and experiences in the ‘90s midwest rave scene. His sets, powerful and high-energy affairs, honor these roots while evidencing a versatility, sensitivity, and understanding for making people dance that comes only with years of commitment in pushing the boundaries of sound at the most renowned clubbing institutions, among them Berghain/Panorama Bar, where he’s one of few residents capable of working both floors. Whether he’s spinning a rare house set or racing, straight techno to pitch black rooms, the DVS1 experience is unforgettable.
Khutoretsky’s story begins in Minneapolis, his family’s adopted home having emigrated from St. Petersburg. A rebellious adolescent, he immersed himself in rave culture, throwing parties with massive sound systems, starting his own club, and sourcing music, the foundation of a collection that now exceeds 30,000 records. DVS1 gained localized notoriety as a promoter and DJ, but it took a pair of 12-inches on Klockworks and Transmat before his name transcended the scene that his legendary DIY parties had ignited. The focal point of this operation was HUSH, a promotion and sound system outfit that now encompasses a label which in 2016 celebrated its 20th anniversary with HUSH20, a rare but typically sharp production outing from DVS1 himself with a focus on the kind of refined and purist techno he contributed to the Ostgut Ton Zehn compilation and exhibits through his Fabric 96 mix.
Molded by these early experiences, and with a growing international reputation, Khutoretsky brought his midwest-shaped vision to Europe. Herein lies the inspiration for "The Wall of Sound" – an experimental, continually evolving project that replaces the DJ at the front of the room with a stack of speakers whereby DVS1 offers a sociologic experience in the nightlife context that is more than just a party format. Since its first installment in 2015, the likes of Jeff Mills, Oscar Mulero, Blawan and Helena Hauff have all ignited the Wall. Moreover, his Curates/Invites nights hark back to these early days by discarding set times and schedules; expect rare back-to-backs, long, drawn-out sets, and rich sonic eclecticism.
DVS1's interests don’t stop at just being a DJ or conceptual artist pushing an aesthetic that carries the underground values he grew up on. He has also critically spoken out through interviews and publications sharing his opinions on the challenges and issues facing the electronic music community, notably through his essay about the battle between art and entertainment and the importance of no-camera policies. In October 2019, Khutoretsky launched S.O.S. (Support Organize Sustain), an independent initiative to promote community and artistry in electronic music through panels, presentations, roundtable discussions and more. Focusing on the foundational values of dance music culture, S.O.S. has a clear mission to provide an open platform for exchange while helping to push necessary changes in the coming years.
DVS1 now divides all of his time between Minneapolis and Europe; wherein lies the Berlin-based project MONOM, a studio space he co-founded and with one of only two 4DSOUND setups, the world’s most advanced spatial sound instrument. His remaining hours are spent touring, purveying his favorite records and secret weapons, several of which have later appeared on Mistress Recordings, a HUSH sub-label for other artists that allows for a broader spectrum of aesthetics and reflects his wide-ranging musical tastes. Whether it’s label management, DJing, or producing, DVS1 is an artist who stays true to his past without ever losing sight of the future.
