Craig Loftis "Grand High Priest"
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Craig Loftis has been in the Chicago music scene since 1979. He first came on the scene
as a party promoter, starting what was to become one of Chicago’s most successful social
clubs…VERTIGO. In 1981, after having problems with renting D.J.s, he became a dj himself,
and that was when it all began. Realizing that music was his true gift from God, he decided to
take it further and attended Columbia College in Chicago where he received a degree in Art
and Entertainment Management and Sound Engineering. As time went on he made a few
important contacts and accomplishments in Chicago’s entertainment scene.
In 1983, he redesigned the lighting and sound system for 2 clubs owned by Jim Flint, The
Baton Show Lounge and the Re Doubt.
At this time he was also working very closely with the now famous Frankie Knuckles. After
redesigning the sound system for his club the PowerPlant 1015 he became Frankie’s
personal sound engineer and opening DJ for the next 4 years. In that year Craig and Frankie
worked on the development of Frankie’s production company PowerPlant LTD.
Along with various remixes of existing songs, Craig and Frankie concentrated on producing a
Chicago artist named Jamie Principle.
When Frankie decided to leave Chicago in 1988, Craig was offered the position as chief
engineer in charge of production for DJ International Records where he remained for the next
eight years. In that time Craig engineered, mixed and produced songs for Fast Eddie, Tyree
Cooper, Julian Perez, Badboy Bill, Frankie Hollywood Rodriguez, Joe Smooth, Sterling Viod,
Paris Brightledge and Mike Dunn just to name a few.
In 2000 Craig‘s career moved forward as strong as every, he started a new promotion
company, Loftwerk Productions and is responsible for some of the hottest party’s in Chicago.
Loftwerk Productions Has worked with such artists as Loleatta Holloway, Ava Cherry, Sharon
Pass, Darryl Pandy, Byron Stingily, Rochelle Flemming, Georgie Porgie and Martha Wash.
Craig also became a member of the Slang Music Group, a remixing company based in
Chicago. During his time with Slang, Craig has done mixes on such artist as Pink, Kelly
Price, Sisco, R-Kelly, Ruff Endz, Backstreet Boys and Whitney Houston.
Craig has also started his own (long awaited) record label Loftwerk Records Chicago that
had its first release “DREAMIN” In February 2002. The second single “You Are All I Need”
released in 2003.
Craig currently holds two residences Friday night at the Prop house with the Rails Marketing
Group for the last 5 years. And Saturday night at the Prop house with the Warehouse
Productions
Craig is a true Legend to the Chicago house music scene and no doubt someone to watch in
the future to come.