Though most of his productions have appeared on Chicago labels, producer/DJ Austin Bascom is actually based in Toronto. Soaking up a variety of sounds in Canada's metropolitan hub, Bascom was influenced by not only house and techno but electro, soul, acid jazz, and hip-hop. He began releasing his material in 1995, and created a reputation for lush underground house with club favorites (recorded as Abacus) for two of Chicago's best-loved dance labels, Guidance and 83 West. In 1999, his first A:xus production, the atmospheric samba-house cut Baghdad Cafe (Callin' U), became yet another prize for DJs and club fans alike. In early 2000, the full-length Soundtrack for Life became the first single-artist full-length released by Guidance. ~ John Bush, Rovi