FIT Siegel

FIT Siegel became one of the Detroit techno scene's most crucial figures during the 2000s and 2010s. Aside from running the FIT Sound label and FIT Distribution company, his own productions, such as the acclaimed 2015 single "Carmine," are a riveting, occasionally bittersweet mix of house, new wave, acid, and electro influences. Aaron Siegel began producing music in high school, and started seriously collecting records soon after. After working at a Detroit club called Oslo, he began booking shows, setting up Detroit gigs for artists such as Egyptian Lover and Legowelt. Following advice from his friend Mike Banks of Underground Resistance, Siegel started a record distribution company, first visiting record stores door to door before launching an online store, and exchanging business with European labels and shops. By the end of the 2000s, he decided to start a label, and FIT Sound released dance singles by producers like Marcellus Pittman and Anthony "Shake" Shakir; sister label Est. 83' Records issued more experimental, often post-punk/new wave-influenced material. Siegel began releasing his own music in 2012; "Enter the Fog" (with Gunnar Wendel, aka Kassem Mosse) and club hit "Tonite" (with singer L'Renee) both appeared on FXHE, the Detroit label run by Omar-S, who also co-produced "Tonite." Additionally, Siegel released a split 12" with Chicago house veteran Marcus Mixx on FIT Sound. Two years later, Siegel released "Cocomo," which was followed by 2015's "Carmine," a stunning track which appeared on several year-end lists. In 2016, Siegel collaborated with Tim "Love" Lee for the single "Living Is Serious Business," which included a Carl Craig remix. Siegel and DJ Sotofett worked together as S & M Trading Co., issuing "Metal Surface Repair" in 2018. In early 2019, Siegel released "Saboten" (with Kassem Mosse) and wound down operations of his distribution company. ~ Paul Simpson