Michael Schiniou, known professionally by his stage nameJazzy M, is a British DJ and record producer. He was highly influential role in introducing house music to Britain in the 1980s[1] and has been described as the Godfather of UK House (a nickname given to him by fellow DJ Grooverider[2][3][4][5]).
Schiniou has also released music and performed under the pseudonyms Klubzone 1, Sao Paulo, Dub Nation, Zoogie, Erotic World, J+M Connection, RipJazz, Bernard and Phillip, JZJ, and Bushbaby.[4][5]
Schiniou began his professional interest in music after taking a weekend job in record shop Shady Deals.[7] He has described being influenced by funk, disco, jazz, and soul music in his teens.[2] He began DJing aged 17.[2] His first radio spot was on pirate radio station Radio Fulham, at that time performing as DJ Mick.[7]
In the mid-1980s Schiniou began hosting The Jackin' Zone on pirate LWR, possibly the first dedicated electronic and house music programme on UK radio.[2][3][4][5] Jazzy M was the first DJ to play at the Ministry of Sound nightclub, going on to be resident DJ there for a record 15 years.[2][3][4][5][8] He has worked in, run, or owned a number of record shops over the years, including Spin Offs, Vinyl Zone.[9][2][7]
Later in his career, Schiniou turned to record production, running labels OhZone, Delphinus Delphius, Red Giant Recordings, Spanklin Records, Le Plug Rouge, and Who Killed Disco?.[2][4][5] In this capacity he launched the careers of the likes of Orbital.[10][11]
