Glasgow‑based DJ SubTraKtion (previously known as Colin Sales), is returning to the scene with a dynamic blend of classic house, deep house, garage, micro‑house, tech‑house, plus funky and disco‑infused tracks, delivering sets that are both timeless and forward‑thinking.
Credentials & highlights
- Previous Residencies & major gigs: Colours @ The Arches (2004‑2011), Stereo Sushi (2010-2012), Ministry of Sound UK Tours, and a steady stream of bar and club sets across Glasgow.
- Previous Radio & Podcast work: Produced and presented the first Defected In The House Radio shows in 2005 for Defected Records, delivering his own DJ mixes and presenting guest mixes from Defected artists including Danny Rampling, Bob Sinclar, Copyright. From 2004 to 2011 - host of the widely heard “Kinda Groovy” and “Global Groove” shows on Pulse 98.4 FM (covering Greater Glasgow, syndicated to SSRadio, Radio One Mallorca, Radio One Rhodes and other outlets. Currently produces the “SubTraKtion In AKtion” podcast mix series.
- Previous Releases & labels: Under his own name he has released various tracks and remixes and was published by Glasgow’s 23rd Precinct, achieving notable success with vocalist S.U.Z.Y, plus other solo material released as Acid 9000 on his former CSD Recordings imprint, through Media Universe Ltd.
- Industry support: His productions received backing from DJs including Roger Sanchez, Laurent Garnier, Grant Nelson, Andy Ward, Footloose (BBC Radio 1 Xtra) and several other established DJs.
SubTraKtion’s present output leans heavily into classic and deep house, garage, micro‑house, tech‑house, while retaining a love for funky, disco‑laden soulful house. His sets are distinguished by meticulous track selection, seamless mixing and a willingness to surprise with rare vinyl cuts and unique digital re-edits.
Brief biography / origins
Born in Paisley in the early eighties, SubTraKtion first fell in love with house music at an early age. He quickly progressed from bedroom mixes to bar & club events, launching his own events and then and securing a residency at Colours @ The Arches in the early noughties whilst hosting Defected Records' first ever weekly radio show in 2005.
Born in Paisley in the early eighties, SubTraKtion first fell in love with house music at an early age. He quickly progressed from bedroom mixes to bar & club events, launching his own events and then and securing a residency at Colours @ The Arches in the early noughties whilst hosting Defected Records' first ever weekly radio show in 2005.
Current activities
Still based in Glasgow, SubTraKtion is producing a selection of tracks for an EP later this year and continues to host the “In AKtion” podcast. He is exploring new performance opportunities across the UK and Europe.
Still based in Glasgow, SubTraKtion is producing a selection of tracks for an EP later this year and continues to host the “In AKtion” podcast. He is exploring new performance opportunities across the UK and Europe.
Technology
Now an advocate for digital sovereignty and privacy‑first solutions, SubTraKtion steers clear of surveillance‑centric, big-tech, oligarch-supporting apps (you won’t even find him on WhatsApp). He daily drives on e/OS and creates his tracks on macOS, but is actively exploring Linux‑based, open‑source or EU-alternatives for future projects. For community interaction he lives on the Fediverse - follow him on Mastodon, Pixelfed, MakerTube, Lemmy, etc. - instead of the usual centralised platforms.
Equipment & workflow
Early in his career he spun vinyl and CDs, moved to a Torq Xponent with Traktor Pro software in 2009, and currently performs with an XDJ‑RX3, handling tune selection and cue‑point editing in Rekordbox. He is actively seeking a Linux‑compatible Rekordbox solution to keep his stack fully open‑source.
Early in his career he spun vinyl and CDs, moved to a Torq Xponent with Traktor Pro software in 2009, and currently performs with an XDJ‑RX3, handling tune selection and cue‑point editing in Rekordbox. He is actively seeking a Linux‑compatible Rekordbox solution to keep his stack fully open‑source.
Fun fact
He was one of the first DJs worldwide to perform using an iPod Touch using the DJ Player app developed by Gábor Szántó way back in 2006/7 . A testament to his early embrace of emerging technology.
He was one of the first DJs worldwide to perform using an iPod Touch using the DJ Player app developed by Gábor Szántó way back in 2006/7 . A testament to his early embrace of emerging technology.
