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The alias of Wolverhampton, England-based producer Darren Cunningham, Actress was credited with some of the least predictable, categorization-defying electronic dance music of the 2000s. Since debuting in 2004 with the No Tricks 12" on his own Werk Discs label, Cunningham juggled a diverse array of inspirations -- including early-'80s funk and electro, art rock, raw and clacissist house, and noise -- while putting a fresh, challenging spin on them. As a result, his productions confounded some DJs while also being devoured by others within the realms of house, techno, and dubstep. Cunningham released a pair of albums, the promising Hazyville (Werk, 2008) and the exceptional Splazsh (Honest Jon's, 2010), and remixed tracks by a select list of fellow producers including Kassem Mosse, Joy Orbison, Alex Smoke, and Panda Bear. At the same time, Werk Discs was one of the most revered dance labels -- a trusted outlet for the likes of Lone, Zomby, and Lukid. ~ Andy Kellman