Originally a keyboard player, Oakenfull has also developed his writing, production and remixing skills. He was an early signing to the nascent Talkin’ Loud Records label as part of K-Creative in 1991. He co-wrote and produced their debut Q.E.D. and toured with them throughout Japan and Europe. Following this, Oakenfull toured and recorded with UK soul outfit, Raw Stylus. He also performed as part of the house band at Gilles Peterson’s nights at Bar Rumba in London, a cornerstone of the blossoming acid jazz scene of the period. In 1994, Oakenfull joined former label-mates Galliano, co-writing and co-producing their final studio album, 4, before moving on to production work for Incognito. Oakenfull also contributed tracks to a compilation, Sun Sun featuring several respected artists such as DJ Cam, Bob Sinclar, Kruder And Dorfmeister and DJ Die. On the strength of one of these tracks, ‘Montreux A Marseille’, he was signed to Sony Records. His first release was a cover version of Joe Henderson’s ‘Tress-Cun-Deo-La’, which was remixed by King Britt and featured the vocal talents of Valerie Ètienne (Oakenfull also produced her debut long-player, For What It Is). Oakenfull’s remixing skills have been sought after since 1998, and he has transformed tracks by artists including Heaven 17, Cevin Fisher, Helicopter Girl, Funki Porcini, Afro-Celt Sound System, and Speeka. In 2001, he also remixed Jakatta’s ‘American Dream’ for the Ministry Of Sound’s Rulin’ label. Sampling the theme music from the hit movie American Beauty, this Joey Negro track became a huge club hit and reached the UK Top 20. Oakenfull’s well-received debut, Life Changes, which drew from funk, jazz and hip-hop, appeared in 2000. Something of a renaissance man, Oakenfull was credited with vocals, production, engineering, mixing and instrumentation.