“I’ve got a really short attention span,” quips Rusko. "It’s a problem and a blessing in disguise. I get bored with the standard and try to do something different just to keep myself interested."

Christopher Mercer, aka Rusko was born in 1985 to a family surrounded by music. Whether it was his family's pianos, guitars, banjos and saxophones or later the heavy reggae and dub sound systems of Leeds, music was always an integral part of Rusko’s life.

After graduating from Leeds university with a degree in musical performance, Rusko discovered the world of dubstep firsthand from originators such as SUB DUB and Digital Mystikz. Having spent his early years producing future-dub for local reggae groups, Rusko connected immediately with the dubstep sound and moved to London on a hunch. When a young Caspa (Gary McCann) found Rusko wandering the streets of London "homeless and half naked," neither could predict the meteoric impact they would make together. Their record label Sub Soldiers and their raw FabricLive CD would add a new page in music history where the world's ears turn hungrily towards London once again.

Transcending the dark, serious side of dubstep, Rusko brings a highly driven energy and attitude that quickly turns the scene upside down. His sound appeals to people outside the dubstep world as his productions and arrangements become more adventurous. His huge hit “Cockney Thug” is played by everyone from Pete Tong to Switch & Diplo to Santigold. Admiration and remixes follow, with Buraka Som Sistema, Diplo, Drop the Lime and the Scratch Perverts offering their take on Rusko tracks.

At only 23 years old, Rusko's on fire. He's collaborating with the likes of Major Lazer, Yo Majesty and Wiley. British radio is spinning not just his remixes (such as Adele, A-Trak, Kid Sister, and Leon Jean-Marie) but his daring original productions as well. After his explosive sold-out live show for HARD in Los Angeles in early 2009, Rusko returns to the states for HARD NYC on October 10th. Our advice for those who have yet to experience a Rusko performance can be summarized in the eloquent words of Cockney Thug's snarling sample: "Wake the FUCK up!"