Adam Dorn, known as Mocean Worker, is a groundbreaking American musician and producer celebrated for blending jazz with electronic sounds, creating a unique "electro-swing" genre. With a rich career that includes collaborations with icons like U2 and Lady Gaga, and notable scores for television and film, Dorn continues to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.
Adam Dorn, better known by his stage name Mocean Worker, is a celebrated American musician, composer, record producer, and DJ. Born in Philadelphia, he is the son of the esteemed jazz and R&B producer Joel Dorn. Growing up, Dorn was deeply ingrained in the music scene, and at just 15 years old, he wrote to bassist Marcus Miller, paving the way for a pivotal apprenticeship with legends like David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, and Miles Davis.
Dorn pursued music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. His time there honed his skills as an accomplished bassist and vocalist. This grounding in music set the stage for his multifaceted career in the industry.
Dorn’s career as Mocean Worker started in 1998, and since then, he has released eight full-length albums. His style, which started with drum and bass, gradually transitioned to a jazz-oriented electronic dance sound, often described as "electro-swing." His notable achievements include:
Dorn’s creations under Mocean Worker integrate electronic, jazz, soul, and funk, often featuring samples from classic jazz and big band recordings. His innovative approach ensures listeners are pleasantly puzzled, unable to separate original recordings from new productions. Dorn’s mission is to craft "jazzy music" that compels audiences to dance, blurring the lines between traditional jazz and contemporary electronic beats.
Prominent albums in his discography include:
His work has been prominently featured in films and TV shows such as The Devil Wears Prada, The Bourne Supremacy, and Six Feet Under.
Dorn’s collaboration and production credits span a wide array of artists and projects:
Residing in Los Angeles after 25 years in New York City, Adam Dorn is both a dedicated family man and a versatile artist. Alongside his musical endeavors, he co-hosts the podcast "Compared To What," featuring interviews with fellow musicians.
Adam Dorn/Mocean Worker remains an influential figure in blending jazz with electronic music. His rich career highlights his talent and innovation, bringing jazz influences to broader audiences through various media, and further popularizing the "electro-swing" genre.
