Shaun J. Wright

Shaun J. Wright is an American DJ, producer, singer and dancer known for Chicago house music and ballroom culture.

Early life and education Wright was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. Wright has credited their mother as an early musical influence, noting that she was a lead singer in a band, and often played Steely Dan, Anita Baker, and The Manhattan Transfer while preparing for performances.

As a teenager, Wright became familiar with elements of ballroom culture by visiting black, gay clubs in Chicago. At age 15, Wright viewed the 1991 documentary Paris is Burning, which Wright credits for helping them connect what they observed at local clubs and balls. Wright also released their solo debut album Mr. Intl Presents Forevermore along with the single "Forever More" the same year.

In 2012, Wright was introduced to Chicago dance/electronic producer Alinka. The pair released the EP Twirl Vol 1 in 2013. In 2014, they founded the record label Twirl Records after meeting Chicago house DJ and producer Derrick Carter. They released the single "Journey Into The Deep" as the label's first record. The record received airplay on the Annie Mac (radio show) on BBC Radio 1.

In 2016, Wright and Alinka released the Face The Truth EP through UK record label Crosstown Rebels. Vice wrote that the record sat "firmly in the tradition of deep, stripped back, Chicago house". The Fader noted that Wright and Alinka were the originators of the material later adapted by Honey Dijon.

In 2019, Wright was featured in French filmmaker Serge Garcia's short film A Child of House. Wright was later featured on Stacker's list of "50 Great Albums by Queer Artists of Color".

In 2023, Wright performed the opening DJ set for Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour concert at Soldier Field in Chicago.

In 2024, Wright and Alinka relaunched Twirl Records after a short hiatus. In October, Wright received the Frankie Knuckles Genre Defining Award for their contributions to Chicago house music culture at the 2025 Annual Gaggys.

Personal life Wright is based in Chicago.

Singles and other releases

"Forever More" (2011)

"The Love Divine" (2015)

"Walk Into the Unknown" (2018)