Archie B’s production takes its cues from artists such as Wookie, Brasstooth, Groove Chronicles, MK and Dusky, however his records retain what has become a signature sound. Sitting somewhere between house, garage and bass, Archie’s tracks have landed on OneFold Records, CR2 Records, East Side Records and more, with Pete Tong supporting Gassed Up track and Monki giving regular support on her 1Xtra show. Ahead of his debut on the legendary label Champion Records with I Want You, DMC caught up with a quick chat with Archie before he goes stratospheric…
Welcome to DMC Archie – what was the first record you listened to today?
Hi guys and thanks for having me. The first record I listened to today was actually one of my own called hold me as I had a quick studio session before work. It’ll be dropping later this year, so keep your ears open for it!
Your first electronic love was drum and bass, then jungle, then garage – what were some of your favourite producers from those genres?
Firstly for jungle and drum & Bass I’d certainly say Roni Size, Shy Fx, Andy C, Dj Die , Zinc, Adam F, and Krust were some of my favourites . For UK Garage most definitely Wookie, Brass tooth, Zed Bias, Mj Cole and Sticky! These guys are all legends in my eyes.
How did you make the transition to house music? Was there a particular track, party or moment that really stands out for you?
I’m a huge fan of the 90s dance/house music anyway but I made the transition really from making a kind of house/garage crossover and just evolved it in to my own style. I think Inner City – Good Life was a track that I really wanted to base my sound from, so that’s one specific record that definitely inspired and influenced me.
You’ve been DJing in and around London for the last few years… what for you makes the London scene such a vibrant one?
I really love DJing in London I always get made to feel welcome. There are so many great clubs, bars and people around in the city and the house music scene is very strong.
You’ve been producing your own music since 2014…did you have a particular aim in mind? Or someone you were looking to emulate with your music?
Yes I set out a plan of what sound and style I wanted to make from the off and just believed in it. My aim has always been to try and re-create some of the music from the 90s house and rave scene and make it current again. There have always been artists that have inspired me and that I look up to such as Roger Sanchez, Armin van Helden & Marc Kinchen. Learning from artists like this has certainly helped my journey and progression with my productions and sounds.
You’re latest release is on Champion, which has an incredible musical heritage. How did you hook up with the label for this release?
Yes I’m very proud to be working with Champion Records as they suit my sound down to a tee and are such an iconic label. I actually got contacted by an old UK garage friend called Martin Larner who had just been made head A&R at Champion and after a few weeks of sending demos we came to signing the music.
For us, I Want You is just incredible – and has a really classic sound to it. Is that 90s / US influence something you were aiming for?
Firstly, thanks you for the kind words on I Want You. This is the old school sound I’ve been aiming to create as I mentioned before with that kind of 90s rave twist with a new school feel. I’ve always loved working with the old school rave stabs and chords so for me it just works.
As an artist who’s coming through at a time when house music has never been more popular, what do you do to make yourself stand out from the crowd?
House music is so strong now with so many different styles under it. For me it’s all about creating and sticking to your style/sound and believing in it. I also think the harder you work the more opportunities you create so you have to put in the work in order stand out!
What’s been your favourite moment from your career so far, the one that’s made you feel happiest?
I’ve had so amazing moments within music across years but I’d say DJ wise it would have to be playing in Ibiza on the Sol House rooftop terrace with the sun going down playing some classic 90s house. As a producer it was when Roger Sanchez made my No Limit Funk song track of the week on his radio show. Roger is one of my idols so it made me proud! I’ve also met some incredible people and made some close friends through music so I’d say that’s one of the things that makes me feel happiest too!
What else have you got coming up over the next few months?
It’s a very exciting time for me as a DJ/producer. I’ve been working very closely with Champion and have a great schedule lined up and music on some other cool labels. Also, I have some wicked mix series and gigs with a few festivals included too!
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
I’m currently working with a vocalist who had a big chart hit in the UK a few years back, so watch out for that sometime in the future.
Archie B – I Want You EP is out 06 April on Champion Records
