The Chicago superstar on the old days, living in Berlin and what’s coming up?
It’s amazing how many DJs got into dance music by the fantastic choice of music their parents played when they were growing up. In your case it was your mother playing her R&B tunes. Can you remember any of the records from back then that got you started on this music road…?
“Well some of the tunes I can remember was “Bad Luck” by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes,’Pillow Talk’ by Slyvia,’Fire’ by The Ohio Players – and every Jazz and Motown Record imaginable.”
How instrumental in how you formed your DJing style was listening to Farley Jackmaster Funk, Ronny Hardy and Frankie Knuckles?
“Ok, well Farley Jackmaster Funk started it all for me, so by the time I graduated to Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy – I pretty much knew my music selection. I had to figure out which style worked for me. After a while of trying all three, I just said “funk that” – I’ll just combine the three together. When I wanna play some raw tracks then I’ll do my Farley vibe, and when I wanna be smooth and clean then I’ll do my Frankie vibe, and when I wanna beat you into submission then I’ll do my Ron Hardy vibe.”
Ever regret not pursuing your basketball skills? You told me once that that was the way you got a scholarship to your University in Wisconsin?
“Sometimes I do think about it, but I don’t regret not pursuing my hoop dreams.”
Did you hang out with Jesse Saunders – he made the first ever house music record right?
“No not really hang out, but I used to go by his house and get Promo records from him back in the day.”
So Farley Jackmaster Funk, Jesse Saunders, Frankie Knuckles, Chip-E, Larry Heard, Juan Atkins, Georgio Moroder, Derrick May, Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley…we owe Chicago’s finest so much – who do you think was the king of the lot?
“Farley, Frankie, Steve Hurley and Ron Hardy”
Your first 12″ for DJ International was ‘I Fear The Night’ with female vocalist Chic on vocal duties. How was that?
“Well first of all Chic is my sister, it was a joy working with her.”
Your discography takes five minutes to read (!). What has been your favourite ever release?
My favourites are ‘Turn up the Bass’, ‘Hardcore Hip-House’, ‘I Fear the Night’, ‘No Control’ and ‘Acid Over’.
Hip House. A music style many regard that you created with friend and fellow DJ Fast Eddie Smith – do you agree?
“I do”.
You have spun a lot in Berlin, live in Berlin, what have been the best clubs you’ve DJ’d at over there and what other, than the clubs, do you like about Berlin?
“There’s quite a few clubs that I’ve played in Berlin, but some of the one’s I liked are Tresor, the Tape Club, the Sage Club, the Maria Cluband the 2Be Club. And what I like about Berlin is the fact that it’s the cheapest place in Europe to live and the night life is very reminisent of London back in the late 80’s.”
You’ve mixed up such tunes as Fast Edde The Pet Shop Boys and The Mixmasters which your ‘In the Mix’ cut was featured in Madonna’s ‘Truth or Dare’. What’s been your best ever remix?
“It would probably be Fast Eddie ‘Let’s Go’ and Full Intention ‘I Love America’.”
Which Chicago DJs do you still hang out with today?
“When I’m home i tend to hang out with Mike Dunn, Hugo H, Harry The Blade, Uncle Milty and Taco Bops.”
‘Turn Up The Bass’ – how important was this record for you?
“Well it was my biggest hit to date and it was the record that opened the door for me to come through, so yes, it was very important.”
And your biggest tunes this year?
“I have far to many to mention, but I will say this, I’ve playing very retro lately and I mix up some old with some new and it seems to work real nice.”
What’s next on the music tip for Tyree?
“I have the next release on my Supa Dupa Label and my second artist Bobby Starrr, “Go Go Sabartini E.P. also I’m releasing or shall I say I’m re-releasing, ‘Acid Over’ with special edits from Mike Dunn and Hugo H !.”
