As an artist, Darren Emerson has been at the forefront of our music scene with a recording career spanning more than two decades. From his early JBO productions as Lemon Interrupt, a decade of timeless hits as an original member of Underworld and as the former label boss of Underwater Records, Darren has been one of the most influential figures in the world of electronic music. End of story? Nope. The next chapter has just begun. And our boy is raring to go.
So mista. New label Detone. New tune ‘Gracelands’, June 28th kicks it off with the release, Darren Emerson & Jamie McHugh bringing our dancefloors a summer anthem written all over it.
“Thank you Dan. To be honest, until someone Twittered me and said that this is the perfect Summer tune with the fact that the World Cup was on too, I didn’t think about the timing of the release. But it’s all good. I wrote it ages ago and I know it’s a strong Summer record. Our first remix comes from a producer who’s is currently riding high in the download charts with his stunning remix of Carl Craig’s ‘At Les’, the highly prolific Christian Smith turning in yet another smash hit remix, taking ‘Gracelands’ on a wonderfully percussive and driving journey. The second remix gives us a completely different take and comes from Steve Cobby, member of the legendary Fila Brazillia.”
Where are you at right now?
“In the studio listening to the Josh Wink mix of Gorillaz which is amazing. Bit difficult to concentrate though with the World Cup going on though.”
Dude, the tune, Chicago inspired beats and bassline and sweeping strings, however you kicked off your time in your disco trainers though to the sounds of Electro and Hip Hop, back in the day…
“Electro was huge for me then. But all music was. My mum gave me all sorts of records as a kid like The Stylists and Marvin Gaye and that set me on my way. Then EPMD, Africa Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash kicked in and before I knew it I was DJing for Nicky Holloway down at The Milk Bar. I was very much like CJ Mackintosh, I taught myself to DJ”
So your new label, Detone. A great move for you?
“I’m showing people what I a can do again. And I am enjoying myself. I think I had to step back and stop looking after people all the time.”
New Underworld tune out ‘Scribble’ – thoughts on that?
“Don’t know Dan. Everything has changed and to be honest, I don’t know what they are up to at the moment. Not heard the record…”
A massive night, this Saturday in London town…
“I was approached by Mass down in Brixton by the new owners. It looks a great night. 400 people with 808 State and NJoi live, myself, Sonique and Dav. Can’t wait. I do miss The End though…”
A good year it looks for Mr Emerson…
“I have a family now, my new manager Luke at Hope kicked me up the arse and I have loads of great stuff going on. At the end of the day though, I’ll always be a music geek who just wants to put out music…”
Watch out for Detone hosting world wide nights, kicking off at London’s East Village on July 31st…here we go!
DARREN EMERSON & JAMIE MCHUGH ‘GRACELANDS’
DETONE01
ORIGINAL / CHRISTIAN SMITH REMIX / STEVE COBBY REMIX
RELEASED: 28.06.10
LABEL: DETONE
