Derrick Carter and Luke Solomon
Classic's label manager Leon caught up with the pair...
Classic was created in 1995 by two of the most highly regarded figures in underground dance, pioneering UK DJ Luke Solomon, and innovative torchbearer of the Chicago sound, Derrick Carter. Spurred by a simple mission - 'we wanted every release to become a classic' - their devotion and creativity took Classic to be one of the most inspiring underground labels in the world. Classic's label manager Leon caught up with Derrick and Luke, ahead of the label's 10th anniversary party in April '05 at The End.
Leon: How are you both feeling today?
DC: A little groggy but well adjusted.
LS: Hmmm.... I will pass on that one
This year Classic is 10 years old, what have been your particular highlights?
DC: Getting to meet people that we probably would have never met, playing lots of Classic parties all around the world and putting out some records that I personally have really enjoyed.
LS: Memories for me...when Derrick played me DJ Sneak's 'You Can't Hide' for the first time, our first party in Miami in 1999, our first tour back in 1995, and all our parties at The End of course :)
You've been doing parties at The End for five years now, what appeals to you about the club so much?
DC: The sound system, the crowd, the staff, the whole shebang. They generally treat us nice so it's a good thing to do.
LS: It's how a club should be I guess. The right kind of people come along. The system's cool...and you can definitely have a small club knees up, even though it's a big club.....
Who have been your favourite guests, main room and lounge?
DC: All of our guests have been great. For me though, I have had super evenings with Honey, James Curd & The Greenskeepers, Tim Shumaker, Iz & Diz and Rob Brown etc.
LS: I would properly refer to favourite nights rather than guests...I don't favour favouritism, especially when it's mostly family....
Who have you chosen to play at The End, Classic 10 year anniversary party, and why?
DC: Some of our best friends and that's enough of a reason.
LS: We have invited Iz & Diz as, once again, it's a family affair, and they are good for a giggle too...
What guests can we expect to see this year playing the Classic parties at The End?
DC: You never know. It all depends on who has the time and the energy to handle the situation.
LS: We are hoping to get Sneak at some point, Herbert.... the Playhouse crew again... maybe some live stuff in the back room, Style of Eye, Swag...
Apart from the residency at The End, do you have residencies in any other cities? If so, where?
DC: I don't really care much for residencies. It's amazing that I've kept this one as long as I have.
LS: Yep, we do a residency at Cafe d'Anvers in Antwerp, and the Red Light in Paris.
Will you be having any other 10 year anniversary parties?
DC: Probably. I can see a mini tour shaping up...
LS: Derrick and myself are touring through May to promote our 'A Classic Decade' double CD, so yep....
Classic has been instrumental in releasing some of the most ground breaking house music in the past 10 years, what can we expect in the future?
DC: Who can see the future?
LS: We have a wonderful new 12 from Rob Mello, a new Brett Johnson...an awesome Style Of Eye single...and a 'Classic All Stars' series to celebrate 10 years of Classic.
If you could have any DJs, living or dead, who would feature in your dream line up?
DC: I don't know. I'm not much of a "Fantasy Team" kind of cat. I don't really go out to listen to DJs and it's a strange thing for me to try to visualize in my advanced age.
LS: Derrick, Harvey, Gemini, John Peel and Weatherall...
If you weren't DJs what occupations would you each have?
DC: Furniture designer, interior style maven, musician...something with a great wardrobe.
LS: I fancy myself as a bit of a chef, so maybe that...
What's the best rumour you've heard lately?
DC: I'm not very plugged in. Besides, all of the rumours I've heard aren't too "web friendly".
LS: That Classic is coming to an end...
What has been you favourite release on classic in the past 10 years?
DC: 'Squaredancing In A Roundhouse'
LS: Favouritism again...sorry. Isolée 'Beau Mot Plage' has a place in my heart though.
Will there be a Classic compilation released this year to celebrate the anniversary?
DC: Yes there will be!!
LS: See above. 'A Classic Decade'
Tell us a joke?
DC: Your mama is so stank, she wore Secret, and it told.
LS: What's brown and taps on the window? A baby in a microwave...
Published: 12/04/2005
