There are few house labels that have stood the test of time long enough to be able to move into double figures. Rising costs, falling profits and greater competition in the industry ensure that only the very strongest survive. Last year Defected spent a year celebrating their 10th birthday, and now another revered label has reached that landmark.
DJ Chus’ Stereo Productions has been championing quality artists and true house sounds for a decade, but after 20 years in the game Chus is far from running out of enthusiasm. We caught up with the label boss and renowned DJ to get his thoughts on the label, highlights from his time at the helm and plans for the future…
Why do you think Stereo has lasted as long as it has?
Curiously, it feels like it’s only just started, and that these first 10 years have been our apprenticeship. I mean to be around for a while longer. The success of Stereo is based on three basic principles. Firstly we believed in ourselves and in our dream. This dream has come true due to hard work and a quality product which we have pumped from the word go. Secondly our passion (perhaps a Latin thing) has had a part to play. We give 100% for every project and try and produce above all a quality product which overshadows any commercial interest. Finally, when we appeared on the scene we introduced a fresh sound, with a solid base and a seal of authenticity.
What have been your personal highlights from the last 10 years?
Over the past 10 years there have been many personal highlights. The ones that stick out the most are firstly, my personal stamp 'The Iberican Sound' which has contributed to the worldwide electronic music scene, the opportunity to play in Ibiza, an entry into the DJMag Top 100 and the recognition of all the artist which we had always admired such as Danny Tenaglia, David Morales, Louie Vega, Deep Dish, Victor Calderone or DJ Vibe to name but a few. Also the extensive musical legacy in the form of original productions or remixes either solo or with David Penn, Pablo Ceballos or any other partners in crime. From this list stand out tracks like 'That Feeling', 'Baila', 'Will I', 'Baguio Track', 'Back2NY', the 'Hang Up' remix for Madonna or the latest 'Not Myself Tonight' remix for Christina Aguilera. Finally I'm proud to have become a global artist playing at some of the world's most renowned clubs and to have official residencies in clubs such as Pacha NYC, Space Miami, Stereo Montreal or Ageha Tokyo to name but a few.
DJ Chus
You must have been through some difficult times… did you ever think about calling it a day and getting out of the industry?
In the music industry difficult times are always present. Perhaps this is truer now but my partner Carlos Calico and I have always work hard shoulder to shoulder in order to not fall by the wayside. We have never even contemplated giving up, even against all odds. I feel music is more than a profession, it is a way of life and if you believe in this I guarantee that you will find strength to carry on. I'm extremely happy with this situation and for this reason I am motivated and continue. I can't conceive of my life without music.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own label?
In today’s world there are several essential points which have to be taken into account to stand out from the rest and to have a successful career. Team work is fundamental, you should find the right people to work with and learn how to delegate. Be very clear in your objectives, be focused and follow that path with conviction. Not forgetting a good business strategy and marketing plan, from artwork to promotion. Care has to be taken of the product, as well being self-critical and demanding so as to achieve maximum quality.
What other labels do you admire?
In my career of over 20 years I have come across many labels. The ones which have influenced me most at the beginning were Strictly Rhythm, FFRR, Tribal America, UMM, HardTimes, MAW, Murk, JBO, Nervous Records, Twisted, Ibadan or Paper recordings to name but a few. At the moment labels such as Defected, Toolroom, Get Physical, Great Stuff or Viva music are on my list due to their level of quality.
Your new track ‘Carnavalesco’ has been generating some serious heat… tell us a little about it…
‘Carnavalesco' was born as a fusion concept – tribal meets disco. At a time when music is becoming more organic again, house music is stronger than ever. I have always liked disco sound, I've been a fan of this style since I was a nipper! Today’s dance music is an evolution of disco, therefore I wanted to imprint my tribal groove knowledge together with elements of classic disco. To carry this out I got in touch with Supernova who I had been following very closely. This was a fantastic experience both professionally and personally; we hit it off immediately and the result will be seen shortly on Defected.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I really enjoy collaborating with different artists. It is educational and productive and we are always learning one from the other so that will be my main focus for the rest of the year. I am back in the studio with David Penn and shortly we will release our new project on Defected which our fans have been waiting anxiously for. We hope not to let them down! I'm also working on two new projects, one with Lissat & Voltaxx and the other with Austin Leeds which will come to light over the summer. Not forgetting Stereo, we will shortly release my new digital album BALEARICA 2010, a selection of fresh house tracks with my personal vision of what the new season at Ibiza should be, which includes tracks by myself and from the Stereo artists which I support and admire.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
This year we are celebrating Stereo 10th anniversary with a series of parties around the world which will be used to thank our fans and spread the love, our love. I hope to be able to continue delivering the goods for at least another 10 years. That's all for now, see you on the dancefloor.... IN STEREO!
DJ Chus & Supernova 'Carnavaleso' is out 16th June on Defected Records.
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