February 2010 will see the release of the next of the In The House series, and while all the compilations have been special, this next instalment sees us combining two elements very close to our hearts; ATFC In The House: London ’10.
London is Defected’s literal and spiritual home and ATFC is one of our most dynamic and creative artists, having been with us pretty much from the beginning and showing no signs of going anywhere any time soon. 2009 was an exceptional year for the London-born DJ and producer so he was the natural choice to front the compilation.
The following are his sleeve notes for the forthcoming release and we think it’s a great way of introducing what we’re sure will be one of the strongest collaborations we’ve ever put together.
As I'm speeding towards London at 600 kmph and trying to think what the city means to me, my mind swims its way through a fog of thoughts and images. The streets where I grew up, the rush hour traffic, does The Apple Store open on a Sunday?... and then as I start to focus on how the city has shaped my career in music, the fog thins and the outlines sharpen.
For an aspiring DJ, living in London was like a wannabe Priest growing up within the walls of The Vatican City and my holy men were Trevor 'Madhatter' Nelson at Dance Wicked in Vauxhall, Soul 2 Soul at The Fridge in Brixton, Rob Acteson and Rhythm Doctor at The Gardening Club in Covent Garden, Norman Jay at The Blue Note in Hoxton, Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge at Dingwalls in Camden, CJ Mackintosh at Ministry Of Sound, Paul 'Trouble' at The Loft, Tim Westwood at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill and Bobby & Steve at Bar Rumba.
The city was (and still is) soaked with world class DJ's and clubs and I'm certain that I wouldn't be writing this had I not been able to mop up the inspiration pouring from them.
At any point in time I was only half an hours train journey away from the best nocturnal experiences around, and my friends and I made it our duty to sample the full set.
From the wide array of music I heard in those clubs, it was House that gave me a purpose in the music world professionally and London that provided the opportunity. Well, London and a certain record label based in the city with whom I joined the fast lane of dance music 10 years ago.
This album is a snapshot of my House Music world in 2009/10 - a year that has been my most successful and enjoyable to date, thanks in large part to that label, Defected, and I'm honoured to bring you the latest ITH instalment. The first album after their 10th anniversary year and, in other words, the first one of the new decade.
Other cities may have their flings with House Music. Sure, some may even have invented it, but London has always stayed faithful, been there through the good and bad times and still represents the full 360 degrees of four to the floor vision...the same could be said for Defected.
ATFC In The House: London ’10 is released on the 2nd of February 2010. Check back soon for full tracklist and audio samples.
