This New Year’s Eve one of the most established and respected house DJs in the world Derrick Carter will be playing at The Asoria, Portsmouth for Defected In The House.
One of the pinnacles of Chicago house music's '90s wave, Derrick Carter began DJing at the age of nine, spinning disco records at family reunions. Since these early beginnings, pioneering and innovative tracks along with consequent critical acclaim have repeatedly marked Derrick out as one of the most important players in dance music.
Disco loops, commanding vocals and a truly unique production aesthetic abound as we examine some of the most important records in Carter’s inimitable catalogue.
Derrick Carter – Where U At?
Arguably the record that typifies both his productions and DJ sets the most, ‘Where U At?’ has come to be seen as the definitive Derrick Carter record. Unpredictable in its sequencing, raw in its aesthetic and hip-shakingly impossible not to dance to, ‘Where U At?’ is pure house hedonism on a 12”.
Derrick L. Carter – Boompty Boomp Theme
Here, Carter cast his own low drawl over trademark grooves to form 'Boompty Boomp Theme'; a name which has become synonymous with his sound since his mother’s critique of his music reached the press. Slower than some of his more frenetic production efforts, the Theme takes in a huge variety of sounds which in less skilled hands would result in a catastrophic mess of a record; in Carter’s though, the result is simply sublime.
Oneiero - ‘Oneiro Say – Shhh!'
“Pure passion has created most of the beauty and the music you love.” So states the opening monologue of ‘Oneiro Say – Shhh!’; an eerie, almost minimal beats unlike much else in Carter’s catalogue. The bassline may be warm and familiar but the rest is all computer-clicks and mechanical – a far reach from the organic constructs of the majority of his records and proof that Carter can deliver even when way outside of his comfort zone.
Derrick L. Carter – Squaredancing in a Roundhouse
Another unashamedly upfront dancefloor cut, Squaredancing in a Roundhouse offsets a thumpingly simple bassline against shimmering disco chords and layer upon layer of looped vocals. The result? A maelstrom of uplifting house-flavoured happiness; a key weapon in Carter’s enviable arsenal and one his readily employs. Watcha gonna do??
Sound Patrol – Tripping Among The Stars (A Necessary Journey)
A near-20 minute epic recorded under Carter’s Sound Patrol alias, Tripping Among The Stars eschews quick cuts and loops for a languid groove that patiently develops over the course of the track’s length. Add a beautifully atmospheric chord progression and just there merest hint of jazz flute, and an instant classic was born.
Derrick Cater plays The Astoria, Portsmouth for Defected In The House this New Year’s Eve. Click for full details and tickets
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