As one of the Basement Boys as well as an acclaimed producer in his own right, Karizma has one of the most distractive sounds on the house scene. Here, ahead of the release of his House Masters compilation – alongside friend and long-term collaborator DJ Spen – he talks us through some of the most meaningful and poignant moments of his distinguished production career.
Click here to read DJ Spen’s House Masters tracknotes
Karizma featuring DJ Spen '4 The Love' (Kaytronik 2011 Remix)
This track was an idea I had had for a while. I gave it to Spen with the suggestion of ‘It should say “for the love of…”’ Who knew it would eventually be a slogan and theme for house??
Cajmere & Dajae 'Brighter Days' (Karizma & DJ Spen Deepah Dub Mix)
This is simply one of my favourite vocals from back in the day that still mashes the club. I’m glad to have had a chance to remix it, as this is truly one of the milestones in my career.
M.A.S Collective featuring Judy Peterson 'Release Your Mind' (Spen & Karizma Remix - 2011 Edit)
During this period, gospel house was massive and I know the message in this track is something that we should all able to relate to today.
Jasper Street Company 'Smile' (Deepah Mix)
‘Smile’was a record that Spen and I wrote simply because of the way we think most people who are in love feel. At the time we were too, so it’s a track that will always be special to us both.
Karizma aka Kaytronik '33rd Street Anthem'
This is most definitely a theme for not just my street but Baltimore in general. Ee love beats, bass and melodies with a side of something just a little different. Thank you Baltimore for giving me THAT energy.
Next Phase 'Piece Of Mind' (Basement Boys Vocal Mix)
In your career you go through ups and downs and sometime music is the therapy that helps bring you out of a slump. At the time, this song is just what I needed to get me through.
DJ Fudge 'Mechouga' (Spen & Karizma Remix)
DJ Fudge really made it hard to come behind him and remix this, so we (Spen and I) went down the Latin road with this as we felt we needed to do something totally different to the original. I think it worked…but you can be the judge of that!
DJ Gregory 'Don’t Panic' (Karizma Main Remix)
I have always been a fan of Gregory, and after meeting him I pretty much begged him to let me remix ‘Don't Panic’. Happily, he gave me his blessing so I knew I needed to nail this one. Thank you Gregory for the opportunity.
Karizma 'Ride'
Out of them all, this record right here means the most to me. I lost my grandmother when I was in production mode and I needed to mentally and musically get away for a minute. This record was my therapy and hopefully others that heard this could get away for a minute too. Love you grandma (Jewel Lucas).
Karizma feat. Monique Bingham 'Good Morning' (Kaytronik Remix)
I love this record for the simplicity of it all, when Monique sent me the vocals for what would be ‘Good Morning’ I blushed because I felt like she was singing it to me...and I knew she had hit a chord that would resonate with everyone who would hear it. Thank you Monique Bingham for making me blush!
ATFC featuring Lisa Millett 'Bad Habit' (Spen & Karizma Main Vocal)
This was already a smash, so I told Spen that since it was based on an old disco hit, we should base the remix on a old school house classic. I think it worked.
Jasper St Company 'God Helps Those' (Spen & Karizma Vocal 2011 Re-Edit)
Spen and I like to do records that have a meaning, or something that puts a positive spin on what’s going on out there in the world. Sometimes in life we need a push or someone to tell us exactly what we need to get us motivated. Listen to this and call me in the morning.
