Terrence Parker hails from Detroit – synonymous, as his long and distinguished career attests, with house rather than the Motor City’s biggest stylistic reference points, techno and Tamla soul. That’s not to say their influence hasn’t rubbed off on Parker’s DJing and discography. His career spans some 30 years (and more), during which time he has pushed the 4-4 art form to its creative limits – hard, soul, fast, slow...always innovative.
Parker started mixing in 1979 aged 11, juggling pause buttons and cassette tapes, before progressing to actual DJing three years later when he acquired turntables and a mixer. Raised on a love of local radio, and pioneering ‘presenters’ such as Jeff Mills and Electrifying Mojo, Parker was keen to realise his own passion and talent for futuristic electronic music. Over time, he became a member of Mojo’s cult DJ group, the Hot Mix 10. By the early Nineties, Parker was playing overseas and generating significant international momentum.
Already, in 1988, Parker had made the jump into the studio. And from that point on he was unstoppable. Early releases on 430 West, Trance Fusion, !K7 and his own Intangible Records & Soundworks stable would lead to a string of lauded albums including Detroit After Dark (1997) and Strong Songs Album (1999). Since 1988, Parker has successfully navigated more than 100 releases, and earned chart-soaring hits with tracks like ‘The Question’ (1993) and ‘Love’s Got Me High’ (1997), as well as the aforementioned Detroit After Dark. Parker has also remixed prolifically – underground stalwarts Kevin Saunderson and Kenny Dixon Jr through to pop deities Beyonce, Shakira and Christina Aguilera. On the road, he has entertained over 200 cities in 25 countries with his uber-skilful ‘turntablist’ approach to house DJing.
This year, Parker has shifted creative gears once again, releasing a brand new, spiritually and soulfully infused album, Life On The Back 9, via Carl Craig’s Planet E imprint. That acclaimed work is now being re-issued by Defected, including previously unreleased and limited edition cuts. Parker has also freshly remixed album track ‘Open Up Your Spirit’ and will be playing Defected In The House at London’s Ministry Of Sound in November.
Tell us about Life On The Back 9...
It’s a collection of new productions reflecting, more or less, new inspiration in my life. The music isn’t specifically a new direction but it reflects a new direction for me. I wanted the project to reflect the new direction I’ve taken in my life. Everything feels new right now and I want to tell that story…share where I’m at with people.
The album follows a difficult period in your life….
I’ve said before that the album’s title was inspired by something my dad said to me – that if you think of your life as a game of golf, perhaps the front 9 [holes] did not go as you had liked. But don’t give up because you still have the back 9. There was a really difficult period in my life. There were a lot of personal things going on and I was confused and in pain. These things happen to all of us at some point; it’s like boom! – suddenly, you’re in a tailspin. I think the effect is deeper when you have a creative profession; that art form, whatever it is, expresses how you feel. I certainly channelled my feelings into the album, which was an interesting process. It provided me with a deeper spiritual connection to God; allowed me to trust him more. I found amazing motivation. Of course, when you’re going through a crazy period in your life, it isn’t simply the bad things happening. It’s the bad and the great all at the same time – Life On The Back 9 reflects all of this.
Why such a long gap since your last album, Strong Songs, in 1999?
I don’t really know why, in truth. There was something about the downturn in vinyl sales a few years ago, and the lack of interest in full-length albums. Our industry became more song-driven and, on one level, I could see the supply and demand argument – that there was less cause to make albums. On the other hand, I’m from the old-school and albums…collections of songs are important. We’re still in the age of iTunes where tracks come first but I felt real motivation to complete this project. And I’m already recording another album for Planet E; I’m very focused on that.
Explain the Defected tie-up….
Simon Dunmore and I had spoken before, where he wanted to use some of my tracks for Defected compilations. He got back in touch when he saw a video clip of me playing out ‘Open Up Your Spirit’ but didn’t recognise my remix. He loved it and asked if he could have a copy to DJ. A few weeks later and Carl [Craig] is telling me that he’s interested in licensing the album. I was like ‘wow’!
You’re a long-term admirer of Defected right?
I’ve been a huge, huge fan of Defected for years now. Years ago when I was playing vinyl if I liked a particular track then I wanted everything else on that label; sometimes that would come first to grabbing other records in the store. It was like that with Defected. I think ‘Timba’ [by Awa Band] was one of the first tracks that grabbed me and ‘All I Do’ [Cleptomaniacs’’Wonder’ cover] also; I wore the grooves out on that one. The Defected releases were all about great music and great production, and they were so consistent. My local store would automatically put a pile of Defected vinyl to one side for me for when I was visiting. I always thought it’d be amazing to see just one of my tracks released on Defected, but for me to be releasing an album is totally overwhelming. It’s another thing to tick off my bucket list; I’m very, very excited.
The lead single ‘Open Up Your Spirit’ already appears to be working its magic….
It’s really great. After I’ve put a track together and played it out for a while, I start getting new ideas about it. I don’t often remix my stuff but when I do it’s not to make it better…it’s about taking things in a different direction. I was definitely inspired for the new versions of ‘Open Up Your Spirit’ and the singer, Merachka, is amazing.
Where is the electronic club scene heading?
It’s still evolving. Right now it’s moving in a futuristic direction that reminds me of when I was a kid, listening at home to Electrifying Mojo and hearing the cutting edge…tracks like Cybotron’s ‘Alleys Of Your Mind’. The trends of late take me back to that memory. At the same time, club culture is more of a business now. And with that, artistry is sometimes overlooked – we’re the backbone of club culture. I think that 9/11 affected us all, in terms of culture, business and the economy. A lot of industries changed; the way we approach things within the music industry is very different now. There’s a love-hate relationship with the club scene today.
What’s Detroit like today?
Musically, there are a lot of very good artists coming up with noteworthy, innovative ideas. Artists like Jason Garcia, Jay Ramsey and Merachka are hugely creative. I think they’re helping maintain Detroit’s musical legacy and taking things forward. I’m hoping my new album will help push that legacy on too – I’ve put all of my Detroit experience, musical and otherwise, into it.
London will get to see you in action soon – what are your thoughts ahead of playing the Ministry?
I’m particularly looking forward to it. Playing at such a great venue and for such a great label gives me the perfect showcase to demonstrate my talents as a DJ. The prospect of playing to a completely different audience is really exciting.
Do you have a DJing mantra?
I keep it simple. I make sure I have some new edits and productions with me, as well as the right new promos. I have an idea of things before particular sets but I like a broad base of music which then allows me to vibe off the crowd and take things in different directions. There are different generations on the dancefloor these days and I consider that, for sure. A seasoned crowd is different to a younger crowd, and with the kids it’s important to educate. I’ve noticed this resurgence in Nineties house; I can hopefully build from that with the kids and introduce them to other fine music from that time, and before.
Finally, any other projects we should be aware of?
Aside from my next album on Planet E, I have a few remix projects on the way and more DJing. I’m busy! And I’m grateful. I think back again to hearing the radio as a kid. Listening to Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills, Mad ‘Mike’ Banks, Kevin Saunderson, Blake Baxter and Eddie ‘Flashin’’ Fowlkes…all of those names made me want to do what they were doing. They gave me hope. To be in that place now is an amazing feeling. I thank God every day, truly.
‘Open Up Your Spirit’ is out now on Defected Records on vinyl (buy from Juno) and 22 October digital. Parker’s album, Life On The Back 9, is out (CD and digital) 2 November - order from iTunes
Terrence Parker joins Osunlade, FCL, Luke Solomon and more for Defected In The House at London’s Ministry Of Sound 01 November – click for full line-up and tickets
