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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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Get Carter!
Reported by Craig Gunn
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Submitted 26-11-08 23:01
With my knowledge of house music I sometimes feel like the curator at the British Library. Every now and then a clubbing experience gets filed in my mental index from A-Z. ‘A’ being ‘absolutely wasted’ and ‘Z’ being ‘zeitgeist’ of my generation and I am sure we all know what would be headed under ‘E’. But once in a while a DJ comes along who becomes part of the institution - an arbiter of ‘House-ology’. Such a man is Jon Carter.
His eclectic brand of DJing has been cutting up dance floors across the globe for over 15 years. He has toured with the some of the biggest acts on the planet including Fatboy Slim and The Prodigy and has produced tracks for movies and remixed the likes of the Stone Roses and the Manic Street Preachers.
This Boxing Day sees club brand Cream host one of the best line-ups of the year including Jon. Ahead of the party I took time to talk Jon about his career and about his relationship with one of the world’s leading club promoters.
I begin talking with Jon about his humble upbringing.
You’re an Essex Boy Aren’t You?
Jon: Do you know what – I was born forty feet into Essex. I was born at home on the bed. It was a 70’s home with my Dad running around the garden making the bed from breeze blocks, whilst my Mum was having me - it was madness. I still get to pop back every now and then. I found growing up that the music scene in Essex was surprisingly pioneering.
I find very early in our conversation that Jon is an extremely affable and friendly character. He chats openly and with passion about his music, life and career.
What triggered your interest in house music?
The explosion of Acid house in 88. It was a Balearic thing. It was also really eclectic and that’s what I liked to see in dance music. It only takes a drum and a bass and you’ve got people dancing
House music since then has had so many sub genres with tech, progressive and minimal – You have always had a reputation of mashing it up, with anything from a brass marching band to a classic rock n roll track – back into house. Where do you see it going and what is keeping you still interested in it?
I really like things that are coming out on ‘Dirty Bird’ and ‘Claude Von Stroke’ and that kind of stuff – stuff that is really bottom heavy. It ties in with dance hall and ragga; Sex Music! There is some really good rock crossover things that work like Soulwax as well. I like to play at gigs where I can incorporate both those styles. You can make it fluid between many styles.
What are your listening too on your iPod if it’s not house music?
I just bought this amazing compilation of Indian Funk. I love it; it is an incredibly heavy sound. If I want to mellow out a bit I may put on some Sigur Ros, they blow me away.
Does this cornucopia of musical tastes reflect in you production?
I have been doing a lot of production for the last 20 months. I have been doing a berserk thing with Tim Sheridan and this poet called Freak Show that is quite minimal. It has been described as the ‘most disgusting dance record of all time’. I also have been working on something else with my mate Stretch Carter - its an all guns blazing exercise in noise for the main room.
There also been some deep stuff with Andy Chatterley and a straight up reggae thing with Horace Andy and Ashley Beedle and the collaborative work I have done on Gentlemen’s Agreement. There’s a mad 118 BPM carnival monster that has been going down well which I am going to unleash in the New Year. In 2009 I am going to continue to be eclectic in producing and I have another acidy house banger called Witch Doktor to watch out for.
Wow that sounds busy! When do you get a rest Jon? When do you wind down?
You know I don’t. I don’t even get time to watch films. Sleeping is about it. I never wind down!
In your production you use a lot of technology – but if I was buying a DJ friend some kit for a present for Christmas - what’s floating your boat?
In the studio I would say Ableton Live. Its two programmes in one with its sequencing and on the fly sample and mixing abilities. But I tend to export and use it in Logic as it’s a far more powerful tool for processing. And live - I like using Serrato because it is the best compromise from using technology and having that live feel you only get when playing vinyl. Every year these things blow your mind with their increased power. I absolutely still carry the odd bit of vinyl.
Your CV is impressive – You’ve supported Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim and gigged all over the world – but if you career ended tomorrow what would go down as your favourite gig of all time?
I have been proud of so many sets. But the most outrageous crowd I have seen was playing with Norman Cook and Marky on the beach in RIO to a million people!
That must have been mind blowing! Do you find there a difference to playing in a club or playing open air at a festival for example?
In a small basement club, say, you can get people in the palm of your hand and go absolutely anywhere with the music. To a massive open festival. It’s like the difference between being a film actor or a theatre actor. Being a film actor they can do close ups on you and you can be more subtle, where as a theatre actor you have to project more - its broader strokes – you have to appeal to more people. It’s less intimate. As an experience – you can’t pick between them for satisfaction but they are widely different. Pre-millennium I loved doing the large festivals and raves and dance tents.
The Criminal Justice Act did the rave scene no favours..
Not after Castle Morton but there were good festivals doing dance tents where you could experience, Creamfields and Glastonbury were fantastic vibes. But everyone is going out for different things. There is very much a live thing now.
Castle Morton was massive. It marked the peak of the free rave culture scene in the UK and its ultimate death. 25,000 party people came together in a weekend long orgy of music and drugs. Media attention brought the scene under the probing eyes of the establishment and the Criminal Justice Act was born
With the credit crunch and the change in people perceptions of the dance scene. Some of the super clubs have a suffered a bit.. (John doesn’t mince his words).
Well they disappeared!
You had a good connection with Turnmills didn’t you?
Christ yeah. I have been going there for years. They were one of the first to have a late night licence. It was heartbreaking to see it close. It was the heartland of the scene for me.
Jon’s four year marriage to Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox ended very publicly in 2005. At the time media attention was extremely distressing for all concerned. I didn’t see the need to discuss with Jon old news as he seems happy with life with his extremely busy schedule.
Your still jet setting the globe - on the family front you are really busy as well. Do you find hard to burn the candle at both ends or do you have a nice balance in your life?
I have a good balance. At the weekends you switch your hours. During the week I am up at 7:30…
Doing the school run?
Exactly. Then working in the morning and all weekend. It all balances out but I can’t go as mad as I used too.
Is your son going to follow in your footsteps - does he already have an eclectic taste in music?
He is a typical teenager. He has got hair all over his eyes and he has a guitar. I took him to his first gig which was the White Stripes - I love them and it has kick started his interest in music.
Does he like The King’s Of Leon?
Yeah!
Can you do a remix of ‘Sex On Fire’ for me please – how awesome is that song. It reminds me of the album of Top Gun. I feel like Kenny Loggins when I listen to it.
Haha - you got a good idea there mate. Maybe I will get that in for Christmas!
In between your gigging you still manage to run a couple of pubs. In 2005 about 10% of my wages went into the Lock Tavern – can I have it back please?
I missed that meeting – I don’t remember voting to do that. I don’t even I don’t get a third off – all my money goes in there as well.
How is it all going at the Lock Tavern anyway?
It’s great. On November 16th I am starting Block Party – On the first one I am playing with Justin Robertson and Ashley Beedle.
Your pub is one of the gems on the London scene – you get Great DJ’s..
Yeah and we don’t charge for the privilege. You can eat your Sunday Roast there and the then music starts and the next thing your bopping away to Mylo, Andy Weatherall or David Holmes. And it doesn’t cost a bean to get in.
You’re living the DJ dream some may say. Playing out at the weekends and running a pub during the week. Most would probably drink the profits behind the bar – If you were at your bar what is your favourite tipple?
If I was making myself one I would go for a caiprihnia. Smash the ice, pulverise the limes and some decent cachaca.
You realise now when you play at Cream you won’t be short of drinks.
Let’s hope so.
Talking about Cream they are an institution.
Yep, they are survivors!
The brand the product, the roster of DJs. This Boxing Day we have John Digweed, Nick Warren, Armin Van Buuren and Danny Howells to name but a few - quite frankly it’s a progressive house fans wet dream. But it’s Christmas and I know your diverse in your musical choice – what can we expect from you. Will there be Slade?
John laughs…..You can guarantee there won’t be any Slade…..
[b]Some reading this may be relieved to hear that. You haven’t played there for some time.
That’s right – I did for about 3 or 4 years on the trot. Last time I played on Boxing Day - I heard that James Brown had died so I finished my set with I Feel Good. I don’t think at the time anyone knew that he died. Most people were like why is he playing James Brown’ But a couple of days later, after the hangovers had subsided, I got loads of emails from people saying they eventually saying ‘oh yeah I get it now’.
I remember when George Harrison passed away – now I am sounding like we are only talked about dead rock stars – I played My Sweet Lord and the bouncers were loving it. This boxing day I am going to slow it right down but keep it intense and reflect on the music and history of Cream over the years. Cream have been quality purveyors of house music and I am glad to be back there.
With so many great DJ’s on the line-up. Who are you going be hanging out with and dancing too?
Danny Howells, I love dancing to his stuff and I love the little git. John Kelly as well - I am sure to have eggnog with him.
What do you want for Christmas Jon?
A few points for Tottenham Hotspurs…
You’ll be lucky - you can’t buy those for love nor money at the moment!
They won’t go down but we could do with a lift.
A few days after the interview Jon’s Christmas list must have reached Santa as Spurs manager Juande Ramos was sacked and Harry Redknapp was brought in and they promptly won their first match of the season. This is a reflection perhaps on Jon’s ability to predict. He has been a consummate pioneer of house music over the years – predicting trends but mixing genres and broadening the more discerning listeners take on house. It has to be said he was a nice guy and legend to speak with. Long may the Caiprihnia’s roll for you Jon on Boxing Day!
You can listen to Jon’s latest track The Rabbit on his MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/joncarterofficial
Freak Show is available on www.beatport.com
Gentleman’s Agreement is out now on Pieces of Eight Records
Photos courtesy of Jon Carter and Cream. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Cream Boxing Night 2008
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On:
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Friday 26th December 2008
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At:
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Nation [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 6:00
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Cost:
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£28+BF
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Website:
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www.cream.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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Cream Boxing Night Special
Nation, Wolstenholme Square, Parr Street, Liverpool, Advance Tickets: £28+BF(More on the door), www.ticketline.co.uk, Tel: 0844 888 4401, 10pm-6am (Sawmill Bar open from 9pm), Jeans & Trainers ok, Strictly NO tracksuits. Info: www.cream.co.uk / Tel: 0151 707 1309
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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As the days get darker and we edge nearer the festive season for a month of excusable late nights and hangovers, we are pleased to announce that Cream will be rolling back into town for its annual festive sound clash at Nation on Boxing Night.
Having turned away hundreds of people at last weekends 16th Birthday, Cream, who are not ones to rest on their laurels have announced a very special festive line up for their mighty Boxing night bash.
The world’s No.1 DJ Armin van Buuren heads up the festivities in the Main Room, this world renowned DJ/Producer will be gracing us with his presence this Boxing night, his first and only visit to the north this year, without doubt one of the worlds best trance DJ’s. He will be joined by rising star John O’Callahan, Cream resident Gareth Wyn and fresh local talent Rob H who made his Cream debut at last week’s birthday.
The Courtyard is full of surprises, as we see the return of John Digweed, this will be Johns’ first appearance at Cream in over 8 years! Having smashed the proverbial roof off the Radio 1 Arena at this summers Creamfields festival, John is making a long overdue return to his old haunt to deliver what will undoubtedly be one of the most highly anticipated sets of the clubbing calendar, so much so that Digweed will be performing an exclusive 3 hour set in the Courtyard! Continuing with all things progressive and tech house we welcome the return of Danny Howells. Danny is one of the world’s most travelled DJ’s and we welcome him back for a festive blow out. And culminating the Courtyard line up is former Cream resident Nick Warren, well known for his Global Underground Compilations and one half of Way Out West, Nick is back by demand!
The Annexe is all about house! Headlined by Dutch DJ/Producer Laidback Luke, one of the hottest DJ’s of the moment and renowned for his killer remixes and high profile collaborations. He will be joined by the ever cool and energetic Jon Carter, if ever there was a DJ that made this room his own, Jon is it! Another former resident making a return is Justin Robertson, the sleuth master is back where he belongs in the Annexe, his former stomping ground. Other DJ’s confirmed include Liverpool legend John Kelly and Cream residents Lee Ellis & Anthony Probyn.
As always Cream Boxing Night is expected to sell out. To avoid disappointment please purchase advance tickets which are on sale now!
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Flyer:
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Other Features By Craig Gunn:
Glastonbury, The Biggest Show on Earth
I survived Glastonbury 2015
HarderFaster Guide to Glastonbury 2015
The Speed of Sound
THREE ‘BRINGS’ THE CROWD TO LOST DAWN
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: K8-e on 30th Nov 2008 16:57.51
Great interview!!
From: Cerberus on 2nd Dec 2008 11:09.32
thankyou - Jon made it very easy for me. total geezer
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