Meoko had the chance to talk to a true house legend: Glenn Underground. Born in 1970s Chicago, Glenn was exposed to the windy city’s rich soul, jazz and disco heritage whilst growing up, and these would prove pivotal in defining his influential, instantly recognisable house sound. The Chicagoan has released seminal tracks on some of the scene’s most pioneering labels, including Cajual, Prescription Guidance, Peacefrog, Dance Mania, and his own imprint, Strictly Jaz Unit. Ahead of his 6-hour set at Shoreditch’s Red Gallery next Saturday, we spoke to the big man himself:
How much has soul, disco and the Chicago music scene in general influenced you during your career as DJ and producer?
As DJ: maybe 200%. As producer: maybe 75% because there are just so many other genres that I enjoy. I like jazz form, jazz fusion…the rest of 25% is about the underground. Anything that holds true to sound!
Can you tell me more about the Chicago music scene in general?
The music is great. The scene of today, though, is kind of rocky but in the past it was up there with the best in the world. There are for sure great DJs and musicians in operation there today, but they are pretty unknown and need some exposure!
Piano, trumpets and instrumental stuff seem to form the backbone of your sound. Except for these instruments have you got other pieces of gear that you consider fundamental to your set up?
Roland Juno 106, Roland 909/808/303, Juno 1, Minimoog… it really doesn't stop. I have one of everything! They are all fundamental.
What do you think about the European scene? Have you got any favourite artists at the moment?
That’s a hard question, because nowadays the music scene is way over-saturated. Manly my sound comes from me cause it's more musical… maybe too musical for some reasons.. I have been listening to a lot of records in the past couple of weeks and lots of them are so instrumental, with saxophone etc., that they are becoming more like jazz records than house music. I think that house dance music today needs to come back to the basics and regenerate itself before the fundamentals that defined the genre get lost. My favourite artists? I don't want to be biased but the few artists I like come from Chicago! No disrespect to the global scene, though.
Do you think that a focus on business is going to destroy the true spirit of playing and making music?
That's a great question. I think that the scene is dying globally - club owners or promoters focus on the bar, and money, before the music, and this never used to be the case. The music industry is down in general because of too much file sharing. Nobody is buying music no more nowadays - people just talk - but nobody is buying. Everybody is getting lazy, and maybe I am. I know I’m not innocent in this. But it will revive if everybody starts to purchase again… if you are listening, and you like what you hear, don't share the file, share the knowledge.
What do you think about this continuous repressing process of proper classic pieces of house/techno history?
That's a great question. Is cool but is not cool because nodoby is trying to be original no more. If you wanna go back and physically recreate a sound - let's do a cover. Remaking instead of repressing.
How did you end up with Peacefrog Records? And what does this record label mean to you?
I can't remember, I think I learned about them from the Owner. One day we just got talking in the middle of the nineties. It was a great time for music back then, everything was growing so quickly.
Are you aware that your album ‘Atmosfear’ is still highly regarded among young DJ’s these days? And that many people search for a copy?
Wow, no. That's cool. I think I’m going to search for a copy! I hope they find a copy, vinyl for sure. Anyway - I'm actually rereleasing Mental Black Resurrection on vinyl and digital.
Your other highly regarded EP on Peacefrog is called the Jerusalem EP’s and a lot of tracks have a link with Israel. Why is this?
I do have a CD of that! The link with Israel… that’s where my ancestors come from. It’s a spiritual conversation with them, through my house music.
Thanks for talking to us, Glenn!!
The party is hosted by White Jail and Need2Soul, two promoters who are at the centre of London’s underground house scene. White Jail is composed of a passionate group of underground heads who have hosed the likes of TLR, The Mole, Akufen and Boo Williams who produces the first release of their own eponymous imprint. Need2Soul is a strictly house
party that’s been in operation in London for over a decade. With a focus on the New York and Chicago house aesthetics, they have held host to countless memorable parties over the years. Both party-throwers have joined heads to get Glenn Underground to play for 6 whole hours at the Red Gallery, and we can’t wait.
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