Representing Chicago, the birthplace of house music as we know it, we’re pleased to be able to welcome the singular entity that is Derrick Carter. Regarded by the cognoscenti as a truly innovative and special DJ since the early 90s, Carter has ridden his reputation as a hell raiser, both behind and away from the decks, through a myriad changes in style, fashion and trends of house music. Though his ride may have been a boompty one in his formative years, Derrick has mellowed with age and he is a responsible parent to some 8 miniature dogs at home these days. He now prefers to let his wild side be shown only through his music, which stands proudly apart from much of what else happens in house music. Carter’s style is unmistakable – but check Djs like Sneak, Mark Farina and Joshua to hear his influence. Whereas some Djs are billed due to studio abilities (which Carter also posses), Derrick is primarily known as a DJ. And as one of the best. He plays tracks nobody else plays and he plays them like nobody else could; melding and mixing are taken to a new level of creativity with this man – several discs are combined simultaneously, creating new music, an ever-evolving, spontaneous groove, growing playfully, sometimes psychedelically around us, as we dance and feed it.

With his similarly singular record label Classic now back as a living, breathing concern (it’s catalogue is available to download thanks to new partners Defected), it seems that a resurgence is in full swing for Derrick Carter – not that he ever stopped charming dancers with his sassy sets and immaculate attire, he just did it somewhere else while the UK was sending itself to sleep during the desert years of minimal and electro house.