Derrick Carter
Derrick Carter | |
---|---|
![]() Carter performing in 2023 at a boat party on theHudson River | |
Background information | |
Born | Compton,California,U.S. | October 21, 1969
Origin | Chicago,Illinois,U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
|
Years active | 1988–present |
Derrick Carter(born October 21, 1969) is an American DJ, record producer and musician fromChicago,Illinois.[1][2]He is regarded as one of the best[3]underground house key players currently active and is popular inEurope.[4]
Biography
[edit]Derrick Carter, born on October 21, 1969, inCompton, California,and later becoming a pivotal figure in Chicago's music scene, embarked on his DJing journey at the tender age of 10. Growing up amidst the diverse influences of punk, R&B, disco and house, Carter developed a unique sound that would later define his career.
His DJing debut occurred in the seventh grade at a friend's birthday party in 1982, marking the start of a journey that would see him transition from a bedroom DJ to a club sensation. By the age of 16, Carter was already making waves in the club scene. His first significant exposure to a live audience was a game-changer, setting the stage for a career that would revolutionize the house and techno genres.[5]
After high school, Carter's journey took him to theUniversity of Illinoisin 1987. However, his foray into higher education was short-lived, as the vibrant social scene led him to prioritize partying over academics, resulting in his eventual expulsion. This pivotal moment redirected his focus entirely to music.[6]
Returning to Chicago, Carter took up a job at the record store Imports Etc. It was here, amidst the burgeoning house music explosion, that he honed his skills and networked with the who's who of the industry. His first production, "Fantasy Girl," under the moniker Conception, was a stepping stone to his later EP success.
In 1988, he released an EP entitled "Mood' withMark Farinaand Chris Nazuka as the group Symbols & Instruments.[7]While the record was not a commercial success, it did have a strong influence on the burgeoning ambient techno movement in England. Particularly, this release garnered attention in the UK, particularly influencing the techno and garage movements. This established Carter as an international figure in the underground house scene.[4]
Carter's first international trip in 1991 to perform at club venues marked his entry into the global music scene. His eclectic style and innovative approach quickly gained traction among diverse audiences.
Later years
[edit]Carter rarely gives extensive interviews and has kept a low profile since his rise to fame. Before establishing the groundbreakingrecord labelClassic Recordings in 1995 with Luke Solomon and Chez Damier, Carter experienced a series of setbacks with other label ventures. Classic Recordings, renowned for its unique catalog numbering system, starting at #100 and counting down, became a symbol of innovation and resilience in the music industry.[8]Carter's DJ sets are firmly rooted inblack musicof the 1970s, frequently giving nods to old schooldisco,soulandjazz.[citation needed]
As aremixer,he has worked for a diverse range of artists includingThe Beloved,The Human League,Ricky Martin,Boris Dlugosch,Modjo,DJ SneakandRöyksopp.After a brief hiatus, he returned to production, remixing artists such as Rosie Brown and Truman Industries.
In 2006, Carter was named No. 53 in the 100 Most Famous Chicagoans according to a survey (relying mostly onGoogle hits) by the free weekly newspaper,Newcity.[9]Other house music artists making the cut includedFelix da Housecat(No. 21) andFrankie Knuckles(No. 41).[9]
Throughout his career, Carter has been associated with various groups, including Conception, Symbols and Instruments, and Tone Theory. His discography includes influential works like "Mood," "Poverty De Luxe," and "Squaredancing in a Roundhouse," along with numerous memorable singles. Carter's impact extends beyond his productions; his DJ sets are celebrated for their creativity and unpredictability, a trait that has earned him a loyal following worldwide.[10]
Group Names
[edit]- Conception
- Symbols and Instruments
- Tone Theory
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- 1989Mood
- 1996The Future Sound of Chicago, Vol. 2
- 1996The Many Shades of Cajual
- 1997Derrick Carter – The Cosmic Disco
- 1998Pagan Offering
- 2001Derrick L. Carter presents: About Now...
- 2002Squaredancing in a Roundhouse
- 2003Azuli presents Derrick Carter – Choice – A Collection of Classics
- 2003Derrick L. Carter – Nearest Hits & Greatest Misses
- 2003Poverty De Luxe
- 2004Derrick Carter & Mark Farina – Live at OM
- 2005Sessions – Mixed by Derrick Carter
- 2010Fabric 56: Derrick Carter
- 2012Derrick Carter – House Masters
Singles
[edit]- Fantasy Girl
- We're Gonna Have A Good Time / Release Yourself
- Cajmere
- The Sound Patrol
- Shock Therapy
- Skylab
- Tortoise
- Nü Pschidt
- Mo Pschidt
- Dreaming
- The Unterschrift
- Where U at?
- Red Nail – People
- Squaredancing in a Roundhouse
- Derrick L. Carter v Freaks – Legacy
- Life is Like a Circle
References
[edit]- ^"Derrick Carter Biography".Resident Advisor.RetrievedJanuary 12,2024.
- ^Muggs, Joe (August 11, 2015).""It's hard to care about kids at their computer clicking links": An audience with Derrick Carter ".Fact.RetrievedJanuary 12,2024.
- ^DERRICK CARTER is the Greatest DJ Of All Time... by RAF RUNDELL of TWO BEARS,YouTube
- ^ab"OM Records | Artists".March 30, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon March 30, 2008.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
- ^"Derrick Carter on the Rise and Fall of Early Chicago House".
- ^Burns, Todd L. (July 9, 2010)."Derrick Carter: A Chicago classic".Resident Advisor.RetrievedJanuary 12,2024.
- ^Larkin, Colin,ed. (2000).The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music(First ed.).Virgin Books.p. 79.ISBN0-7535-0427-8.
- ^"Derrick Carter: A Chicago classic · Feature ⟋ RA".
- ^abHieggelke, Brian (November 9, 2006)."Who are the 100 Most Famous Chicagoans?".Newcity(published November 2006).
- ^https://www.discogs.com/artist/3338-Derrick-Carter[bare URL]