Mr C – Influences

Music

E's are indeed definitely good… so said Mr C in a more concise manner way back when. He therefore should need no introduction. One of the most notorious figures in the UK electronic music scene, he's spent the last couple of decades with his unmistakable brand of performance and erm… pink tutus. His brainchild Superfreq is 13 years strong and it's touching down fabric this weekend. Ahead of the takeover, Mr C talks us through some of the sounds that have influenced him and said freq of super.

Here's what he had to say about his selections;

"There are certain dance tracks that have appeared throughout the last 40 years or so that are completely timeless & can be dropped at any adult party today with the same affect as when these tracks were first made. Here are 10 such tracks, all from the 80s that have been a huge influence & inspiration on my musical & DJ career & the type of music that we at Superfreq aspire to continue making. Psychedelic electronic dance music made by discerning musicians to assist in making like minded discerning adults celebrate life.

I wish I could list a hundred of these amazing tunes, but here are 10 inspirational gems that have seriously influenced the Superfreq label."

See Mr C as part of the Superfreq takeover at fabric on 20th June, grab your tickets here.

LISTEN

Cybotron - Clear

If anyone understands exactly what electronic dance music is meant to be about, it’s Juan Atkins. Not only is this old school electro at it’s very best, but in 1993 it was also the beginning of Detroit Techno. The Kraftwerk inspired arpeggios sit atop a proper Detroit square wave bass line, while the electro beats supply the funk to make every inch of your body move. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

Cybotron - Clear

If anyone understands exactly what electronic dance music is meant to be about, it’s Juan Atkins. Not only is this old school electro at it’s very best, but in 1993 it was also the beginning of Detroit Techno. The Kraftwerk inspired arpeggios sit atop a proper Detroit square wave bass line, while the electro beats supply the funk to make every inch of your body move. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Blake Baxter Does Not Compute

Splashing Detroit Techno 909 rhythms from 1987 lay the foundation of this wonderful song. The synth lead line is moody yet energetic & would fit just as well in a first wave new wave tune as it does in this. The vocal doesn’t hit until 4 minutes in & when it does, it’s pure sex. This whole EP is amazing. I usually go for When We Used To Play on the A side but today sex takes first spot.
Laurent X - Machines. 1988 (Old Skool Acid House)

It’s 1988 & Chicago acid house is all the trend, but there was one song that not only raised the bar but probably featured house music’s first full on drum roll & it was this track. The 303’s rain from the heavens as this industrial inspired acid workout takes you to the very limit. This track was an absolute favourite at the legendary RIP parties in Clink Street, London & stands up against anything you’ll hear today.
Sheila - Acid Kiss

New York meets Chicago for this acid house classic by Sheila. The stabs are Todd Terry-esque & the first lead riff is a direct lift from French Kiss by Lil Louis but the track soon opens up in to what I can only describe a proper trance melodies that though reverbs turn the melody into a dope tension pad. Soon after the 303s kick in & our Sheila starts really feeling it to a point of orgasm. This was huge in my sets from 1989 onwards & still is today. Dope!
Model 500 - No Ufo's

Once again Juan Atkins brings it as he did on just about every tune he made in the 80s. This chart could’ve been full of Juan tracks as he’s been a huge influence on my sound. No UFOs sums up precisely what Model 500 is about. Futuristic, space aged, techno funk with a dark twisted vocal refrain that’s made to move your arse & blow your mind.
Lil Louis How I Feel

One of Chicago legend Lil Louis’ early releases, this track is so psychedelic it’s unreal. Extremely minimal, the melody drags you into the rabbit hole as the relentless snare rolls pull down your panties & spank your bottom. 1987 proper deep & moody Chicago house at it’s best. You either understand or you don’t.
The Beat Club - Security (Club Mix) 1988

Latin hip hop meets old school electro to create one of the best electro tracks ever made. The opening bell chimes signal what’s to follow & would always send the 1988 London acid heads absolutely wild. The track breaks down into a dark a moody slice of electronica, filthy enough for the extremely provocative female vocal to turn you on. The tape edits are so late 80s & make this track a pain to mix but you just have to be old school & ride it baby.
Debbie Mckayle Debbie's Adventure

This is for me one of the best house tracks ever made. From 1986 it came from a horrible album but worth every penny for this one track alone. The song is about Debbie taking you onto her own very special magical journey in which freedom is found & you can be the child that you’re always meant to be. The beats are dope & the ska overtone set this track on fire. It’s extremely short but oh so sweet.
Da Rebels - House Nation Under A Groove

1989 & house music was shifting to the next level with it’s productions. This song is a cheeky play on the vocals from One Nation Under A Groove by Funkadelic & takes it to the next level. Dope bass line, playful brass stabs, deep pads & a gorgeous hook melody carry you into what can only be described as the real deal. This timeless piece of music is everything that the Dungeons in Lea Bridge Road, London was about in 1989.
Deekay Jones - New York New York

This track appeared in 1983 on a folk / goth / punk album called The State of New York on Glass House records & is extremely rare. It’s dark, twisted & haunting & has a breakbeat electro feel. The percussion is amazing & the vocals, sampled from the Last Poets add an edge that drives you nuts. This was a true classic for us lot in London & one of those tracks that shaped the 80s acid house movement.