Ahead of 2020 Vision's mammoth Bank Holiday party next Sunday, we catch up with one of the DJs on the bill and a fast-rising star of house, Simon Baker.
In recent years, Yorkshire's Simon Baker has been one of the few DJ/producers to make a successful transition from the hyped 'one to watch' category to an established and well respected artist. Exploring electronic music at the deep end, he has built a reputation as one of the UK house scene's finest talents with a string of EP releases and DJ appearances across the world.
So where did it all start? “The first album I ever bought was The Smiths – Meat Is Murder when I was 13 I think, but it was a 'Best Of House' compilation album I heard when I was about 15 years old with things like Royal House, Raze, Frankie Knuckles etc that started my passion for house music.”
2011 saw the release of his first full length LP 'Traces' on well-reputed label 2020 Vision, “[Production] was a natural progression from DJing in my bedroom for 10 years” he explains, “I like to do things when they feel right naturally. I wanted the album to represent me and my last decade in this music and also show my more musical side. I feel I now have the experience to put an album together that isn't just straight up banger club tracks.” He also seems proud to be a part of the 2020 Vision family, adding “they were my local label and the first guys to sign me up, so we have a good relationship, plus it’s a classic house music label so it’s nice to be part of that.”
'No Pressure' the debut single from the album includes a typically deep and dreamy remix from in-demand duo Art Department, Simon explains how the collaboration came about, “We are friends, I approached them, they were into the track, so it went from there. I'm very happy with the outcome and the fact they took the time to do it, as we all know they have been in high demand of late!”
As well as showcasing his production skills over the last few years, the Yorkshireman has also found the time to embark on a world tour, building on his already glowing reputation as a first class DJ, “I travel around like a finely tuned machine now, it gives you some good life skills, this job.” Has the experience affected him as a person? “It’s definitely changed me, seeing the world and meeting new people and cultures on a regular basis opens the mind undoubtedly. It’s also definitely an inspiration for my music.”
This coming bank holiday Sunday sees Simon back on home turf for 2020 Vision's all day party at Village Underground, which has been getting clubbing fans, especially those at Spoonfed HQ, overcome with excitement since it's announcement. The line-up reads like a who's who of British house, with established talent like Mark E, Ralph Lawson and Ewan Pearson teaming up with the fresh new faces of Maya Jane Coles and Jozif. Simon seems to be equally as buzzing for the event, “I am proud to be part of it, and love all the talent on the line up. I haven’t heard Maya play so I'm looking forward to that. I think house music is forever evolving and we are in a great place at the moment, especially here in the UK. We have some of the best new talent in the world right now.”
2020 Vision's 12 Hour Bank Holiday Special takes place at Village Underground on Sunday 29th May.
Click here to see all London DJ music.
Click here for things to do in London.
Return to Spoonfed's London Clubbing homepage.
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...