From Chicago with Love: Derrick Carter

Of the many names billed for this year’s Electric Frog and Pressure Riverside Festival, few have been cited as an inspirational DJ as consistently as Chicago’s Derrick Carter. Over a production career beginning in the late 80s, with turntable skills honed since before he was a teenager, Carter has made music his life. Whether it was in sourcing releases for his Classic label partnership with Luke Solomon – a decade long endeavour which was perfectly calculated with releases famously running backwards from catalogue number 100 to zero – or producing tracks and remixes or touring the world with his inimitably upbeat and joyful take on selection, Carter has been a house music stalwart for longer than many of its fans have been alive.

Rarely taking time to explain his style or his devotion to his craft, Carter has always put the work first and let the music speak for itself. So, we feel rather privileged to have been able to pick his brains a little ahead of his return to Scotland.

So Derrick, what’s been keeping you busy of late?

My dogs, travelling, working on a few collaborations, refurbishing a car, dealing with the brutal winter – loads of things.  

How would you describe yourself as a person and how does this affect the kind of work you do?

I think I'm fairly care-free; I'm not easily stressed or worried about a lot of things. Being easy-going allows me to be relaxed and settled when I work. 

I’ve heard you say you are in a committed relationship with Chicago. How has that love affair manifested itself over the years?

I'm married to Chicago, but I like to sleep around. I'm not sure how to answer that second part though. I mean, I love Chicago and we have great fun together. Restaurants, street fairs, craft shows, art openings. We do loads together. 

Is the relationship ever strained? If so, in what ways?

Not really. Not enough to make me think about giving up on it anyway. 

What do you look for when you engage with art, either in approaching your own work or when enjoying others'?

Just something I like.  Whether it be wit or emotion, colours or something completely abstract, it's often hard to pinpoint.  

Over the years, the most vibrant forms of art have often been those emerging from alternative scenes, with house music being a major example. How important is “the underground” and what are your thoughts on the evolution of club culture?

It functions as a breeding ground, a training situation, a place to work out ideas and hone your craft. Club culture is its own thing. I'm just a worker though. All that evolution stuff eludes me most days. 

Have the dynamics of DJing for a crowd changed much in your mind since you first stepped up at the tender age of nine?

Not really.  People just want to have a good time.  I try to help that along as much as I can. 

If you hadn’t followed a career in music, what would you see yourself doing?

Nothing.  I had no other desires. 

What do you value most in life in 2014 and why?

My family and friends.  My dogs.  My health.

Finally, you’ve visited Glasgow countless times over the years. What comes to mind when you think of the city?

Seeing old friends and having new good times with them.  Also, once there was a Celtic group performing on Buchanan St and the dudes looked wild and crazy medieval.  I saw that day what Scottish men wear under their kilts.