Veteran UK house hero Justin Harris has been deep in the house mix since the mid-’80s, recording original tracks and cutting remixes for a litany of dance labels (Classic Recordings, Viva, Natural Rhythm, Something Different, Paper Recordings), co-helming the highly influential Music For Freaks imprint and recording as Freaks with cohort Luke Solomon (check out Freaks’ red-hot, newly released remix of Sonny Fodera & Gene Farris’ “We Work It” here).
Today Harris issues his seriously infectious The Random Jazz EP on DJ Sneak‘s imprint, which has already received the seal of approval from luminaries including Pete Tong.
A DJ/producer/label mogul, Harris is a triple threat who keeps his ears close to the ground. With that in mind, we asked him to talk about five artists he’s loving at the moment.
Justin Harris’ The Random Jazz EP is out now on I’m A House Gangster.
1. Djebali
Djebali is one of Frances greatest house music exports. His vinyl-only label has never failed to deliver, not just for his own production but also using his excellent A&R skills to bring us the work of others. Viva Djebali! This particular cut is remixed by Reda Dare (another one to watch!).
2. Lil Mark
Lil Mark is without doubt one of house music’s great unsung heroes. This track is one of many corkers; his production is always amazing and his style unrivaled. And you should hear him DJ! Badass. (He’s a great party sidekick, too.)
3. Hanfry Martinez
This is just one of the excellent cuts from Hanfry at the moment. He’s is a recently found friend and the co-producer with me on our House Of Warez project. I first became aware of him when I got sent his remix of “Jealousy” on Hot Creations, and I sent him a message to say I loved it. We clicked and have been in touch ever since. Definitely one to watch this year.
4. Brett Johnson
Brett Johnson has been a friend of mine for many years now. His production is always original and amazing, and he is one of the pillars of the global house-music scene. I have known and respected Brett and his music for many, many years now. I’d say he’s one of my best friends within this scene. This release harkens back to the original Classic Recordings days when his seminal Bounce EP was released. This is like that but better. Just goes to show that timeless style always has a place in house music.
5. Kike Henriquez
Great track here from Kike. He has that jacking house sound to a T. It’s just got so much swing. This track is on my forthcoming Radio 1 Afterhours mix on April 24.