Interviews

Stuart Patterson has to be one of the most respected DJs and club promoters in London. From his early days running the West London ‘Lodge’ to ‘The Date’, East Village and his infamous parties at the Notting Hill Carnival. Patterson is one third of global house movement ‘Faith’ alongside UK house legend Terry Farley, and musical connoisseur & selector Dave Jarvis of Moton Records fame.

In a North Londoner bar Stuart conjured up the idea of the UK House Sermon with fellow house music enthusiast Dan The Drum. Out this week on F*CLR, this record is a timely reminder and a celebration of everything and everyone who has been part of the rich tapestry of the UK house scene.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm a long time club promoter and DJ since '87 that has along the way, ran a label (Transfusion) , a bar (The Lodge), a club (East Village) and a record shop (Love Vinyl).

You've been promoting parties in London for a long time. Tell us what you are involved in currently.

Yes, started promoting in London in the early nineties, Woody's in West London was the first. Currently the main focus is Faith, but we only do two big club parties a year (plus a boat party). I'm back living in West London (well when in UK) so always do my own carnival party and the odd pop up called 'West London Housin' Authority'. We have one coming up just next week on May 25th at Notting Hill Arts Club where I used to promote in the early noughties.

How is the health of the London club scene in your opinion?

The London club scene has changed so much from when I started. Back then it was all about resident DJs and regular weekly club promotions. Now it's all about guest DJs and monthly or really sporadic events - for our age group certainly. Maybe someone in their 50's is not the best to ask but we all know the stories about grass roots suffering so props to DJs like Mr Scruff and Gilles Peterson for reducing their fees to do grass roots tours and play smaller venues. If only a few more big names would do the same, things would look brighter. Give something back FFS rather than just take.

Is this your first record release?

No far from it, although first in a long while. The first was on my own label Transfusion back in 1997 . Plankton - A Quiet Storm - YouTube

What inspired you to make this record?

Four pints of red stripe and Dan twisting my arm in the pub.

How did you meet Dan The Drum? Tell us a little about him.

Dan is a rescue dog we brought home one day that started banging a saucepan like a drum, so we changed his name to Dan The Drum. Cute little fella.

You have a reputation of being a DJ's DJ. How do you feel about that accolade?

DJs' DJ usually means you're not the biggest puller but (hopefully) well respected. Unfortunately insta followers seems more important that talent these days.

Can you give us an overview of House Sermon. Talk to us about the fundamental idea and how long was it in the making?

We were literally having a pint in the pub and Dan mentioned the idea of me telling my 'house story' and I said funnily enough, I have had the idea of a UK house roll call, so it morphed into one.

How did you connect with F*CLR and why do you think the label was the right place for your House Sermon EP?

Dan had just released his Jazzcazz on the sister label Ramrock and I've worked with Ashley Beedle since the early nineties, so it just made sense.

Why did you select Xpress 2 the remix and what do you think of their versions?

Having worked with Rocky and Diesel - aka X-Press 2 - for over 35 years, I love the remixes they do. It may be well niche but I'm a massive fan of Wild Pitch so love that mix. I am actually writing this on the way to the infamous Golden Lion, Todmorden and its definitely getting played tonight. Their 'Give Thanks' mix is more soulful, so much so I managed to even get it on my Mi-Soul Radio show this week.

How much is Ashley Beedle involved in the No West Black Market mixes? Tell us a bit about North Street West.

Ashely is still recovering, but came up with the piano / Sounds Of Blackness idea that was perfectly executed by keyboard wizard Darren Morris and with further musical direction from label boss Jo Wallace and we have a remix that deserves to be one the house tracks of the summer. Hopefully it will get the attention it deserves.

Who are the artists that have inspired the music that you've made here do you think?

Well for the original it was tracks like Krewcial's Roll Call, Naaem Johnson's - Zanzibar Days and Rick Homes Remember To Remember. Always enjoyed a bit of spoken word in house back to the days of Bobby Konders and Mutabrauka and of course there is a big nod to Mass Order - Take Me Away in the track.

What other artists do you follow right now?

From the deeper house sounds of Ron Trent, Osunlade and Jimpster to tougher house tracks from producers like, James Curd, Luke Allesi or Dario D'Attis. The first hour of my monthly Mi-Soul Radio show is not house, so labels like Brownswood, Razor N Tape and Star Creature seem to be regular features.

What was the last record you purchased?

It was the extended version of Brian Jackson's wonderful 'It's Your World'. An hour later realized I'd been sent the promo but when music is that good it made me happy to support it.

Where is the perfect setting to play this music?

The original I feel is more for radio or maybe warming up a club, the Wild Pitch is for filthy basements in the wee hours and the No'West mix is for sunny days outside at a festival.

Who is this music for?

It's for real house people of all ages, creeds and persuasions. I think across the seven mixes if you can't find one you like you ain't really house.

Can we expect more music from you and Dan the Drum?

Yes indeed, 'Hip House 25' is being percolated right now.

Check out the latest release from Stuart Patterson.