A few weeks ago the YouTube algorithm decided to bless me with an exceptional mix from one of my most favourite producers and selectors: Ramon Quezada, aka DJ Qu.
Qu’s 2018 set from New York’s The Lot Radio is delivered in slightly surreal fashion from what looks like a shop front on Time Square. It took me right back to the earliest days of Make Me and a golden period of music and parties at the end of the 2000s and start of the 2010s.
From the outset, the deep house sound coming out of New York at that time was one of my biggest musical inspirations and influences. I was lucky enough to be in the city on a number of occasions during those years and took the opportunity to head down to record stores like Manhattan’s A-1 and Brooklyn’s legendary Halcyon, where tracks from the likes of Levon Vincent, Joey Anderson, Anthony Parasole, Jus Ed and many others were firmly placing New York back at the pinnacle of the international dance sound it had helped pioneer through the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Qu was right at the heart of that resurgent scene. And his Lot Radio set is a perfect example of its musical heritage, as he artfully weaves together deep soulful and gospel house, triumphant disco records, minimal techno and the abstract jacking club tracks he’s known for as a producer into a pure, timeless and insistent groove that could only really come from that city.
It’s absolutely top drawer. Make sure to give it a listen.
“DANCING IS MUSIC’S SOUL MATE”
One of Qu’s defining characteristics as an artist is his background through the 90s as a house dancer. He comes from a culture where the dancer puts just as much time, effort and passion into their art form as the producer and the DJ, and receives the same level of respect in the club.
In many ways he was born to do it: born and raised in a Latino culture where dancing as a family was second nature, before taking to the streets in b-boy and hip-hop crews then finally making the move into house music. The competitive nature of dedicated artists pushing each other to new levels of creative expression feeds directly into his DJing, as described in this excellent short interview with House Wives at PMT Dance Studio in New York:
Funnily enough, while preparing this post I remembered having the chance to interview Qu at Make Me’s 4th Birthday way back in 2013 about just this topic. We talk, amongst other things, about the European propensity to enjoy listening to music as a social activity with friends, more than the focused solo dancing favoured by American crowds.
This was a great party…!
THE TRACKS
What I admire most abut Qu as a DJ and producer is his singular vision and absolute dedication to mapping out and owning a clearly defined sonic territory. He’s been releasing predominantly on his own exceptional label, Strength Music, since its inception in 2007. And, while he effortlessly traverses a range of different styles, all his output has an unmistakeable sound.
Ignoring trends and fashion.
Without fear or favour.
The mark of a true visionary and artist.
Some gems:
DJ Qu & David S - ‘Nite Ride’ - SMR 001
Qu announces his arrival in simple, elegant yet devastatingly effective fashion.
DJ Qu - ‘Air’s Force’ - SMR 002
A heavyweight and majestic dub techno BOMB. Perfectly shaped for peak time.
DJ Qu ‘The Zones’ - SMR03
Introspective, heads down and rolling.
DJ Qu ‘ Party People Clap’ - Deconstruct 03
A Make Me classic from the early years. Picked up on wax from the main man Nick Williams (RIP) at Phonica when I used to roll through every Friday. The Levon Vincent version is also top class.
DJ Qu - ‘Circuit’ - SR007
Raw and wild. A total floor burner.
DJ Qu - ‘All Across the Floor’ - Underground Quality 027
True elegance. Real deep ass house music MAN!
DJ Qu - ‘JuicyFruit’
The first of two tracks I’ve chosen from Qu’s debut LP ‘Gymnastics’ which I used to absolutely batter when it came out.
‘Juicyfruit’ is abstract, discordant and weird. An absolute gem in the hands of the right DJ at the right time of night. Sets you up to drop an absolute BOMB out of the back end.
DJ Qu - ‘Mixing Room’
The second track I’ve chosen from ‘Gymnastics’ and perhaps Qu’s best known production. Perfectly straddling the divide between house and techno with a lead riff that nods directly to Dub reggae. Absolutely vital.
’Times Like This’ - The Corner 001
Another head down roller. Simple, elegant and unbelievably compelling.
They exploded!
’Liquid’ - SMR012
Shimmering elegance. Qu takes things to the next level.
The dub is a very different beast that also demands your attention.
‘Do This Here’ - Ygrec
No messing.
’In Trance’ - SMR017
Minimal perfection.
I will simply wrap things up by sending mad love and respect to Qu and all the American dons doing it right since day dot. We see, hear and appreciate you.
You can pick up the whole Strength Music back catalogue over at Bandcamp.
And I’ll be delving further into this incredibly rich seam of production talent over the coming weeks.
Peace and love.
Rubin
Absolutely love that mystic NY/NJ sound. Joey Anderson, Levon Vincent, Jus Ed etc. Just phenomenal, timeless, bizarre music.
The NY and surrounding areas sound is one of my favourites. Fred Peterkin, Edward McKeithen, Joey Anderson, and Ramon Lisandro Quezada are all incredible producers.