20 Questions With Todd Terry – Billboard

Courtesy of Distributed PR

House music was already popular when Todd Terry came onto the scene in the late ’80s, but New York producers took hold of the sound and evolved it.

This sound propelled Terry to two consecutive No. 1 dance club songs in the late 1990s, establishing him in New York’s clublands and well beyond. He, like many house producers of the time, received a particularly warm reception in London in the 90s.

In fact, with his now-classic remix of Everything But The Girl’s “Missing,” Terry helped put dance music on top 40 radio in the US via a British-born song. Terry’s edits added beats and New York club vibes to an earlier preliminary track, making it the de-facto version of the song that propelled it to worldwide ubiquity (and his No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100). .

Over the past 35 years he has released a steady stream of tracks, albums, compilations and remixes. He dropped a total of 1,000 originals of his productions and 1,600 of his remixes, many of which were released through his own InHouse Records, Freeze Records and Terminator. record.

Out today (March 24), Terry’s latest album ‘I Give You Love’ is a collaboration between Estonian DJ/producer Janika Tenn and US vocalist Lee Wilson. Bright as sunshine, the song shows that the trio brings warmth, emotion and classic house vibes, and is sure to land on Terry’s upcoming spring and summer dates. I guess.

Here, Terry talks about his love of the UK scene, how it “occasionally” sells out, and how the scene “returns to real house music” in this post-EDM era.

1. Where in the world are you now and what is your setup?

I’m in Estonia right now and it’s snowing a bit, but all in all it’s a nice place to eat and chill. increase.

2. What was the first album or song you bought for yourself? Also, what was the medium?

The first record I bought was James Brown’s “Hot Butter Popcorn.” I couldn’t wait to take it home and play it. Her record player was in my sister’s room, so I had to wait until she left. It felt like an eternity, but it was fun playing and dancing.

3. What did your parents do for a living when you were a child, and what did they think about you making a living?

My mother used to say, “Turn that music down.” I was like, “No, Mom, this is what gets us out of here.” At the time, my mother didn’t realize that the record business was the way to go. For love and business she wanted to do music.

4. What was the first thing you bought besides gear when you started making money as an artist?

The first thing I brought was a car. Of course, the car is the best way to listen to music outside of the club. At first check, I finally got some Cerwin Vega speakers as well.

5. If you could recommend one album to someone just starting out in dance/electronic music, what would it be?

Kraftwerk was my favorite LP. I learned a lot from that album. How to arrange and create different sounds to get people to pay attention to your music, and how you don’t have to be a great singer to make a cool song.

6. What was the last song you listened to?

The last record I checked was Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of LifeIt’s a true classic, forever and ever. This is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in making great music. I hope one day I get the chance to make that record with a really big giant label or team — a company that really gets it. . This is the bad part of business.

7. The word “legend” is associated with your name. When do you feel most legendary?

I feel that I have to live strongly so as not to be ashamed of that name. The word ‘legend’ means a lot to me in the sense that it will last no matter what. I love respect, so I must do everything in my power to live up to it.

8. When you were developing the sound of house music in New York, did you have a sense of how big the genre would become?

I got some house music sounds from Chicago. I created my own style by sampling Chicago. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just wanted to sound like them. I later learned that they sampled Marshall Jefferson, Kevin Sanderson, Tyree Cooper and Adonis. I knew nothing about this style. Knowing it’s being blown up in London really made me want to do more. Then it was all over the world. oh.

9. House music is now a global phenomenon and a commercial force, what do you think of the current scene?

Good to be back to real house music. I think EDM has pulled us out of the dance floor soul, but these types of songs like Ten City’s “That’s The Way Love Is,” Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman,” and Lil Louis’ “Club Lonely.” It’s just icing.

10. Which city has the most dance music in the world right now?

London is the best city for me. The crowd always seems open to new sounds and even funky music. New music always has to break on the dance floor there. People dancing is the power that keeps you going and they definitely gave me the power to continue my career.House music is forever a necessity in our lives. Thanks to London.

11. Is there any music that makes you feel guilty?

I love old school funk like James Brown, Quincy Jones, The Gap Band, Funkadelic, Chaka Khan. When rap music came out, it was next level for me. Eric B, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Nas.

12. Your latest release samples “Fly Like an Eagle” by the Steve Miller Band. What’s the appeal of working on this song now, 47 years after its release?

It’s a song I’ve always wanted to rock. The injection of distorted sound into the original intrigued me. I like strange sts that make me dance, so I’ve always wanted to do a new version in my own way. Like when we reworked “Keep on Jumpin’.”

13. Are there any up-and-coming artists that you’re particularly excited about right now?

Janika Tenn, Majestic and DJ Kash. These emerging DJs/producers/artists are coming up with new styles of house music, dance and afrobeats. They are the reason I keep going. Sometimes you need a new vibe to encourage you to look at things from a different perspective.

14. What is the most exciting thing about dance music right now _____?

The feeling of the dance floor is back. People are having a good time and they’re not just waiting for the drumroll to kick in. You need to feel better.

15. What is the most embarrassing thing happening in dance music right now _____?

That a major label put out the worst dance record ever. I noticed they were sold out too. I have stopped taking money to please them and am trying to please myself instead.

16. What is the biggest difference between making music in the 80s and making music now?

computer! I think we lack creativity because of them. Need to put some soul back on the table and add some live musicians.

17. What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

That you don’t have to sell your music to other labels. I can do what I want, I can put out my own music, [the music of] Some people like my labels InHouse Records, Freeze Records and Terminator Records.

18. What is the best business decision you have ever made?

Removing Zomba from my music publisher. They held me back at the beginning of my career. You gotta see these people put money in your face and don’t care about you and your music.

19. Who was your best mentor? What was the best advice they gave you?

My mentors were initially Mark Finkelstein of Strictly Rhythm and Christopher Whent, an attorney. They taught me to do my business right the first time. It can be difficult. You just want your music out there. You have to step back and listen and do your business right first.

20. What advice would you give to your younger self?

to take my time. Hurrying is not always a good thing, especially in business. If I had it right, I could have made a lot more money, but I still have time to get my money back.