In Episode #179 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to legendary DJ/Producer Arthur Baker, credited as a leader, pioneer, and trailblazer in electronic music.
Masterminding breakthrough experimentation with tape edits and sampling. He left Boston for New York at the start of the 1980s. Initially DJing and producing disco and soul, he was drafted in by Tommy Boy Records to produce for hip-hop crew Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force. Planet Rock, the seminal single — with vocals by MC G.L.O.B.E. — that came out of those sessions, unwittingly kick-starting a revolution: electro.
Baker would go on to become an award-winning DJ and music and film producer, producing and mixing such artists as Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Al Green, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, New Order, The Pet Shop Boys, Fleetwood Mac and Hurts.
Fast-forward 40 years of hip-hop and electro street culture and Arthur is now a bona fide legendary music figure. Now he has teamed up with UK house rhythm master Steve Mac for the Sex Machine EP.
In this interview, Arthur discusses the early days of hip hop, The Sun City album, the Sex Machine EP, remixing huge hit records and lots more. Listen to episode #179 of The XS Noize Podcast with Arthur Baker – BELOW:
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Nick Heyward, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Tom Meighan, Toyah Wilcox, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers & many more.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.
A dirty electronic Soulwax-style revving lead riff kicks off Sex Machine, and remains a constant throughout. A half-heard mumble swung percussion and mesmerising swirly FX drive it forward like a metaphorical ride on a motorik quad bike. This is low-down and dirty sex music that’s a perfect DJ tool for those low-down and dirty, sexy electro-tinged 4/4 DJ sets.
Losing You 24 begins in hypnotic tracky style before a scything undertow bass joins the fray. Trippy Four Tet fills shimmer and refract through an elongated drop before it busts back in with a dirty swagger and some cheeky cowbell.
Finally, Beans begins with knocking percussion, synthesised beats, a pulsating bleep and a yearning diva sample, expanding to provide the rhythmic antidote to the saucy A-side.
Track List:
1) Arthur Baker & Steve Mac – Losing You 24
2) Arthur Baker & Steve Mac – Sex Machine
3) Arthur Baker & Steve Mac – Beans
Listen to the Sex Machine EP here.
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