Five Tracks — Gratts
A prolific agent of the European electronic scene for over two decades, Belgium-born, Berlin-based Gratts is quite a lot of things - but can be described as just one: a dedicated music lover that makes people dance to his sound. As a dj, he delivers an always-expanding, deep-dug repertoire of quality, soul-soaked electronic music that is firmly embedded in house, but not restrained by any categorizations. His vinyl sets move with powerful determination, all while maintaining an underlying groove that is testament to his Belgian roots. He selected Five Tracks on which we asked some questions.
Chez Damier & Ron Trent - The Meaning
If you are an underground house music lover. Some of the guys who will always inspire you are Chez Damier & Ron Trent. And this already for ages. What’s your story with Chez ‘N Trent and how did they inspire you throughout the years?
I discovered Ron Trent and Prescription back when I first started digging for the blueprints of proper Deep House. I consider “The Meaning” one of those blueprints, and amongst their finest works. I recently rediscovered it while going through my record collection before putting it in storage as I was leaving for Australia for a while. It’s a record showcasing a timeless beauty and elegance - qualities I strive to reach for, both as an artist and a DJ.
Romanthony - The Wanderer (CD Remix #9)
Great track by Romanthony released on the label of the guys we talked about in the previous question. Where did you discover this timeless track?
To me, music should be raw and real, it has to convey emotions. I’m not really interested in super slick productions or technicalities, it's more about the context, the message, the feelings. “The Wanderer” has it all. In fact, its message touched me to the extent of dreaming up my photographer alter ego, Emile The Wanderer. The CD Remix #9 by Romanthony himself (and not by Chez Damier contrary to popular belief) is my favourite version. (I’d advise to steer clear of all the remixes that have appeared afterwards). The late Romanthony aka Anthony Wayne Moore became most known from his work with a certain French duo - he’s the Prince-like voice behind “One More Time” and “Too Long”, to name a few. But it’s worth digging into his own idiosyncratic catalogue. A couple of his other works that influenced me a lot in my early deejaying days are “Bring U Up” and “Findamusic”, both released through Glasgow Underground.
Russ Gabriel Ft. Corrina Joseph - Patience
UK legend Russ Gabriel always delivers those classic house tracks. Yet, the sound is typical for the early 2000s and completely different from the nineties tracks above. How did you experience the evolution of house music from the nineties into the 2000s?
I first discovered the voice of Corrina Joseph through her early work with Basement Jaxx on their Atlantic Jaxx imprint. While you suggest the sound is typical for the early 2000s, to me it still has that timeless quality to it. It first came out as a part of Russ’ “Into The Unknown” LP on Out Of The Loop Recordings, then as a single - I have a few of those copies lying around as they’re easy to come by. Russ played most instruments himself on this one, I also love the way he mixed it down, the lyrics, the whole package. All in all, a big influence on my latest productions that I can’t wait to share with you soon: more jazzy and noodly stuff, if you will.
Lime - Angel Eyes (Dub Mix)
This track has that typical synth pop sound which will always work on a dancefloor. Any memories on this one when you played it in a DJ-set?
This Italo disco smash is another dollar bin find and a true DJ weapon. I have fond memories of when I dropped it during a b2b with my Consulate colleague Alex From Tokyo at my night Forbidden Fruit at Urban Spree in Berlin, it went down a storm.
Plastic Bertrand - Tout Petit La Planète
Timeless new wave / pop rock track from 1978. How did this cross your path and can you tell us the story behind Plastic Bertrand?
This is one of those rare occurrences where the longest version of the track can actually be found on the “J'te Fais Un Plan” LP rather than on the 12 inch releases. “Tout Petit La Planète” is just insanely good - possibly my favourite Belgian tune. Written by the notorious Lou Deprijck, Dan Lacksman from Telex on Moog, Poly Moog and Vocoder duty (his Disco Machine LP under the Electronic System guise is also a firm personal fave) and sung by Plastic Bertrand (although possibly it was Deprijck on vocals - as with Plastic Bertrand's 1977 hit "Ça Plane Pour Moi", it was later established that the vocals are in fact his), the long version is more than 8 minutes of glorious 1978 space disco. It’s a track I’ve played all over the place, from clubs, bars to hotel lobbies, and it never fails to capture the audience. Grab it now, and make sure you’re copping the 8+ minutes version.
After releasing records under different projects and alter egos throughout the years, Gratts now presents his artist debut “Brighter Future”, featuring pioneering Chicago vocalist Robert Owens (make sure to check the music video). Hope is built into the very fibre of the track, from its optimistic synths to the sprightly Roland drum patterns, with Owens’ lilting affirmations soaring above. “Brighter Future” is the prelude to a series of records that will see the light of day in the months to come: always raw, real, and full of emotion.
Editor: Nicolas Kerstens
