Interview: Darren Emerson’s Underwater at The End

Interview: Darren Emerson’s Underwater at The End

12 November, 2007 | 12.35PM

• Written by: katekish
• Filed under: Music News :

No one can argue that Darren Emerson’s Underwater parties at The End are legendary!

First off, it’s the only place in London you can catch Darren play and with his eclectic love of house music, you just know you are going to be dancing all night!

Secondly, with their top line ups bringing in heavyweights such as Tim Deluxe, Jon Cater & Norman Jay plus cutting edge djs like Serge Santiago, Deepgroove & Majik Johnson, Underwater really is a purveyor of quality House Music. 

The next party is on the 24th November and this month looks set to be a goody! Joining Darren on the night will be Jon Carter and Deepgroove in the main room plus Arthur Baker and David Parr (Stompa Phunk) who will be taking care of the lounge area.

Now remember, the nights are getting very chilly now so make sure you get their early or make sure you bring a warm coat for the queue, cos there will be one!

DETAILS:
10PM – 7AM
£16 / £12 NUS
THE END, WEST CENTRAL ST, LONDON, WC2
020 7419 9199

So, you’re down The End for Underwater on the 24th Nov, how long have you been doing your parties down there for?

It’s been seven mad years. I love The End and our Underwater crowd. We’ve had a lot of fun and it’s been a wonderful platform to showcase the artists on the label as well.

They are still going strong, why do you think that is?

Well we’ve been fortunate enough to have a steady following which has always given us loads of support. I also put the success down to all the fantastic guests we’ve had over time and the fact that we hold a residency in such a quality venue.

What can we expect from you on the 24th?

I will be playing a few tracks that I have been working on in the studio recently, give them a little road test so to speak.  I am actually quite pleased with the selection of records I have with me at the moment, some good techy stuff. However I don’t like to plan too much ahead of my set so you’ll have to come down and see.

You’ve got the Deepgroove boys down there, who have been creating a bit of stir lately plus Jon Carter and Arthur Baker who have been regulars at Underwater, any reason why you put them together?

Jon Carter has been playing Underwater parties since the beginning so I like to invite him down as regularly as possible, although this time its been well over a year. Arthur Baker has been a big musical influence on me and music in general. We’ve also had the privilege of releasing one of his records. Deepgroove are our boys and we want to push them as much as possible. They have done so well this year, scooping the best breakthrough award at the DJ mag awards and they’ve been working very hard. I put these acts together simply because they are all part of the Underwater family.

How do you think the smoking ban has affected The End? Have you noticed a difference?

Well to be honest, it’s good for me because I can’t light up behind the decks and can’t go for a smoke outside so I don’t smoke when I’m mixing, which is a good thing really. I don’t smoke enough for it to be a real problem. In terms of the club, people have been saying that it interrupts the vibe on the floor when people keep leaving for a ciggie but the fact that the number of people allowed out is restricted means that people are less inclined to go out every 5 minutes. The winter coming will also be a deterrent I’m sure. It’s just the way it is. I’m sure they will come a day when people will say, I can’t believe we used to smoke in clubs.

I know you have been living in your studio lately which is very exciting, anything we should know about?

I have been doing a number of collaborations which I would like to keep secret up until the release. The album is pretty much done with lots of material, its now gonna be a selection process. I have lots of song based tracks which is great but I am working on a few extra clubby bits because that is where I come from and that needs to be portrayed. It’s a good mix of styles and I reckon that is key to making a good album.

Christmas is fast approaching, have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Actually I’ve started planning. I’ve not gone out and done anything about it yet but I’m generally quite good about that. I like to get it over with quickly and avoid being one of those people fighting and shouting in shops the day before hand.

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