We caught up with Craig Smith for an interview in preperation for his Development debut This Friday.

So Craig, you’ve been around for while but you’ve found your biggest success over the past couple of years through your 6th Borough Project work, what happened between you and Graeme (The Revenge) to create such a fresh and unique sound?

Yeah I’ve been djing/producing for about the last 20 years with varying degrees of success but most definately getting back on the rise over the last 2/3 years. With myself and Graeme there’s no grand plan. We’ve known each other for about 10 years, hanging out, doing studio sessions, remixing for each others labels. The 6th Borough Project came about initially as just as outlet for us to make contempary/dj friendly versions of old tracks we like and are influenced by so we could fit them into our dj sets.

We read somewhere that 6th Borough Productions generally start with your box of records. Do you still dig for old records to sample, or is your current output the result of years of buying records stocked up for future 6th Borough treatments?

I’ll always be diggin’ in the crates! First and foremost I’m a collector, been at it proper since I was 14, I’m 43 next month so it’s been a long haul. The djing/producing came as a natural progression from this. When we do a 6th Borough session I’m always sifting thru my collection for inspiration.

Together with Graeme you run your own label Instruments of Rapture, which is quite the talk of the town. How did the label come about and why do you think you’ve had so much success with it?

The label is really Graeme’s baby, it came about initially as an outlet for the edits we had been doing as there seemed to be a demand for it. It taken on a life of it’s own and peeps seem to have faith in the imprint. We’re always looking for new material so anyone please feel free to send your demos;) The next release came about that way. Craig Bratley sent me a track I loved it played on some radio shows/gigs got a great feedback, Graeme loved it, signed it and should be out very soon. It’s a belter!

A big part of the label is your commitment to vinyl, in an era of declining vinyl sales and labels refusing to press releases to wax. What’s the future for vinyl, do you think the disco/edit resurgence can spearhead a revival?

I think that there will always be a specialist vinyl market, however small. It will always hold an appeal with some people because of the physicality of vinyl and the collectability of it. I do feel a little bit of a fraud though because these days I very rarely play vinyl anymore, for practical and other reasons. Still I think we do our bit for keeping vinyl going and the amount I’ve spent on it over the years I think paid my dues

You spent some time as a DJ in Manchester many moons ago, tell us a little bit about that time in your life…

It was in the late 80’s and I would say I was more of a punter than anything else. It was Hacienda on a Friday, Maine Road on sat afternoon then Legends Saturday night…..those were special times!

You’ve appeared in print courtesy of legendary author Irvine Welsh, how did you become his ‘favourite DJ’?

I know Irvine from years ago through mutual friends, before he had success as a writer. He would always be popping up at clubs I’d be djing at. A great writer and a great lad.

Edinburgh seems to be a bit of a hotbed of underground musical output right now, although from afar it always seems to sit in Glasgow’s shadow. Has the city got much to offer in clubbing terms these days?

Edinburgh’s always had that creativity and I’ve never felt that we’ve been in Glasgow’s shadow. I enjoy that they get more press as it leaves us to get on with it without be tagged on some stupid new trend. Club wise right now though Edinburgh’s going through a tough time but there are a signs of recovery with nights like Heavy Gossip etc I think slowly but surely some of the younger crowd are tiring of generic style bars and processed music.

Your night Audio Deluxe has welcomed most of house music’s greats over the years – who’s been the best person you’ve ever played alongside?

Very difficult question, far too many good nights to whittle it down. I’m just lucky that over the years I’ve been able to play with and become friends with some of some of my greatest contemporary influences. It also been refreshing that no matter how big or small the guys are they’re all good people, I think in 15 years plus of promoting our partys there has been only one wanker I can think of, that’s not a bad average in a business that can be full of egos.

As well as your 6th Borough Project output you’re making waves as Soul Renegades with Ricky Reid, how does your approach to Soul Renegades differ to that of 6th Borough Project?

The Soul Renegades with Ricky Reid let’s us express our self in a completely different way to 6th Borough. Like Graeme, Ricky is supremely talented dude but it’s a totally different approach sonically and with studio gear we use but I enjoy that scope. Doing both these projects let’s me explore all sorts of music I enjoy without being pigeonholed, it give me real freedom which is a blessing.

What’s on the horizon for Soul Renegades?

Just steady working on new material, look out for lots of new Soul Renegades material dropping this year.

Your ‘6th Borough Blend’ mixes have become ‘keepers’ at Development HQ the past couple of years – how do you go about planning and putting together those mixes?

The mixes are something I’ve always done its just that now it’s much easier to let people gain access to them now. In the old days of cassettes it was more of a thing for friends, a local thing but now you do a mix put it on Soundcloud and the whole world can listen. We I comes to doing it I never plan anything really, just light up, press record and see what happens!

Which other artists are you feeling right now?

Another question I always have trouble answering! Too many artists old and new that are still hot but I must say all the Ron Basejam stuff in the year or so has grabbed my attention for sure.

You make your Development debut on Friday. What do you know about the party and what can we expect from a Craig Smith DJ set?

I’m really looking forward to playing Devolpment. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the party and can see by the previous line ups for each one that it’s a proper do! I never plan out what I’m gonna play so I’ll just soak up the vibe and take it from there, but whatever it is it’s gonna be, it’s gonna be deep, it’s gonna be soulful!!

Get ready for your monthly dose of deep house and disco goodness this time coming from NYC heavyweight producer/DJ, Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani and the hottest thing to come out of Scotland since Gordon Strachans hair, Craig Smith. Not only that, but you’ll also be on the receiving end of a delightful warm up from Developments resident selectors Chris Feinmann and Tom Lynch.

We sent some interview questions over to Darshan and he very kindly gave us some interesting answers…see below…

Your debut Metro Area album was recently voted in the top 10 albums of the decade by Resident Advisor, as well as the Top 50 albums of 2002 by Rolling Stone. Fantastic accolades all round! What did the creative process involve, other than you and Morgan in the studio and lots of hard work?

That’s it, really, and just a general desire to get back to aspects of a sound we felt had been lost. This informs all of our stuff.

We heard a rumour of a 2nd Metro Area album on the horizon, how are things coming along with that ? And how does it comapre to the first one ?

Very well, thanks — we have about 10 songs so far, with more to follow. It’s going to be more of a song-oriented album. There will be some tracks, but it will definitely have more lyrics and vocal arrangements than our last one. Also, I think the mood of each track is a little more mature from the standpoint of being written that way, mostly because we’re 7 years older. We’ve also been exploring more major-key stuff and some new wave/synth pop vibes.

You sound like you’re busy with a few different projects at the moment, what are you most excited about working on musically?

This album.. Right now I’m mostly interested in doing a strong record. I’ve also been planning to do some solo stuff, but later on, after the album is finished.

And you’ve been building a studio and music loft in Brooklyn too, are you throwing parties there as well as recording?

Well, I’ve been throwing parties, but not yet at my place. Soon I hope to do some nice nights there.

What producers and DJs do you rate at the minute ?

I don’t know, for me lately it’s been more about particular works than artists, producers or DJs. I guess with DJs it’s a little easier — I’ll always big Harvey up, my partner Morgan, Dennis “Citizen” Kane, Danny Wang, Danny Krivit, Theo Parrish, Sadar.. But I’m also totally open – there’s so much out there, and probably so much I’m not aware of.

Where are you favourite places to DJ and best experiences as a touring DJ?

I love playing anywhere people have been really open and receptive to the vibe I’m trying to convey. This has meant pretty much anywhere, and I tend to take things on a gig-by-gig basis. There have been so many incredible experiences, from playing at a farm and game preserve in South Africa, to a packed street party in Sao Paolo to a huge festival in Barcelona, to a small club in Tokyo. All over the world people are working to bring audiences special nights and I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute.

Disco music has seen a significant resurgence of late, albeit in the form of edits and hybrid combinations of disco influences and other forms of dance; something that you’ve been famous for, among other things. What are your thoughts on the genre and its nuance?

I think the renewed interest in disco and the idea of disco represents a desire for something more from a night out and something more from the music that’s played at nightclubs. However, I think it’s important that people tune in and try to understand the spirit of the music in all its forms, and the social context and values that birthed disco, and the idea of dancing to mixed music in clubs. Too often the form and fashion is co-opted and the heart of the matter is lost. That wouldn’t make for any kind of real revival.

We’ve really enjoyed listening to your live sets recently, has your dj style changed much over the past 10 years and how do you source new music?

Thanks. Yeah, it keeps changing, slowly.. I try not to make any claims as a DJ, but I’ve been playing around with mixing old and new music for a long time, aiming to do something singular and fun on the night, and I hope to keep getting better at it. It’s taking some focus and desire, and also patience. Lately I have a pretty lackadaisical approach to sourcing new music. I wait until I hear something – whether it be out at a party, from a friend, on the net, in a store – that grabs my attention and then find out what it is and how to get it. Sometimes I surf the net and discover music by following links. I used to go to stores and digging spots every few days, but now I’m in a slightly different head, plus I think I’m searching for different stuff now, and I’ve been focusing more on studio work.

Outside of the music you play in clubs, what do you like listening to?

I haven’t really been listening to all that much music. Playing and thinking about music all the time has pretty much kept me occupied. I just got a car though, so I’ll probably listen to more music while driving. I love all kinds of music, but the stuff I can get into most easily is 60s and 70s R&B, 80s and 90s reggae, 60s and 70s jazz, 70s rock, some 90s alternative and ethereal music like 4ad bands, some new wave. I’m starting to learn more about 70s electronica. I have a soft spot for folk. It’s really endless!

What is your most treasured 12″?

I don’t know man, but if you happen to know anyone at Air Europa, please tell them to find my bag of treasured 12″s and send it back to me pronto.

What’s your history with Manchester ? Have you played over here a lot ? And what can our crowd expect from you ?

I’ve played in Manchester on a few occasions. I’ve had great times there – one of the most memorable being Electric Chair in 2004 or 5.. That was the first time I’d gotten a taste of how into it Manchester crowds can get. Kind of took me by surprise.

You’re alongside Craig Smith from 6th Borough Project, what’s your thoughts on the stuff Craig’s been bringing out recently ?

Hey Craig, how are you? It’ll be good to meet you on the 28th and I’m looking forward to hearing your music. It’s actually been mentioned by a couple of people lately so the referrals are a cool endorsement.. See you soon

To get you in the mood for our upcoming birthday party on Friday we have an exclusive Development mix from Spinna himself. We asked Spinna to do this mix especially for all our regulars. We were expecting a 60 minute mix, in typical Spinna style – he said he got carried away and ended up doing a 90 minute one. It’s by far one of the best mixes we’ve heard and is available to download below.

DJ SPINNA DEVELOPMENT PROMO MIX ( Right Click, Save Target As )

You seem to be in a different country of residence most times we speak, where do you call home for the time being and what is your favourite place to visit?

Home is still Santorini, however I’ve spent a lot of time in Toronto since last year. My favourite place to visit is home. Santorini is the only place where my heart feels at east, and I create the best.

Your DJ style is probably as close to unique as house music allows, how and where do you source your music?

Well, a lot of the music is either things I’ve created or from promos., however I make it a point to spend at least 5 hours daily searching for music, the site I use most for this is whatpeopleplay.com i use the usual sites like traxsource, juno and dancetracks & beatport, but whatpeopleplay.com has the best format for me, it makes me feel like I’m in the store and the references as well, the pre sales are dope.

What other DJs do you like listening to? and which artists are exciting you right now?

Hmm, I honestly only get to hear Djs when I’m out touring, but I can say that I’ve been impressed lately by a lot of the local Djs, the upcoming cats that are really grinding the pavement. Most guys with names seem to play the usual to me. In terms of artists, I love a lot of the stuff that’s coming from Hamburg..Stimming, DJ Koze and the likes.

We’re loving the new acoustic project ‘Rebirth’ – what inspired you to pick up the guitar and go solely organic?

This is my roots, I’ve been doing this forever I’ve just not released it until now. This is MY music, the house that I’m known for is more novelty for me than the organic stuff as it comes closer from the source, this is not to say that the house music is less, as it too is from the soul, however the electronic appeal only tends to allow you certain outlets and demographics.

And what’s coming next musically?

I’m working on a new album called “Romantique” its a house album, probably my last of its kind.

Which of your own productions are you most proud of?

All of them, they all are a part of my story, the evolution of my music and show where I am at a specific point, so to take one over the other deletes moments that were needed to express something I was seeking or releasing. They are my children, all of them and I’m very proud of every note I’ve ever put together as well, so grateful that people connect with it!

Who are your heroes, music and otherwise?

I’ll name just a few as there are too many..Jan Saudek, Miles Davis, Wangechi Mutu, Prince, David Fincher, Marvin Gaye,Cristina Rodeo Garcia..the list goes on and on and on..I’m influenced by so many artists that it’s impossible to name them all

We know you like a good pair of cufflinks, any whacky designs purchased recently…?

Hmm, not recently, I’ve actually tamed myself from purchasing things lately., I’m more into a good pair of shoes these days.

Did you make any new year’s resolutions this year and have you stuck to them?

I never do, seems that if you do, It’s sort of a cop out as it’s the one vice you claim that needs to be changed but maybe the same one that you depend on for survival in some sense.

There was talk of your retirement from DJ’ing not long ago, what happened?

Well I go through it a lot it seems I think it’s the road. People think this life is glamorous when it’s the exact opposite. You spend most of you time in airports, airplanes, hotels, restaurants & clubs or bars. This coupled with a drink here and there take a toll on the body and mind. 30,000 plus feet in the air more than kills the immune system.

So in all, it’s usually a case of let me take some time and not kill myself for what is suppose to be my love and passion. It’s more than the actual gig that takes place for a DJ or performer, I’m paid to leave my house as the journey and effort starts there. In addition now, add all the extra security or as I say, the forced surrender of freedom, really does take the fun out of things.

You’re back in Manchester at the end of March and it’s been a while since you played at Development but the last 2 appearances were rather crazy – how does the party and/or Manchester differ from other gigs/cities?

For me, every party and city is quite different but I can say that Manchester has always felt like home. The people know the music and love music, the city is one of my favourites, It’s a place I feel welcomed and can walk around and find what I need quite easily. I’m really looking forward to coming back and hanging out a bit.

In preperation for the birthday we have an exclusive mix from Osunlade entitled ‘Deep Soul’ read

Like a house music phoenix rising from the flames Development is back in town and we’ve got a HEAVYWEIGHT line-up for our (late) 4th birthday party featuring two of our favourite past guests: DJ Spinna & Osunlade. We’re also taking up residency at a brand new club called Sound Control read

AtJazz and Domu bring their game to Development Music’s 2nd release and bring along Yannah Veldevit for the Info People EP. read

We begin our 4th year with our 4th Birthday Celebrations and set up camp at new Manchester venue ‘Sound Control’

This is the venue we’ve spent so long looking for, it’s seriously underground read

Special Mix from Development Resident Chris Feinmann. Tracklisting and Link Below. Expect a regular updated mix on our site now from Residents, Guest DJs and people we like.

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