Welcome to the Legends Of House, DHA’s brand new podcast series installation which will feature the artists that were seminal in shaping and sculpting house music. From the very beginning in Chicago, to the acid explosion in Manchester, to the early adaptations of house in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Every first week of the month we will present a different artist who has made a significant contribution to the development of house music through the years.
In the first period of this prolonged series we will get you acquainted with K Alexi Shelby, DJ Pierre, Orlando Voorn, Doc Martin and DJ Skull – in cooperation with brand new Dutch HJCKD Artist Management. First up, though, is none other than master of the decks and the man behind ghetto anthems like “Feel My MF Bass” and worldwide hit “Get Get Down”: mr. Paul Johnson.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, the birthplace of house music, Paul Johnson started making waves in the music scene in the summer of 1984 at the early age of 13. Paul taught himself how to mix records after watching his cousin Marc spin and scratch in his bedroom. As an autodidact, Paul’s pulsating energy and passion are apparent in all of his work. In high school Paul was already a popular radio DJ, the breeding ground for his musical repertoire that would eventually lead him to create his own signature sound in house music.
Paul has released over 378 E.P’s himself as well as a vast amount of music for some of the most consistently underground dance labels, all prior to signing with Peacefrog Records. Paul also boasts 12″ releases on the likes of Cajual / Relief and Dance Mania which led to his debut album release, “Bump Talkin”, in 1994. “Bump Talkin” and the follow up release, “Feel The Music”, became two of the most talked about releases of their time.
In 1998, Paul Johnson released his dance floor killer “Get Get Down” which sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, and the record, so Paul told us, which never leaves his record bag. “Get Get Down” was an international mega hit; its smooth melodic beats could be heard in clubs from Chicago to Ibiza, quickly gaining crossover success. “Get Get Down” was also licensed on more than 100 CD and house compilations worldwide. Since good music stands the test of time, “Get Get Down” still has an infectious body moving effect on dance floors all over the world. With Paul Johnson you receive electrifying performances and an unwavering commitment to excellence crediting him the respect of both fans and peers alike.
Looking upon the territory he helped shape, Paul has a few things that he’d like to see changed in today’s house scene: “Less bigroom and more HOUSE. Why? Because the world is saturated with silly d.j.’s playing silly fist pump 1-2-3-lets go music” But still, the essence of house music will never fade away according to him. “From my mind, To my heart, Thru my hands. The message is universal.”
Continuing to do what he was born to do, in 2010 to 2014 he released several EPs on Sonrisa Records, his old love Dance Mania Records, Rawax Records, Chi Records, Wax Records and three new labels to follow. Without further a do, here’s our first house legend to give our brand new series a bumpin’ start. Hit it!
