Craig Showcases Top Remixes

Often credited as the forerunner of the second wave of Detroit techno music pioneers, DJ/producer/remixer/label owner Carl Craig is set to unleash the CD-only "Designer Music: The Remixes, Volume 1," a collection of his best remixes on Planet E, his Detroit-based label.

Streeting Aug. 29, the set will be distributed via New York-based Caroline. It was preceded by a 12-inch vinyl sampler that was delivered to retailers July 11.

The set showcases some of Craig's best remix work from the past eight years, including Telex's now-classic "Moskow Diskow," Incognito's "Out Of The Storm," Inner City's underground house anthem "Buena Vida," Ron Trent's "Altered States," Alexander Robotnik's Paradise Garage classic "Problemes de Amour" (here titled "Problemz"), BT's "Moment Of Truth," and Spacetime Continuum's "Kairo," among others.

For the self-managed Craig, who has recorded under such aliases as Innerzone Orchestra and Paperclip People, remixing has changed over the years—and not always for the better.

"In the past, remixing was simply layering some percussion over a track and maybe adding a few samples," Craig says. "Now, it seems as though the art of remixing has morphed into an almost completely new method of songwriting.

"The best way to look at a remix [compared with the original version of a song] is to look at what Andy Warhol did for the Campbell's Soup can," he continues. "This is the way I approach my remixes. At the same time, I don't take every remix I am offered. In fact, I turn down more than I accept because, as an artist, I would ideally like to channel my energy into my own productions."

According to Planet E label manager Peter Wohelski (the label also handles Craig's bookings), the concept for "Designer Music" was born five years ago when Craig released his remixes via the label's vinyl-only subscription service.

"The idea was to remix tracks that Carl liked so that he could play those tracks within his own DJ set," explains Wohelski. "So, when we were looking for a project to release between the Innerzone Orchestra album and Carl's next album of original productions, the idea of a collection of his best remixes was formed. Naturally, it had to be called 'Designer Music.' "

Wohelski continues, "Although Carl is most known as a DJ and producer, his remix work remains some of his most exciting and experimenting music. The remixing side of Carl's persona truly reflects his artistry."

This past Memorial Day weekend, Craig, along with Carol Marvin, co-spearheaded the first Detroit Electronic Music Festival, which will be held annually.

"I was very proud to participate in this event as the creative director, music coordinator, and as a performer," says Craig. He adds that the three-day event attracted more than 1.5 million people, as well as Detroit's mayor.

"We integrated house, techno, hip-hop, and jungle music all under the umbrella of electronic music," he adds. "It was definitely a feeling of vindication for all the Detroit-based artists that have been in the business for the past 10 or 15 years."

As an artist, Craig says, he likes to be involved in all aspects of a project. "By operating my own label, I can pick and choose the projects I want to release without some A&R guy telling me what to do. My whole thing is that I am a virus in the system. There are three types of labels: majors, independents, and artist-based labels. I feel that artist-based labels allow the producer to be the most creative."

Craig is currently collaborating with Wohelski on the second volume of "Designer Music," which is scheduled for an early 2001 release. Additionally, he's remixing tracks for Planet E acts Mike Clarke and Recloose, as well as collaborating with Bill Laswell on a project. Craig's songs are published by Planet E Communications.