Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by ie gato
Silicone Soul captures the pure and core essence of not only house but dance music as a whole. The Glasgow duo comprised of Craig Morrison and Graeme Reedie, who launched their careers in the late nineties, composed not only some of the most deep and soulful tracks this side of the UK and European shores, but have also spawned chart topping hits. With a firm track record, these are mavericks who not understand the roots and fundamentals of house, but are also first hand contributors to its evolution.
Silicone Soul released their debut album A Soul Thing in 2000 via Soma Recordings. Unquestionably rich, the LP was laced with beautifully orchestrated deep house, fusions of disco, traces of Latin, and more. There was even a Hip-Hop break style downtempo feature on the release. Silicone Soul also tapped into the more bass heavy, darker side as well with the tune ‘Nosferatu’. In a nutshell ‘A Soul Thing’ was a flawless work, reflecting sophistication and utter style. However, it would be their 2001 single ‘Right On!’ which would land at Number 1 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. With a momentum that wasn’t about to settle down, Silicone Soul dropped their sophomore album Staring Into Space in 2005 which contained the singles ‘Les Nocturnes’ and ‘Feeling Blue’, both Top 10 hits. The LP reached the Dance Album Chart as well as the Independent Album Chart. Morrison and Reedie continued to pump out more quality work with their 2006 album Save Our Souls (which also hit the Dance Album Chart), and 2009’s self titled LP. They dropped The Soma 20 Remixes in 2012 which featured a number of their songs reworked by various producers across the electronic landscape.
In the midst of fostering a slew of incredible music, 2003 was the year that Silicone Soul launched their Darkroom Dubs label. Whilst the easiest route would have been to simply sign artists creating more glossy, sharply synthetic dance cuts which had taken over many DJs’ decks at the time, the duo chose the opposite, opting for more cutting edge, sometimes darker, sometimes funkier rhythms than their counterparts. Acts including Will Dawson, Dino Lenny, The Spirals, Skinnerbox, Local Suicide and Alejandro Paz, Nadja Lind, and loads more have all released records on the imprint. Not only was Silicone Soul key musical players in the scene, but they were now helping to maintain the integrity of it as well.
To celebrate 20 years of the Darkroom Dubs, Silicone Soul have released the new Twenty Year Weekend (Two Decades of Darkroom Dubs) compilation. Similar to the ethos that has been established from day one, the record is about looking forward as much as it is reflection. With songs from the likes of Lucky Luciano, Theus Mago, Of Norway, Local Suicide, and Undo, just to name a few, the album revolves around quality house, dark disco, indie dance, electro, and tech rhythms, all boundary pushing yet dance floor friendly bangers.
Taking it back slightly, do you remember the first house record that you heard which made you want to delve into the genre as a DJ and producer?
Craig Morrison – It was probably an early 90s progressive record like Hawke – 3 Nudes In A Purple Garden (Pacific Coastal Highway # 1). We were weekly regulars at Slam at the Arches in Glasgow from when it opened in ’92, so we heard many inspirational tracks on the dance floor back then.
I want to say congratulations on 20 years of the Darkroom Dubs. For the new anniversary record what made you decide to feature new music rather that strictly concentrating on an entire compilation of past records from the Darkroom catalogue?
Craig Morrison – Many thanks. The past couple of weeks of celebration have been great. We have featured retrospective collections in our label mix series (Darkroom Dubs Vol. 1-5 Compiled & Mixed by Silicone Soul). So, for 20 years, we wanted to reflect the current sound and direction of the label, and for such a landmark, it would be a shame only to touch on past glories.
You have released classic albums with Soma. Was there always the intention to launch your own imprint at some point in time when you first got into the music business or did that manifest over time?
Craig Morrison – We released five albums from 2000 – 2009, which was a decent effort! We did not intend to start a label, as we were delighted to have an album deal with Soma. However, we became disillusioned by the over-commercialisation of the scene at that time, all the super-clubs and cheesy Ibiza nonsense. It is hard to believe now how electronic music has grown in the last twenty years, but launching the label in 2003 was mainly reactionary.
When I think of Silicone Soul, I can’t help but think of deep, soulful, textured, and all around musical, and that was out of the gate with your album ‘…A Soul Thing’. As someone who has high level of production aesthetics and has also raised the bar, what are some things that you look for in artists before signing them to Darkroom Dubs?
Craig Morrison – From an A&R perspective, there has to be a certain musicality to the tracks, but not too much melody. I’m looking for fresh sounds or a different take on House Music, darker, more late-night, early hours to excite and make you look forward to playing. I am often in admiration of the artists’ impressive production values.
Considering that so much of the music business has changed within 20 years, especially with the emergence of digital streaming platforms, what has been your perspective on these industry shifts?
Craig Morrison – It is a massive positive that digital platforms have globalised the scene and levelled the playing field to a certain extent. It is better for artists from the non-traditional electronic music hubs in Europe and the US, as they have a greater chance to have their music heard. From a DJing perspective, it means there’s an increased diversity of sounds, which makes searching for fresh music to play all the more gratifying.
What does a day to day look like for you having to not only be an artist yourself but also having to run a label?
Craig Morrison – That is the joy and privilege of working in music, as every day is different and unexpected. Maybe you find some great tracks, either for DJing, a demo, an offer to play at a party or a license for the label. It is the buzz that keeps you going. Darkroom Dubs is a labour of love. Day to day, I can be in the studio, or preparing my DJ set for the weekend, doing label admin, or just checking out new music. Each has its pleasure and reward.
When you and Graeme formed Silicone Soul back in the 90s, could you have ever fathomed that you would get a Number 1 record, release a slew of music from so many incredible artists, and frankly leave such a permanent imprint in the scene?
Craig Morrison – It is mind-blowing that it has been 25 years since we released the first Silicone Soul 12-inch on Soma. Without a doubt, if in ’98 we’d had a vision of the future, we’d have scarcely believed it.
Finally, I have to ask what’s next for the label and also, is there any chance that we will get another Silicone Soul album in the future?
Craig Morrison – It is time now to open a new chapter for Darkroom Dubs. The release schedule for ’24 is already looking promising. There will be some new Silicone Soul music and collaborations. As far as a new album goes, you certainly could not rule it out!
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