Giles Smith is part of the selected few who have irreversibly changed London’s clubbing scence. As a co-founder of secretsundaze, he gave a new meaning for Sunday afternoons in London for more than 20 years, while touring as part of some of the most sought after clubs around the world. With a light hearted groove, rooted in the deepest sounds of house music, Giles is easily one of the most passionate record selectors out there. We can only imagine the amount of records that have passed through his hands, from the record bag to the turntable.
So it was a matter of time to hosting a Giles Smith record selection on our Vinyl Alter Ego series, the place where record selectors invite us into their personal musical Universe. Dive in!
Giles Smith’s latest 12” “I Can Change Your Life” is out now on Eglo records.
A second hand dig I’m most proud of
Ha, well the only thing that comes to mind is a 12” i bought at Crazy Beat that i won’t say the name of. It’s an inexpensive US kinda hip hop / r&b / acid jazz vibe (one of those hard to categorise records) and there is one mix on there is super cool but no one sees to know it. Currently working on an edit of this.
The record I’d love to see repressed
I don’t even really have a “want list” but a record i had a little obsession with Delroy Palmer – “A Song For Julie” is a private press street soul record – that’s a 12” i wanted for a while.
The label I’d buy all their releases without even listening to them
Well in dance music i guess it might be Prescription Records. But even then, there are some releases on the label I am not so bothered about and don’t need to own. I have never been so obsessed with a label that i had to own ever release although there may be a few i have most.
The record artwork that blows my mind every time I look at it
So much of the Mati Klarwein stuff is just stunning for Miles Davis but Bitches Brew has to be one of the most vivid exotic and simply beautiful.
The record that triggers childhood memories
Too many to mention but a few include Fun Boy Three – “Summer Time” (the first record i ever bought) in 1982 at the age of 6. Eric B and Rakim’s “Paid in Full” is another early 7” purchase from Woolworths and also Musical Youth “Pass The Dutchie”, which my brother bought.
The record shop I would spend my whole savings in
I am not sure but many of the shops in Tokyo are wild. Love Face records! And many of the well known Disc Unions – especially the one on 4 floors in Shibuya.
One record from my early DJ career that I still play today
There are many records I played in my first gigs that I still draw from now. Classic and timeless material from the great’s – Larry Heard, Ron Trent etc.
The record that never leaves my DJ bag
Again quite a few records that stay or come in and out of my bag regularly. One that springs to mind that people always ask me about is Steal Vybe – “What We Do” (Sub Distortion mix) from 2009. This is just a super atmospheric and groovy track that is very representative of a sound and feeling that is usually at the root of my club sets.
Last record I checked its price on discogs
Timmy Regisford – African Jazz. I already own this record but want to get another copy. I had one in my crate on discogs but after me sharing it on my Instagram, someone else snapped it up! Lesson learnt!
One record that sounded way ahead of its time when it was released
Voodoo Ray!
Last record I bought for my home listening pleasure
Charles Earland – Revelation
The record closest to my heart from my entire collection
Gawd. I dunno. It’s not about rare records more the records that have the most meaning to you. Probably Ron Trent’s double pack compilation on Peacefrog “Primitive Arts” released in 1999. This had some unreleased tracks like “Woman” and “Love” on that went way beyond the realms of house music or dance music – they were unfathomly deep, atmospheric and sexy and were inspired by soul and dub as much as dance music.
The record that perfectly captures the Detroit vibe
Pffft too many to mention – there are so many different strands of Detroit music, even within House and techno. A few could be Los Hermanos – “Birth 3000”, Aaron Carl – “Down” and of course Model 500 “No UFO’s”.
The non dancefloor record that proved to be perfect for clubs, also!
Hmmm well there seemed to be lot of emotion and reaction when i dropped John Legend’s “Ordinary People” at Giant Step’s a while back.
A now defunct record label from which you luckily own a few records
Guidance Records from Chicago, must have 50/60 records on that label. Was definitely an obsession whilst i was studying in 96-99 at Uni and i was just buying so many of them. Great label.
One record that’s so good, you even bought a copy to keep it in mint condition
Too many to mention – if I love it, I often buy a second one. Often a 3rd or 4th copy. Some examples – James Mason – I Want Your Love, Ultra Nate – Twisted, Billy Love – Melloghettomental, Larry Heard – “Dance 2000” (the one I have 4 copies of)