Carl Craig

Carl Craig is considered one of the major techno producers and DJs, often utilizing jazz, world music and soul in his diverse mixes. Born in Detroit in 1969, Craig played guitar when he was in high school but became interested in club music and experimenting with recording techniques. He studied electronic music, creating music at home with a synthesizer and a sequencer, impressing top Detroit producer Derrick May. He had an apprenticeship in the late 1980s with May and toured with May’s Rhythim is Rhythim project to England. After releasing some of his work or May’s Transmat Records, he founded Retroactive Records, which was succeeded in 1992 by Planet E Communications. Using such aliases as Paperclip People, Innerzone Orchestra, BFC, Psyche, Designer Music and 69, Craig worked on a wide variety of musical styles, and his productions were constant hits on the dance floor. His track “Bug in the Bassbin” from 1992 is considered a strong influence on the drum and bass movement. Other notable tracks included “Throw,” a 10-minute version of Tori Amos’ “God,” “Night Drive” and “The Floor.” Craig recorded numbers for Europe’s Mute Records, R&S Records and Ministry of Sound. Among his albums are More Songs About Food & Revolutionary Art, Programmed and a remix titled The Album Formerly Known As… In 2001 Craig worked with Herbie Hancock for his Future 2 Future project.