The British House hero Luke Solomon spreads his love for London before he hits Le Bain's decks, Saturday, December 5th.
LE BAIN: You have been described by Andrew Weatherall as “the unsung hero of British House music"… Who is your London ‘unsung hero’?
LUKE SOLOMON: Once I would have worn that as a badge of honor—now I'm not so sure. Those that are unsung, actually try very hard to be “sung,” and it took me a while to share it—“unsung” doesn’t pay the bills (laughs). There are many unsung heroes from London that are trying to get heard... I would probably nominate Rob Mello for music and DJing—he has always been an inspiration to me. And Jonny Rock too...
East Side of Park Crescent, Luke's favorite monument: "I'm a sucker for the old."
You're a big fan of architecture. What is your best-loved London building or monument?
Oh man, this is tricky because it kind of changes. I like a lot of the modern architecture and I kind of love London’s new skyline—but I am a sucker for the old. I think it would have to be John Nash’s Regents Park Crescent. I still love driving the distance of it and imagining the people that have been and gone through it—amazing.Your dearest London muse?
John Betjemen. He was a person that was very influential in the architectural movements in London—but was also a poet. He wrote poetry about building and train journeys—and predominantly about the suburbs of London. A true inspiration.Your favorite London artist?
Even though she is not from London, Ashes currency resides. She draws cartoon-like pictures of certain parts of London but incorporates it with London culture and music. My walls are covered in her art.
The City Life by Ashes
Your dearest London DJ residency?
Space at Bar Rumba and The End both equally. Space was my pre-school for learning the art of DJing and also the art of being a warm-up DJ. The End was the next phase—such a brilliant club that Derrick Carter and myself played at together for many years.
Record store?
Oh, hands down, Blackmarket that then became BM Soho. I would frequent it week in and week out, spending an absolute fortune. It was a landmark that is sadly missed, and one that contributed to the building of my musical knowledge and library.
(One of) your favorite songs about London?
(One of) your favorite songs about London?
Many Rivers to Cross by KCL Project—actually an album by Leslie Lawrence from Bang the Party. From the artwork to the music—it reminds me of London for so many reasons. Pretty sure it was completely written about London.
Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton, "a bleak but magical picture of London".
One book with London as a background?
I have loads but I would probably say Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton. It paints a bleak but magical picture of London set in a period that I kind of wish I was born in. Such a brilliant book.
One movie with London as a background?
The Modern Babylon by Julian Temple—I am fascinated by London and its history. I have read pretty much every cultural book about London worth reading—I have watched many documentaries too. This absolutely captures London in the right light for so many reasons.
The Modern Babylon by Julian Temple
Your one place to go to when you have to leave London?
