Detroit based Santonio Echols is an established name within the Dance music scene, being a pioneer of Techno within his hometown in the 80s and an international ambassador for Detroit style Techno and House. He is also widely renowned for his work with the notorious underground duo Reese & Santonio.
With over 28 years of experience, Santonio Echols has been involved with top labels, including: Tresor, Detroit Dancer, London FFrr, KMS, Decks Tracks, Opilec Music, React Records, Serious Grooves, D Records, Soiree Records, Random Noise Recordings, M.I.D Records, Express Records, Siren, Chapter 2 Recordings and Jambalay Records amongst others, aside from boasting numerous remarkable collaborations.
We’ve had the pleasure to sit down with Santonio to get to know how he’s got into the electronic music business and what he’s got on his cards for the months ahead.
Hi Santonio, how are you and what’s going on around you at the moment?
Hi… I’m good, keeping busy at the moment with my vinyl label D Records distributed by Decks Records. And my digital label Chapter 2 Recordings distributed by TLM Distribution.
Which part of the world do you call home?
Born and raised in Detroit
For those who are not familiar with your music – how would you describe your sound?
Hmmm… My style is Detroit Techno or Detroit House, depending on my mood or what I’m feeling at that particular moment. But, I try to venture off and not get branded into one genre – my favourite style is Deep House.
Has your style gone through any changes at some point?
Yes… of course, throughout the years it has changed as I learned how to perfect my craft and sound.
Who were your influences growing up?
So many, but, of course the Motown sound from Marvin Gaye to the Temptations,
to producer Norman Whitfield, Rick James etc.
When and how did you fall in love with electronic music?
Well, it began when I was a DJ, inspired by Eddie Fowlkes, Ken Collier, Mike Grant Al Esters, Steve Dunbar, Kevin Dysard etc – listening to the early stage of electronic music when it was called Progressive music with such labels as Prelude, West End Records. I loved that classic tune by Alexander Robotnick ‘Fuss’, that’s when I discovered I really wanted to make music.
Do you consider yourself more of a producer or DJ?
Lately a producer but, I began as a DJ along with my brother Duane Evans – we started off doing mobile parties/backyard and weddings. My passion as a DJ is still there.
Walk us through some of your most memorable career points so far.
The most memorable would be the beginning, the early days when it was simple. Being able to work and produce with my Techno brothers and being able to share our music to the world (Detroit Techno) and to watch everyone gravitate towards it.
Where would you like to see yourself in the months ahead?
Eventually touring and continuing to produce great music on both my labels and sharing my music to the world.
Do you have any projects in the pipeline this year?
Yes, of course – on my vinyl label ‘Sinner Man E.P’ remixes by project (01) and Duane Evans, after the Alex Gore release on my D label. I have a couple of digital releases ‘Soul Invasion’ out August 31 and ‘Jazz Intrusion’ due to be released on September 28, on Traxsource. Also, on JD Records mid September on vinyl distribution by Subwaxbcn, and on Orlando Voorn imprint Soul Survivor ‘The Poem’ E.P with Duane Evans.
Who do you look up to musically?
Juan Atkins the creator of Techno, he’s a genius
Your all-time favourite tracks?
Juan Atkins – ‘Clear’, Larry Heard – ‘Can U Feel It’, Master C & J – ‘Face Tt” and Alexander Robotnick – ‘Fuss”
Tell us something not many people know about Santonio Echols?
I’m a God fearing man… and I’m my worst critic when it comes to me producing my music.
Anything to add/shout outs?
To my brothers who always look out for me… Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, Duane Evans, Mike Anderson and Maria Elena Cruz.
Thanks Santonio!
Santonio Echols Online
www.facebook.com/SantonioEcholsDetroit
www.twitter.com/SantonioEchols
www.soundcloud.com/santonio-1
