We chat to the ‘godfather’ of house music, dance music pioneer and Ibiza resident Frankie Knuckles ahead of his world tour.

What acts influenced you the most growing up?

Valerie Simpson and all those major Motown love songs like Diana Ross and the Supremes. Many of them happen to be good friends of mine now – it’s amazing how your life comes full circle. I was also heavily influenced by the major producers coming out of Philadelphia such as Leon Huff. Chaka Khan was also an influence and has become a good friend of mine. I’ve worked with Michel and Janet Jackson, Janet has become a really good friend, too, I could go on.

What new music are you currently into?

I’m currently only really into the stuff I’m working on. I have a new album in production right now. My last album was called Motivation and I did that just after 9/11. It was about the state of mind everyone was in at that time, not just in the US, but around the world. I think people at that time were in need of some motivation. I was travelling around the world and people were coming up to me and asking when I was going to do something else and this new album should be ready by the end of August and come out in the UK soon after.

Are you touring with the new album at all?

My summer tour has already started. I played in Tokyo last weekend and I’m playing in Marrakech soon. I then have a few gigs back in the US before I come back over to play in Europe and then take up my residency in Ibiza for the summer.

What club do you play at in Ibiza?

Every summer I play Pacha. I’ve been doing it every year for the last 10 years now! It’s a bit like summer camp. You get these naughty kids flying in and out of there everyday and we’re like the camp counsellors.

Where in the world is your favourite place to play?

Tokyo. They just embrace the music, they study it and know their stuff and they show their appreciation like no one else on the planet. The Japanese, apart from just being so gracious, are very keen on anything that is Western. If you order pancakes in Japan – something very American – they are the best pancakes going.

Where is your favourite US city to play?

It has to be New York, my hometown city and Chicago. In Chicago it varies where I play but it is usually play Soundbar or Green Dolphin Street! In New York I’m a regular at Cielo in the Meatpacking District.

Who would you have DJ at your birthday party?

For a big birthday party I think it would have to be the Shapeshifters. You’ve all heard of them, they’re from the UK, right.

Links

For more information on Chicago visit: www.gochicago.com

www.sound-bar.com