Darren Emerson, ex Underworld member, owner of Underwater records and DJ since he was 18 is one of the most longstanding, influential members of dancemusic.
A member of Underworld for over ten years, Emerson - after producing three albums: 'Dubnobasswithmyheadman', 'Second Toughest in the Infant' and 'Beaucoup Fish', including the hits Cowgirl, Rez, Dark and Long and Born Slippy - left Underworld in 2000 to pursue his solo career.
His first solo collaboration was with DJ cohort Sasha, together they produced the Ibiza classic 'Scorchio' - a perfect accompaniment for Space on Sundays, two Global Underground compilations soon followed: 'Uruguay' and 'Singapore', both showcasing his party-wise selection of deep, driving house and techno cuts to perfection.
Originally as a side line to being in Underworld, Emerson started Underwater Records in 1994, 12 years on and the label has seen releases from Meeker, Steve Mac, Mutiny, Tim Deluxe, John Dahlbeck, Joel Mull, Paul Jackson, Gus Gus and many more. The label also releases an annual compilation as part of the 'Underwater Episode...' series - where Emerson chooses a label mate to co-mix the compilations with him. Episode 1, released summer 2002 was mixed by Emerson and Tim Deluxe, Episode 2 with Mutiny, 3 with Paul Jackson, 4 with Sharam Jey and Underwater Episode 5, mixed by Emerson and Magik Johnson was released at the end of July. The label has also held three seasons in Ibiza at Pacha, held events all over the world and, since 2001, has held a residency at London's The End, this is the only place you can see him play in the UK, elsewhere he travels the globe with style.
And... his long awaited artist album is now completed, as Emerson says: 'It's very organic...dance based with real musicians, guitars and drums etc... I'm happy with it and it looks like we're going to do a deal with a major. So all good. Just not too sure when the release is... But it will come soon. It will be worth the wait!'
www.darrenemerson.com
