This year, 2022, will mark the fortieth anniversary of the inauguration of a crazy adventure which, according to some, was a black hole that only swallowed money (for a few years that may have been the reality). For many others, however, it was the birth of probably the most important club in the history of the United Kingdom and one of the most important in the world.
For 1051 Magazine it has been a constant inspiration, and later this year we will have the opportunity to celebrate that anniversary, as formally it has not yet happened. The former boat showroom at 11-13 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, opened on 21 May 1982, and perhaps 1051 Magazine will have a surprise to accompany our modest celebration.
But today it’s time to talk about Hacienda Records, a new initiative that has just launched with the release of its first EP. Yes, some will say that there was already a Haçienda Records, and that’s true, although that label, which was active from 2009 to 2015, basically served as a publishing vehicle for Hooky’s work, with a few exceptions to that rule.
Now it seems that the new label is taking a new direction, and is run by Peter Hook himself, Paul Fletcher (who is in charge of events such as Haçienda Classic) and one of the great DJs of the legendary Mancunian club, Graeme Park.
Everything points to the fact that the Hacienda’s cultural and musical legacy will continue to be nurtured on this new label, as the first release is pure House, as heard at the famous club. Me Time, by respected French DJ/producer Charles Schillings in collaboration with legendary vocalist Robert Owens is the first release to arrive on Hacienda Records,
Schillings, Belgian by birth but based in the French house scene for decades, released his first album in 1996. Me Time is his return to the recording activity, as it had been a few years since he had released any work under his signature. Robert Owens is a legendary name in the history of electronic music, active since the eighties and part of that spearhead of Chicago house music called Fingers Inc. that he formed together with Larry Heard and Ron Wilson.
With these ingredients, there can be no room for error.
The original mix of Me Time, recorded by Charles and Robert, opens with an afro beat rhythm before a mesmerising electro line draws you in as Robert establishes a spoken narration that fluidly injects a unique ambience to the production. As Robert weaves his way between speech and song with his signature style, the moody yet immensely elegant soundscape keeps the pace up throughout the record, which is sparkling and effervescent.
On the remix, Samy K presents a more traditional version of the track that propels Robert’s vocals towards dancefloor domination. With a well-produced vibe, this mix has a timeless impact derived directly from Haçienda’s original sound.
Available here
