Gene Hunt – “I Would Never Leave The House Without Taking A Record With Me”

Gene Hunt’s first release was on the infamous TRAX imprint and he swiftly followed it up with a string of tracks that were personified by a strong influence from Detroit. Deep strings mixed with intricate drum patterns were his trademark and his Melodies EP for Nepenta was one of the labels first hits. A Chicago house music pioneer, and World Class deejay, Gene has collaborated with a range of critically-acclaimed artists and producers, including Adam Beyer, Cari Lekebusch, Carl Cox, Paul Johnson, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Frankie Knuckles, and Ron Hardy. A key contributor who helped shape house and techno music worldwide, Gene is no doubt a true innovator of the Chicago house sound. Check out his exclusive Q&A with S&S below.

S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
Gene Hunt: I am a all around sound architect of disco house and edm 4/4 for life

S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
Gene Hunt: Both my grand fathers where in the music biz one a dj the other a jazz musician.

S&S: What drives you creatively?
Gene Hunt: the passion and desire for the sound and my family and my spirit for house music

S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
Gene Hunt: I love to inspire and teach to those who don’t know and the ones that do know re teach an evolving method

S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
Gene Hunt: Acid jazz,neo soul classic r&b and funk

S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
Gene Hunt: My mother and grandmother said I would put a 45 record on the wheel of my bike and I would never leave the house without taking a record with me

S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
Gene Hunt: I truly enjoy what I do and my effort is to please those that support me

S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
Gene Hunt: I’ve worked for many causes that contain the better aspect to improve our people in our society such as hiv cancer the homeless and drug rehab

S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
Gene Hunt: Not really I’m open enough for people to express what they feel no limits to that

S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
Gene Hunt: requesting something can be a pain at times but I overruled them and still get the job done

S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
Gene Hunt: I’m currently doing a project with Klein m.b.o theme and Donna McGee and I have another release that will be coming on my label with Dajae and a remix with Paul Johnson

S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
Gene Hunt: well I’m starting a label gotta headphone line coming out working with aria team and Roland doing a on line dj store selling dj gear based on the history of Chicago event thou out the course of nostalgia

S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
Gene Hunt: stay true to your goals and dreams and be a strong believer in your quest hard work pays off and there is nothing like doing it yourself God bless and good luck GH

Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

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