909rewind Vol. 5… David Holmes
Welcome to 909rewind, a new series from 909originals that delves into the early careers of some of dance music’s biggest names, uncovering hidden gems and familiar classics from the archives.
We dive into an artist’s back catalogue to uncover rare singles, albums, productions, remixes and more… the tracks that helped shape their sound and set them on the path to legendary status.
With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, this week’s 909rewind playlist dons the green to pay tribute to one of the island of Ireland’s finest musical exports… David Holmes.
Belfast-born Holmes was an early pioneer in the city’s rave scene in the early 90s, hosting legendary nights such as Sugar Sweet and Shake Yer Brain at the Art College. In fact, it was one of these nights, Orbital’s visit to the city in May 1990, that inspired the duo’s legendary track Belfast (click here to find out more).
Holmes turned to production in 1992, forming The Disco Evangelists alongside X-Press 2’s Ashley Beedle – their track De Niro, which sampled the actor’s Once Upon A Time in America, tapped into the nascent Goa Trance movement.
Other early productions under monikers such as Death Before Disco and Scubadevils earned Holmes serious techno credibility – so much so, that the young producer played the eighth-ever Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1, in December 1993.
In 1995, Holmes released, This Films Crap Lets Slash The Seats, which saw him explore cinematic scores for the first time, and by 1997’s Lets Get Killed, which included such classics as My Mate Paul (borrowing heavily from Googie Rene Combo’s Smokey Jo’s La La) and Gritty Shaker, he was already being courted by Hollywood studios.
Now arguably better known for his soundtrack work, as well as his work with The Free Association, this week’s 909rewind playlist harks back to his formative years, tracking the evolution from techno trailblazer to soundtrack guru.
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