Clubbing Magazine

Coventry based Baroque is one the leading progressive house labels. It is the brainchild of Keith McDonnell, Producer (innate) and label manager / co-owner of the Method and Electrofly imprint. They have since 2000 released some of the best releases and they keep on coming. We talked to Keith about the labels and what the future will bring.
I understand that Mick Park and you started Baroque in 2000, what was the basic idea behind this? - There were a few of us producing some good music so it seemed logical to start a label. Luckily the first few releases took off and the label quickly established itself.
You have also started the Method label, why and what is the difference on what is been released on Method and on Baroque? - Method is a sub label and so it allows me to release a lot more quality music, as you can only really release 12 records a year on one label - and that's not a lot! Method does tend to take the more melodic stuff but it isn't pigeon hole to just that.
Last year you also went into breakbeat with the Electrofly label – Is this a natural progression for you? - Yeah breakbeat was something I really liked and I had some great music. It all started when I got a demo from the Shiloh guys - it really inspired me to start a label and so Electrofly was born!
What can we expect from the Electrofly label in the near future? - We really have got some quality artists on board for Electrofly, and the mixture of guys like Shiloh making really cool leftfield / electro stuff as well as more up tempo breaks, alongside some of the others like Fretwell making full on dancefloor driven breaks is really exciting and inspiring. It also means we are already planning our first artist album.
How would you describe the Baroque sound? - Quality house music I suppose would be how I would like it to be described. I try to mix things up style wise - but the emphasis is always on the quality & strength of each release
My favourite Baroque releases are Tkac & Haverlik “Tyra”, Interflow feat Anna Robinson “Storyreel” in the wicked Satoshi Tomiie remix and Odessi “Moments of Space” – what are you own favourite releases and why? - Ohhh hard one... I think Satoshi's mix of Storyeel is right up there for sure.. absolute quality.. I also really like Minilogue “In a Deepr Motion” and there more recent “Leloo”. Minilogue are really talented guys...and I also really like Brancaccio & Aishers remix of Manticore “Slaves”. But I think the best has to be the next release - Ryuku Underground “Seragaki” it has remixes from Junxie XL & Quivver that are just two of the strongest tracks ever on the label!
You are also producing tracks under the name Innate, what can we expect from you in the future? - Well I have just remixed Oko-Tek (from the Bedrock label) there new single is on the Climax label. I have also just finished a new Innate single with vocals from Anite Kelsey (from D*Note) which is sounding rather tasty.
What other artists have you worked with? Andy Moor, Tilt, Bill Hamel, Interflow, Kenny Shifter
How did you start in the music business? - I started DJ’ing locally and then went onto DJ at bigger and better clubs and it went from there really.
What equipment do you have in your studio? - I had a load of outboard gear and a nice big Mackie desk but I recently sold all but a couple of pieces. Then I bought my self a big dual processor Mac G5 and a load of new software - it is so good these days that I just thought why rent this studio and have all this gear in there when I can get a really powerful computer, all the simulation software and fit it in my house!
You have also done the great “Baroque In Sessions” a retrospective mix of Baroque releases – what prompted you to do this release? - Well I did it as we had so many quality tracks that I just thought we really should do a compilation of these.. and a chance to get a foot on the great CD ladder.. then I thought it would be a good idea to have CD2 be a UNMIXED CD containing some of our most requested tracks on CD.. as we have never done CD singles but always got requests.. so I figured it was a good way to give the CD DJs a whole bunch of the tunes in one package !
Your website has expanded from selling Baroque and Method to selling promos from other labels – are we going to see your website as a promo service or as a regular record shop in the near future? - Yeah I have just expanded it again to cover all genres & have a dedicated label search facility which basically makes it a full blown store.. and slowly but surely it will carry everything.. i am trying to keep the prices as low as possible as well to encourage the purchase of vinyl.. everything’s 4.99Ł !.

Interview : Christian Almind