Today's playlist, the 26th installment, features "Trax Records."
I bought it at Flash Disc Ranch, my favorite record store in Shimokitazawa.
I've been going to this record store ever since I started living in Setagaya. Their loyalty card, which is valid as long as the store exists, has a popular and amazing system: when you collect 50 stamps, you get a 50% discount on any number of records priced under 15,000 yen.
The glorious legend of TRAX Records, the origin of house music
TRAX Records, known as the birthplace of house music, is one of the most valuable brands in the genre, often called the Motown of house music. It remains independent to this day, and its legacy continues to profoundly influence electronic music styles worldwide.
The birth of TRAX Records and the rise of house music
Trax Records began when Larry Sherman purchased a record pressing plant in Chicago called Precision Pressing. Soon after, ambitious young people began to gather, eager to press their music onto vinyl. Thus began the youth explosion of house music in Chicago.
One of TRAX Records' first signed artists, Rachel Cain (aka Screamin' Rachael), became the first house artist to sign with a major label, signing with Teledec (under Universal) in Germany. Her dedication and hard work for the TRAX label led to classics like "Acid Tracks" by Phuture, "No Way Back" by Adonis, and "Move Your Body" by Marshall Jefferson, driving the house music revolution.
The spread of house music
Screamin' Rachael, along with Larry Sherman, helped spread the house sound to New York and then to Europe. In 1987, she recorded "Fun with Bad Boys" with her friend and mentor, Bronx-native DJ/producer Afrika Bambaataa, creating the sound of hip-house.
Today, Rachel Cain is known as the "Queen of House Music" and serves as owner and president of TRAX LTD. She produces films and soundtracks with talented director Eric Rivas, which are distributed through Sony Orchard and other channels. Their works can be seen on most digital platforms, including Amazon.
The contemporary influence of house music
House music continues to thrive within mainstream pop culture. Today's popular artists, Kanye West and Drake, are increasingly sampling TRAX Records singles. MTV also uses samples from TRAX artists in national TV commercials. DJ/producer David Guetta, ignited by house fans worldwide calling him the "Godfather of House Music," admits that TRAX's "Love Can't Turn Around" was his favorite song and initial inspiration. Recently, Beyoncé and Drake have also produced house music albums.
At WAITER-U, we not only select camping gear but also music, books, and movies.
We also create playlists on Spotify, so feel free to listen to them on your way to a campsite or anytime.
