Music / Bristol Sounds
Interview: Haçienda Classical’s Graeme Park
Graeme Park is the DJ who, with Mike Pickering (ex-M People but still plying his trade on the decks), was responsible for the legendary Haçienda club in Manchester creating and dominating the early acid house and rave movements of the late 80s and early 90s. The Hacienda was also hugely associated with doyens of the 24-hour-party-people ‘Madchester’ scene Happy Mondays, Stone Roses, 808 State and many more who lived and breathed Fac51 – The Hac.
Graeme and Mike along with Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order, The Light and former co-owner of the Haçienda) and the Manchester Camerata are now touring Haçienda Classical which closes the Bristol Sounds series of gigs at Lloyds Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 24. The tour will see classic rave tunes spun into magnificent grandeur by a full orchestra. Ahead of the event, he speaks to us about the Haçienda , massive house bangerz and why it’s unlikely clubbers will ever experience a venue like the Haçienda again.
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Who came up with the idea for Haçienda Classical?
The idea slowly evolved after numerous conversations between me, Mike Pickering, Peter Hook and Haçienda manager Fletch. It was Hooky who really drove the idea forward and Fletch who made it happen. Mike and I were the ones who concentrated on the content.
What did it feel like hearing classic tunes like Strings of Life and Voodoo Ray with a full orchestra?
Hearing stripped down, basic acid tunes that were made with cheap synthesisers, drum machines and samplers played by a full orchestra made us realise just how much the young producers who made them knew what they were doing. All of the songs that have scored, arranged and performed work beautifully and sound amazing. Without exception, they all pretty much make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Do you think people will treat Haçienda Classical as a nostalgia fest or if they’ll see it as a seriously clever re-mixes and re-imaginings of some of the most groundbreaking music ever?
It’s pretty much a mix of both. It all depends on your outlook really. And perhaps your age.
The Haçienda is arguably the most legendary club in the UK – do you think we’ll ever see anything like it again?
Unlikely. The Haçienda never had a very good business model and nobody planned or knew what was going on most of the time – don’t forget that between 1982 and 1987 it was rarely full and club nights didn’t really get going until acid house. It happened and grew organically, and everything since has been totally contrived. There are some great clubs around, but nothing will ever come close to the pure hedonism of the Haç.
How are the crowds reacting to the live show?
The reactions have been phenomenal. Even better than any of us expected.
Are you looking forward to opening Glastonbury Festival’s main stage?
Immensely! We’re all extremely excited about opening the Pyramid stage. It’s an honour. I can’t believe we’re actually doing this!
Which tracks do you still get a buzz from playing either in a DJ set or at Haçienda Classical?
All of them! There are loads of tunes that we haven’t covered yet so I’m hoping we get the chance next year.
Any new stuff we should be listening to or new artists we should check out?
There is tons of amazing stuff out there. You just have to look for it amongst all the drivel. My weekly Graeme Park Radio Show Podcast features an eclectic selection of great new music mixed in with some lesser known classics. I also publish a monthly Beatport chart with my pick of the best new music around.
Haçienda Classical will take over the Harbourside at Canons Marsh Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 24 as the final act of Bristol Sounds. Tickets are available at www.seetickets.com/event/bristol-sounds-hacienda-classical/canons-marsh-amphitheatre/1082083
Read more: Interview: Craig David
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