DJ Retro House: The Architect of Modern Classic House

DJ Retro House is a British electronic music producer and DJ celebrated for revitalizing classic house music for the 21st century. Hailing from London, his 2018 album "Neon Nights" became a sleeper hit, eventually achieving gold certification in the UK and spawning several Top 40 singles.

Early career

Born Simon Clarke in 1989, his musical journey began in the late 2000s amidst the London club scene. Inspired by the sounds of 90s warehouse parties, he started crafting tracks in his bedroom, uploading early demos to online forums which caught the attention of the independent label Deep Groove Records.

His first official release was the 2012 EP "Foundations," a limited vinyl run that quickly sold out and established his signature sound: warm, soulful basslines paired with crisp, contemporary production.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the single "Sunrise on Southbank." Initially released on Deep Groove, its viral streaming success led to a major licensing deal with Ministry of Sound. The track peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and became an anthem for the summer festival circuit.

This success paved the way for his debut album, "Neon Nights," in 2018. The album charted at number 12 in the UK and was certified gold six months later, solidifying his status as a leading force in the house revival movement.

Key tracks

Sunrise on Southbank — This breakthrough single fused a classic piano house riff with modern percussion, defining his accessible yet authentic style.

Neon Nights — The title track from his gold-certified album features a collaboration with vocalist Lola Rae and received heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1.

Metro Line — A deeper, instrumental cut that showcases his skill in building atmospheric grooves and became a DJ favorite worldwide.

Feel It (with Maya Jones) — This 2020 collaboration brought a fresh R&B inflection to his sound and reached number 18 on the UK Dance chart.

Horizon — A more recent, progressive-leaning single released on Anjunadeep that demonstrates his evolving production palette.

Following the success of "Neon Nights," DJ Retro House became a sought-after collaborator and remixer. He has provided official remixes for established acts like Faithless and Disclosure, blending their original stems with his distinct retro-futuristic touch.

His sophomore album, "Circuit City," arrived in 2022 via his new home at Positiva Records. While not matching the commercial peak of his debut, it debuted at number 24 and was praised for its ambitious concept and richer sonic textures.

Fans of DJ Retro House's blend of nostalgic house motifs and polished modern production should also explore the work of similar UK-based artists. Prospa delivers euphoric, piano-driven house anthems with a similar reverence for the 90s. Disciples share a knack for crafting minimal, bass-heavy house grooves with strong pop sensibilities. Jax Jones operates in a adjacent space, merging classic house elements with mainstream UK pop and garage. Ben Hemsley carries forward the energetic, peak-time spirit of classic house in his DJ sets and productions.

DJ Retro House's catalog is a staple on various radio formats featured on this website. His tracks are regularly featured on mainstream dance FM stations, specialist house music shows, and online electronic music streams, ensuring his sound reaches both dedicated clubbers and casual listeners.

The music of DJ Retro House, from his early underground hits to his gold-certified anthems, can be heard across the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his evolving discography and classic house sound by tuning into the electronic and dance stations available on onairium.com.