A Guy Called Gerald Interview - Gamechangers (Voodoo Ray)

[@grizcuz]

In December 1988 New Order played Manchester G-Mex. Acid House had begun to take off in the Hacienda that summer. Mike Pickering and Martin Prendergast were DJing at the Nude night at Fac 51 as MP² and at the G-Mex gig before New Order came on and in-between the support acts (Mondays and ACR). I can vividly recall that haunting intro to Voodoo Ray being played by the DJ's and the crowd going absolutely mental. That's the only time I've ever been at a gig and a tune played by a DJ getting a reaction similar in size and intensity to the band they'd come to see. I reckon that record on that night was the birth of the boom in homegrown house and techno in the UK. Everything changed after that night, within a year the entire country had gone from drinking pissy lager, trying to score at approaching 2am when the erection selection was played by a cheesy DJ in some shitty club with sticky carpets and if you couldn't get off with someone there was a high chance of getting in a drunken brawl outside. To going out, not touching a drop of alcohol, dancing for the entire night after dropping a pill and hugging complete strangers with not even the remotest chance of a fight occurring. Then looking for a blues or a house party after the club had closed or continuing to dance until the sun came up the next morning if it was some illegal party in a warehouse somewhere. That's why the government were desperate to put a stop to it, it was absolutely revolutionary and young people across the country were questioning everything about their lives and what they'd been told. Governments don't like it when people aren't fighting each other, because they might turn their attention to those that are making the shitty laws.

[@ashtray314]

What an amazing accident that the sampler didn’t have enough memory to record “voodoo rage”. Amazing video from an absolute legend

[@scottnapier943]

I fell in love with this Masterpiece in 1988, 35 years later and i still play it every day in work! Thank You Gerald! ✌❤😎

[@richardgreen3017]

The clowns running around with Captian Birdseye beards skinny jeans and slippers calling themselves legends could learn a thing or two from him. Absolute hero. True pioneer, true music man.

[@stephanechamotif_rblackwoo4528]

Yes. Automanikk.

[@globalizemeuk]

“Captain Birdseye beards” so funny yet so true... 😆👌

[@johnpettigrew83]

@@globalizemeuk Mate, I was going to say the same thing. I'm laughing so hard.

[@spookypete6458]

the don

[@darrenrock2132]

😅😅😄

[@trevorgordonofficial]

Love his advice by the end......"do it for yourself...be selfish"...."use a blank canvas"....

[@MrDavedraver888]

still one of the most influential tunes of all time in the rave scene...what a lovely fella to boot. BIG thanks GERALD .. SIDE NOTE: I've even heard of people asked to have this tune played at their funeral

[@louisegormley7461]

It's amazing that in the space of around 10 years, we went from Disco to this, Voodoo Ray is one of those tunes, as soon as you heard it in the club, you hit the dancefloor!! A Gamechanger indeed.....

[@mdb3040]

That 10 years is my favourite era of dance music. So much experimentation…

[@mikeyvegas1308]

Top top man… I’m 56 and remember Voodoo like it was yesterday

[@thesatisfiedcustomer4869]

You had to be around in 1988 to really appreciate how different this sounded to what was mainstream popular at the time. Mad.

[@stev6free146]

So right.my favourite track of 88

[@jadedsoul1]

Blackburn started it all in the uk... non legal warehouse raves. was our thing.

[@crimsonpirate1710]

Right man, it blew the shit out of kylie minogue sounds SAW gank.

[@anonymousanonymous5327]

the sheer fact that this video is ten years old, so many years after he came to light.... yet ten years later its still drawing attention just speaks volumes on how massive he is, yet such a humble nice guy, Goldie could learn a lot from this guy

[@andrewlusty5584]

Gerald you are a legend ,thanks man .

[@mcw8900]

One of the coolest songs of all time, still on my playlist to this day, my daughter loves it too

[@Katmat87]

Wow he was so on it. Figuring out how the chicago and detroit guys were making music at the time.. Today you can just look this stuff up on the internet but how he found out about all the gear and technique back then is pretty impressive.

[@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz9]

Still an amazing tune in 2021. Unbelievable!

[@JyunusDjack]

what a legendary classic track! 🔥🔥🔥

[@alisondeas5119]

Top bloke . His passion for music unreal

[@Digiphex]

Best thing you ever had on your channel.

[@flashtheoriginal]

Nice guy. Talented guy. Respected guy

[@GyuBeats]

Wicked interview! He always comes across as such a safe guy!

[@nuhuney]

I've bn love this house track for decades & never knew it was British based.

[@Pulsonar]

I feel so proud to see how Gerald has turned out, like he’s one of my own! What a genial talent, what a guy! I didn’t know him as a regular mate, but I saw him a few times at - Legend nightclub Manchester in 1982, (IMO better than that overblown Hacienda). I also saw him a few times knocking around Oxford road, city centre. His mum often came round to my Aunts house, a lovely hard working lady, God bless her soul. She sometimes mentioned what he was getting upto, but it was a bit over my head to be honest. It didn’t occur to me that he was actually trying to make a career out of music until 808 state made a name for themselves in the mid/late 80s, and suddenly the local lad was famous!!!

[@gman1010]

Used to work the same shift at Mcdonalds with him. Nice all round guy. He got totally ripped off and never saw a penny from this track.

[@Pulsonar]

@@gman1010 Man even said he was still working at Big Mac and walking up and down Princess street with his gear when he had both hits with Voodoo and 808 riding the charts, wtf! Whoever dissed and robbed him deserve to swing by the neck in public at Albert Sq. for that bullshit.

[@leeoliver7151]

This song made my teenage years and is still a big part of it to this day. Fucking tune 💪

[@fortymileswest]

Humble legend from the North.

[@kramthekook8086]

I can not articulate the influence this Guy has had on me so I shan’t try.Thank you, Sir G.

[@DaveS-Ace]

Absolute legend, such epic tunes

[@hiiCommon]

So happy that this track gets a bigger spotlight and the artist as well.

[@samgray8209]

gORGEOUS GORGEOUS HUMAN - THANK YOU, LOVE LOVE THE TRACK A GUY CALLE GERALD

[@Gainn]

Still playing his "This is the Right Time" at parties and people still going nuts.

[@Suavemonkey_]

What a legend !!! doff of the cap sir

[@teemalcolm2256]

Gerald, sat next to you in Webster primary school. So proud of you mate.

[@baileyboy3687]

Absolute legend and just to spend 30 mins with this guy and what he could teach you! Have watched a few interviews with him now and what a humble and pleasant guy he comes across as. Genius!

[@jacksdjfam]

This track dropped me dead in my tracks when i first heard it then was luckily enough to meet him in a club. What a gentleman. Love the man

[@jackjones513]

Yessss one of Manchesters finest great video with wise words

[@rocknets]

Great to see he's still making music. I remember how Voodoo Ray would fill the dance floor.

[@dgc0791]

Wow always loved that track and a great interview, thanks

[@geoffwilson7322]

Ye the guys a legend

[@righteousbong]

Thank you for your advice Gerald, much respect.

[@Welcome2TheUnknown]

love your work brother.

[@vinnytnecniv]

you r awesome. wicked, thanks Gerald, brilliant interview

[@juliejames8449]

This has been my anthem... this is the tune I have in my head to get through difficult uncomfortable milestones in my life . I stomp through with with tune as if nothing can faze me.

[@colinpurchase8101]

Voodoo Ray is a track that is part of the soundtrack of my youth. To hear the legend who created it go into detail on how he came up with the masterpiece is what I love about how we consume media these days - an instant connection with the people that matter to us. This guy deserves recognition for his contribution to UK rave culture, which has profoundly shaped how we experience and appreciate music to this day!

[@kixxalot]

Very refreshing to see a dance music producer who is the total opposite of the typical hipster douche. There is also a video of him actually working an 808 and two 101s, the setup he used for Voodoo Ray. It is like Gerald says: a tiny orchestra of seperate devices, which makes for a very different workflow from the typical midi/DAW setup where one sequencer dicates individual notes to all instruments.

[@mickharrison90]

Do you have a link at all?

[@karlmeadows4986]

Plus he didn't know about or use the midi

[@MarkDavies247am]

What a great fella. Genuinely inspirational. Cheers point blank!

[@andrewhalstead5925]

All time classic tune is Voodoo Ray... Much respect from Andy Ictus.. aka The Saxon Scoundrels

[@GNeuman]

Who needs MIDI? There's a guy called Gerald who doesn't....Legend❤👍❤

[@michal.ochedowski]

Such a great guy. Good interview and advice from one of the true masters.

[@KennykenCan1]

A really great interview, I also remember hearing Voodoo Ray, (a real classic), when it first came out. Loved it then, love it now, and great advice. Basically, be yourself and find your own way and try not to just lazily steal everyone else's work by changing a few things and then pretend it's your own! Originality, isn’t and should never be easy! That's why he stands out thousands of others don't, I guess.

[@MrAgbxl]

Changed my youth!

[@wm4118]

My favourite equation (2 x 101) + 303 + 808 + Pete and Dud = GOLD. Pure alchemy. God bless yer Gerald.

[@simongermanjr2648]

This song is a classic n beyond / cool individual-glad came along this channel 🎼🤙👊

[@michaelcambridge1542]

You know a hit when you hear one. Like this one. 👌

[@zlytomek]

Thank you sir!

[@StargateSG1Fan]

A true legend.

[@prezshaka]

YOU INSPIRE ME GERALD

[@oldskooldancemusic1]

Great interview, thank you

[@APoxOnNordStream]

What an absolute master of the art, and such an understated man. Big respect.

[@Adzw74]

it was supposed to be called voodoo rage but the sampler didnt have enough memory

[@gearoid72]

Is the sample from Derek & Clive live - ‘Bo Duddley’?

[@jacksdjfam]

I met gerald years ago when he played a club in hull. He let me go back stage while he took my address to send me a record. Such a nice guy. I wasn't even that bothered that it wasn't even the correct record when it arrived. Ed Barton had sent it and was some mental test pressing about singing in the bath! I was still happy though

[@marcusbennett9381]

Was that The Room on George Street?!?

[@depthone82]

Huge fan of this guy!

[@rudyrudy6882]

Hummmm my goodness it was just a bijoux musique! Was a clash and classy track! Thank you so much ! 🙏🇧🇪 Rudy from Belgium, I had a Akai to was was a mes to wrk with !!!! And the plug in! No way!

[@bustaknutt7729]

VOODOO RAY IS SUCH AN ICONIC TUNE.

[@wtsdame]

A guy called Gerald is a national treasure.

[@pointblankmusicschool]

Agreed!

[@warrencrawfordart]

A down to earth, proper talent.

[@stuartcrofts8860]

Tune at the end is called the Reno by Goldie and A Guy Called Gerald, from his Black Secret Technology album. One of the first ever Jungle albums. Gerald was a proper awesome guy, really funny and down to earth. loved working on this interview

[@rafsanrahi2469]

That was awesome. Just be original and be yourself as he said. Expression of oneself honestly.

[@swiftcee266]

True Legend. 🤜💚🤛👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mick384561]

Gerald gave and gives an amazing original flavor to House, and inspiration to people like me when I first got In to music production. :@) Fantastic Deep Tech House Etc.

[@nedkelly5307]

Some people think "old skool" is 1992, this guy called Gerald started the lesson in 1988.

[@stephanechamotif_rblackwoo4528]

We met on paris at gibus club. Inspiration since 88. Oh yes i wont give in. Regards mate. . . King of the jngl. You know when you really like a musician. Like the hot lemo. Yes guy i know your music.

[@trevormasterson6908]

Something not discussed in this video is that some parts of the song are in E minor and others are in E major 7th and yet somehow they blend together seamlessly. oo-a-ha is E major, a-haa-a-ha-yeah is E minor. The baseline is E minor, the 303 is E major. This is common in traditional blues, but practically unheard of in dance music. I would love to know if this was a happy accident or intentional. This my all time favourite dance track and I think it is faultless.

[@ekeytenacious8573]

Hardcore origin! Props to gerald

[@shahidhamid962]

Great tune top bloke

[@joshk2181]

love this

[@willmac1748]

His advice about being a bit selfish when creating something is great advice. Can be applied to design too (architecture etc)

[@marcump]

Excellent advice

[@davidokiwido]

inspiring !

[@soltekUK]

Serious gamechanger! wicked interview.

[@ekeytenacious8573]

And to point blank who show some damn pioneers of house music.

[@sidewalkMCS]

kids today always wonder why the men in their 40's always get excited at the sight of some 3 digit numbers. this man is one of the reasons.

[@Househead1200]

What a top man. A man who injected magic and soul into the acid. Not many have done it since.

[@humalacey9432]

First heard vudoo Ray when I was 16 in a club called The Gallery in Manchester. Great memories... Could feel the base in your ribs!!! 😂

[@Friends-jl3lp]

First heard it back in my hacienda days of 1991 with micro dots. 12 hours of dancing and pure xtc.

[@STEVEFINNERTY]

i remember the Gallery ,great little venue,

[@aniffakinola8357]

it was first played publicly in the gallery by Hewan Clarke whom was Saturday night dj at the gallery whom also was the original and first dj to open the Hacienda in 1983 and played the hacienda for 3.5 4 nights a week and he was playing house music then but not all night Gerald mentions Hewan Clarke in interview

[@Grock66]

my band was the first to record at station house . I was pleasantly surprised to see voodoo was recorded there , happy days .

[@superspatchcock]

Top man.

[@stuartc1461]

A genius of a man.

[@JEANBRUCEnocturbulous]

very interesting thx

[@Eisonhawk]

Massive heaps of capital Respect☆~!

[@CrookerSpark]

Legend!!!

[@manchesterisblue1023]

they didn't ask him the real question: City or United

[@LofttapesProduction]

Brilliant video

[@LuciousWeatherby]

Living Legend

[@iamyourfuture808]

Leg end !!

[@harpomarx5895]

banger....sound of my youth..so glad i had that time ..ty gerald you're a genius

[@danboid]

Voodoo Ray is probably my fave electronic track ever. For some odd reason, its always reminded me of Pink Floyds Lucifer Sam. The song titles are pretty similar and they have a similar spooky vibe. Lucifer Sam was a key track of the first summer of love, Voodoo Ray a key track of the second.

[@UKBreakz]

Class!

[@cd78]

Classic.

[@anthonymellor174]

Yes man ! I lived next door love va Alfie and brother tony x

[@massusm25]

Genius 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@helenebradley]

Had to give this the 808th like

[@davebreaks9662]

What a dude! Major

[@smguy7]

Nice bloke! Very laid back! I'd love to have a drink with him.