We catch up with UK producer and DJ Joel Corry, whose track “Liquor Store” just hit Beatport’s overall top spot (and whose collaboration with Da Hool sits at number two).
Your track “Liquor Store” is a Beatport number one — congratulations! How are you?
I’m great, thank you! I’m loving life back on the road. I’ve just returned from touring the US and the shows have been amazing out there. Now I’m super excited for the rest of 2022!
Can you talk a little bit about the making of “Liquor Store”?
Liquor Store samples Nate Dogg & Eve’s “Get Up.” This sample was used by Dansson and Marlon Hoffstadt in their 2014 classic, “Shake That,” which is one of my all-time favourite deep house records. I wanted to put my spin on the sample and create a new version that would fit my DJ sets. The liquor store lyric clicked as the main hook in the track and after playing it in my sets for over three years, I’m buzzing to officially release it.
You also have another big hit out at the moment — currently sitting at number two — which is your take on Da Hool’s 1997 trance classic “Meet Her at the Love Parade”. Why did you want to cover it?
Da Hool’s “Meet Her at the Love Parade” is a dance anthem! I have been playing Da Hool’s original for many years and it was always a great moment whenever I dropped it, so I wanted to have an edit which fitted my club sets. I’ve been working on “The Parade” since 2019, so I’m really happy to officially release it in 2022 with Da Hool. It’s been awesome to connect with him and we’re even planning some sets together in Germany this summer!
You just finished a US tour where you played many venues for the first time. How was it?
Touring the US was always a huge ambition of mine. The shows have been incredible, and you can really feel the crowds in the US love dance music. The production in the clubs and festivals have been a step up for me. It’s like a whole new adventure and I am excited to keep exploring America.
DJs who are looking for tracks on Beatport might not be aware that you have a very successful pop career going on as well. Are these two different careers to you?
I’ve been DJing since I was 13 years old and was a club resident DJ for over 10 years. DJing is my true passion in life and releasing club-focused tracks alongside my more radio friendly records was important to me. I like to play extended sets and create a journey showing all sides of what I do, from my more commercial sounds and tech house edits into groovier minimal house and darker techno. My sets are a crossover between both worlds, and I want to continue to release music to reflect that.
You’re going to play Tomorrowland’s main stage for the first time this year, which has been a goal for you for many years. Are there still any goals left for you?
Playing Tomorrowland this summer will be a dream come true. I have imagined it for many years, so it’ll definitely be a career highlight for me. I’m so excited to play on the main stage as well, it does not get any bigger than that! I’m only at the start of my journey and have a load more goals to achieve with my music and touring, though. I’m more motivated to work harder than ever before and I’m truly grateful for all the love and support I receive. Bring on the future!
