From the foundational grooves of Strictly Rhythm to the global stages of Defected, E-Smoove has been an essential architect of house music for decades.
The two-time Grammy-nominated Chicago legend, renowned for shaping hits for Michael Jackson and CeCe Peniston, is returning to his roots with the launch of a new label, House Avengers. After an extended break from music, he is channeling the original spirit of 1980s Chicago house culture: a “safe haven for the nerdiest and coolest” united against the status quo. Now partnering with MN2S Label Services, E-Smoove is ready to re-introduce a vital A&R component to the scene and champion “the return of the song.” We spoke with the icon about his new vision and the legacy that drives him.
You’ve been a major figure in house music since the ‘90s, with releases across iconic imprints like Defected, Strictly Rhythm and even MN2SRecordings back in 2003. What motivated you to launch House Avengers now?
MN2S has giving me a great opportunity to express myself creatively through my own label. I took a very extended break from music because after over 300 plus remixes and multiple versions I feel like I had run out of things to say musically but now I have a lot to say and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
What’s the musical vision behind House Avengers? Are you focused on a specific sound or era of house, or is it more about evolving the genre?
The House Avengers sound is about capturing the essence of House Music culture as I was exposed to it back in 1980. I want to return to that unique Chicago feeling in a global context.
Your 2003 track The Way (E-Smoove Stomp Mix) still resonates today. How do you keep your sound current while staying true to your roots?
I think there are some foundations of House that stand the test of time and I think being open to the latest sounds, and arrangements bring a fresh new take on things.
Having spent decades in the industry, how does running your own label now compare to working with majors and classic independents back in the day?
I hope to bring the A&R component back to our music. Running my own label will allow me to apply all that I learned from those larger entities but approach it with a stealth that they were not able to sustain.
The name “House Avengers” suggests collaboration. Are there artists you’re championing through the label, or is it more of a personal creative outlet?
Both. Solo and collabs. Look for lots of stuff with Latanza and myself, hopefully from some unlikely suspects as well. The Avengers symbolizes for me a nerdy obsession with creative freedom. That’s what I think House culture represented when I fell in love with it. A freedom to be how you wanna be. A safe haven for the nerdiest and coolest all united in an unspoken rebellion against the status quo.
You’ve worked under several aliases and with major vocalists over the years. Will House Avengers be a space for those kinds of crossover releases too?
I’m going to focus on making good music with artists I love and respect. Where things land from a commercial perspective will be happenstance. I’m gonna let the chips land where they may. What is even commercial these days?
Check out E-Smoove on Traxsource.
Now that you’ve partnered with MN2S Label Services, what role do you see them playing in the next phase of House Avengers’ journey?
I am confident they will be the exact suport partner I needed to remove the administrative and business clutter so that I can focus on doing what I do best, making music that moves people.
House music has gone through many waves since the ‘90s. What excites you about the current moment and where do you see the genre going next?
I am hoping that we’re able to settle into that sweet spot we were in 1998 to the early 2000’s. That was such a great era. I think it’s time for the return of the song. So many people are remaking things from the past which says they are longing for the songs that came from the past. The songwriting talent exists still we just need to bring it forward.