Chuck Daniels opens his record box to reveal 10 tracks that have shaped his journey through House music and continue to influence his approach behind the decks. From Detroit classics and underground gems to timeless dancefloor favourites, these selections reflect the artists, labels and moments that have defined his sound over more than two decades. As the founder of Sampled Detroit and a respected producer, DJ and remixer, Chuck has built a career rooted in soulful grooves, musical authenticity and the enduring spirit of the underground. Celebrating the relaunch of Sampled Detroit with his new remix collection, ‘The Remixes’, these tracks offer an insight into the music, memories and influences that continue to shape one of Detroit’s most respected House music figures.
Chris Simmonds – Russian Soul – Cross Section
This tune was one of the first that came to mind, and it holds a special place in my heart. Early in my career, the late, great Mike Huckaby introduced me to Chris and his label, Cross Section, and I was blown away. Almost every tune on the label is an underground gem. This was always one of my favorite tracks on the label, and it became so popular in Detroit that Chris had to press a special batch just for us.
Avon Stringer & Inya Day – My Only Love (IMIURU Remix) – One Love
When I got this tune, I played it so much I may have gotten sick of it for a minute, but it always finds its way back into the mix. Admittedly, the original producers are good friends of mine from Australia, and another homie from New York remixed it — but I swear it’s still my unbiased truth that this tune has been one of my favorites since it dropped. The beats, the vocals, and the sounds are powerful, and along with that well-known stab you hear, it’s just a complete banger.
Vibe Travelers – Good Foot – Dufflebag Recordings
Wow, this tune brings back a lot of memories from the early days of my DJ journey. This track really just hits my soul. It was made by an incredible group of people, including my good friend and producer Wally Callerio, with the legendary Jon B. on vocals. This track has a funk and groove that is just addictive. It will never get old to me and will always find a place in my sets. Funny enough, the only link I could find was from a mix CD I did for DJ Sneak and his Oomph Records label back in the day.
X-Press 2 – Muzik Xpress – Junior Boy’s Own
What a classic. This tune never fails, and when played at the right time, it will usually send the dance floor into a frenzy. To me, this is the epitome of a slamming house track — amazing beats, vocal samples, and powerful sounds that ring like an alarm. One of my favorite tunes on Junior Boy’s Own, and that label had so many good ones too. This one will always find a way into my sets, and for good reason.
Chez Damier – Can You Feel It (MK New York Dub) – KMS
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite house tunes, produced and remixed by legends. I mean, what can you say — Chez Damier remixed by MK, released on Kevin Saunderson’s imprint, KMS! How can this tune be bad? (Lol.) This one will be in my crate forever, along with the Supernova remix, which stayed very close to the original.
Inner City – Good Life – Virgin Records Limited
Speaking of Kevin Saunderson, this list wouldn’t be complete without Inner City’s “Good Life.” What a tune — one I’ve played since I was a young DJ practicing in my basement. I couldn’t even guess how many times I’ve spun this track. Not only is it extremely important to me, but it’s one of those records that helped put house music on the map. Kevin will always be known as one of the creators of techno, but honestly, his sound was more house to me. I think that’s why Detroit techno is so confusing — the Detroit sound was wide. It was house, techno, booty, funk, and soul, all combined in what people call techno.
Freaks – Switchin’ Channels – Music For Freaks
I made this list in no particular order, but if I had to pick a number one, it would quite possibly be this. I can’t express how much I love this tune. It’s been with me through a lot of tough times, but whenever I hear it, it just brightens my day. So many talented people were behind this record. Most people may not know that the vocalist on this tune is Diz from Chicago, one of the main voices behind Freaks back in the day. I’m listening to it as I type, and the keys just dropped — I get chills every time.
Kenny Dope & Robert Owens – Bricks Fall (Mr G Remix) – Dope Wax
This list would not be complete without Kenny Dope. Kenny has some of the best beats in the game and will always be one of my favorite artists. Now add Robert Owens and Mr. G into the mix, and you have a fantastic tune that moves the dance floor every time I play it. This tune has it all — it’s dark, it’s energetic, and it has a fantastic vocal by a legend. I distinctly remember dropping this record once in London at a party called Handsome, and let me tell you, people lost their minds!
Kink – Strings – Royal Oak
Kink can do no wrong. What an incredible artist and producer he is — I probably play one of his tunes almost every time I play. His music has so much passion and energy. This tune reminds me a lot of Detroit because of the strings and the tension. A lot of music from Detroit is dramatic and sounds like a symphony, just like Derrick May’s “Strings of Life.” It’s one of those tunes that could make you cry, but in a beautiful way — so powerful, so dramatic, so big! This one will never get old; it’s just a timeless tune.
Andy Toth & Billy Love – Thrillseekers (Chuck Daniels Remix) – Play It Say It
I’m terrible at self-promotion sometimes, but I figured I’d list one of my favorite productions. This was such an impactful tune and was very well received when it came out. I have to thank Seth Troxler for believing in the project — it was just one of those tunes that hit at the right time. It made its way to Ibiza and was a huge hit during the season, receiving an incredible amount of support from some of the biggest DJs in the industry. I couldn’t believe it myself.
Originally, it came out on a very small label out of Detroit, but the original never made an impact, which was surprising. The label shut down — it was owned by an old friend of mine, so I asked him if I could remix it and try to shop it around. The first person I sent it to was Seth, and as they say, the rest was history.
Huge shout-out to Andy, who was the original producer on the record, and of course the iconic voice of Billy Love — together they created something very special. What’s crazy is my friend still had the original stems, but they were all mishmashed and out of order, so it took some time to rearrange the vocals. I even used some parts I don’t believe were used on the original record. I guess things just fell into place.
Chuck Daniels’ ‘The Remixes’ marks the relaunch of Sampled Detroit, bringing together six remastered productions that revisit some of the most celebrated moments from his remix catalogue. Featuring his newly remastered rework of Andy Toth & Billy Love’s ‘Thrillseekers’, alongside remixes of Jr Jr, Jake Childs & Laura Frey, Lupe, Evan Rhodes featuring Clara Grun and Johnny Fiasco, the collection celebrates the label’s heritage while introducing these sought-after productions to a new generation of DJs and House music fans. Stream and purchase here.