Kerri Chandler @ The Arch review: an intimate night of anthems
We sent Harvey Marwood to check out Kerri Chandler's set at The Arch in Brighton.
Date published: 18th Nov 2024
Brighton has been notorious over the past decade for hosting some of the biggest International talents in the world. Friday night was further proof, with American DJ and record producer Kerri Chandler coming through to bring a nostalgic and lively evening to The Arch.
Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey in the US, Kerri Chandler is a pioneering house music figure known for his deep, soulful sound and innovative contributions to the genre. Growing up immersed in music with a DJ father who introduced him to jazz and disco, he began DJing at a young age and transitioned to producing in the late 1980s, releasing his debut single ‘SuperLover/ Get It Off’ in 1991. Renowned for his ability to blend warm melodies, intricate rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics, he has become a global icon in the house music scene, celebrated for his special live performances that offload a dynamic and immersive experience.
With more than one million monthly listeners on Spotify to date, there’s no doubt that he still stands as a heavyweight in the house music scene, with formations of jazz, soul, funk and practically any other dance rhythms used to form his exciting sound. With a career spanning over three decades, he has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the genre's most authentic and influential artists, and his show in Brighton on the weekend was a pure celebration of music.
As always, Friday evening at The Arch featured a stacked lineup. Four different artists, Will Heff, Denney, Kerri Chandler, and Black Octopus, took to the stage from 11 am to 4 am. The age demographic in the venue particularly stood out, a wide range of older people and young alike, truly showcasing the impact of his house music and the demand in which it still weighs. Kerri Chandler took to the stage at 2 am after two great opening sets, and it was evident that he had full control of the crowd from minute one.
Offloading a selection of deep, vibrant cuts to more energetic, floor-shaking anthems, all layered with his signature smooth, jazzy undertones, he played back notes from his older catalogue which infused waves of nostalgia throughout the room, whilst newer productions demonstrated his ability to evolve with the genre while staying true to his roots. The atmosphere in the room was tangible, and the four walls contained a night of immersion and celebration, with everyone in the venue dancing and getting lost in the music.
A reminder of why he remains a central figure in dance music, Kerri Chandler’s unrelenting passion for his art, combined with his deep understanding of house music, made for a night that will be remembered by those lucky enough to be there. It feels special that Brighton and other areas on the South Coast are still paying homage to pioneers of the genres we love just as much as up-and-coming artists; it’s a privilege to be able to see those perform live that created the genres the new generations of today are further innovating, and still loving.
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