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| quote: | On 26th October, The Scumfrog (Jesse Houk) will unveil his debut artist album entitled 'Simmer', via his own (and Steve Rosen's) label, Effin Records. It melds electronic dance with rock and pop, and skilfully fuses The Frog's cool with more commercial aspirations. It is underground, yet accessible...
"I can truly say that this is the album I've wanted to make for many years already. Interrupted by the many remixes that I've done for other artists, it has taken me a long time, but I'm very happy with the result!" Jesse told Xpander this week.
Born and bred in Amsterdam, Jesse moved to New York in 1997. "I used to listen to all kinds of music, from jazz, to rock, hip hop and disco... When I started to DJ in clubs back in 1988, I played all kinds of music. Although I played house in my sets from 1987, I did not become a 'house' DJ until 1995," Said Houk to Xpander in his 2002 interview.
Since then he has enjoyed plenty of chart hits, and collaborated with numerous artists including Annie Lennox, Britney Spears, David Bowie, Missy Elliot, Enrique Iglesias, George Michael and Kylie Minogue. In 2003, The Scumfrog released 'Extended Engagement', a compilation featuring remixes and original productions. He was then nominated as 'Best Remixer' and 'Best Breakthrough DJ' at the 2004 DanceStar Awards in Miami.
Back to the future now, and we can see that 'Simmer' was written, produced and performed by The Scumfrog in his NYC studio. As the press explains best, "Although the music on 'Simmer' has roots in dance, it is important to note that there is an overwhelming rock 'n' roll feel to the album. Jesse was determined to have 'Simmer' be an expression of his musical influences, but rather than relying on an assortment of featured performers, he created something far more artist driven, that is eclectic while remaining true to the core Scumfrog sound."
As the work features live instrumentation and a great deal of his own vocals, Jesse is currently working on the live version of 'Simmer' and preparing to tour in support of the album later this year. |
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