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Simon Baker has been playing records for over 15 years, professionally since 2001. A versatile and passionate DJ, he doesn't like pigeon holing his style, as he is a firm believer if it’s good, play it. But his passion is for the finest underground, deep electronic house and techno music, represented by the releases on his superb INFANT RECORD label. 2007 couldn't be busier and better as Simon's reputation is fast-growing as one to watch, being proven by current residencies at a number of the UK's acclaimed underground House nights including Asylum Vs Technique at The Warehouse Leeds, and Deep, Down & Dirty at The Key, London. TIPPED BY DJ MAG IN THE "WHO WILL SKYROCKET IN 2006 ARTICLE - DEC 05"

Simon has also recently been picked up by Steve Lawler as his worldwide support dj.

Simon scored his first hit with his debut recording, released under his 'Liptrick' alias (with Alex Grzybowski), which found it's way into the bags, and compilations of Tiefschwarz, Damian Lazarus, Groove Armada and Dan Ghenacia amongst others, and was signed to Ralph Lawson’s highly respected 2020 Vision label as part of an album deal. The follow-up, was also an underground hit, the Smack The Rat EP receiving Top Tune of the month award in IDJ and ‘Sure Player’ in DJ Magazine.

Simon is now concentrating on solo material for various labels, including his new label, INFANT RECORDS. Infant is run in conjunction with 2020 Vision and the first release debuted Simon's solo sound. Entitled Simon Baker presents 'Footprints EP', it was launched at the Sonar Electronic Music Festival in June 2005. The reactions were tremendous, with Radio 1 plays from Pete Tong and Steve Lawler (Essential Mix) as well as 4/5 in both DJ and IDJ magazine, amongst others. The label has since gone from strength to strength with more releases from Simon alongside Paul Woolford, Julian Sanza, Ilija Rudman and Anthony Collins. His 'Catch Up' release for U.S label Sugarcane release gained him yet another Top Tune of the month Award in IDJ.

INTERVIEW

Q. Tell us a little more about your tour with steve lawler, how does it feel to get recognition from such a legend?
A. Its early days yet, as its just started this year. So far its going really well though. We click on a personal level and have a fair bit of music in common. I dont suppose he would have picked me to be his support dj though if he didnt like my music eh! :-) He was watching me from afar over the course of last year.ie with my productions and label. He used a few things from me and Infant for compilations and his essential mix. He also dj'd at our night in Leeds a couple of times. He then contacted me one day asking for a mix cd.I sent him one, then he told me he was looking for warm up dj. I love laid back warm up tunes, so i banged out 2 mixes for him. Part 1 and part 2. He loved them! The rest is history. This year i will be traveling the world as much as possible with him and on my own with my own gigs. So its all happening for me right now. very happy. I feel i have worked hard to get here over the past 10 years.

Q. Tell us a little more about infant recordings..how it came about, your favourite release so far and future releases?
A. I wanted to start my own label a couple of years ago. I thought i was ready to do this with my productions where they were, and my head in general. I was already signed to 2020 Vision, and when Ralph heard, he approached me and offered me a deal in which the label would become a baby brother to 2020. I accepted. From there its gone form strength to strength. Although related to 20:20, Infant Records has it's very own distinct, forward thinking flavor. Favorite release...i loved Anthony Collins - Amanda, and all of Burnski's things. The stuff we have due this year is fuckin great, am very excited about the artists i have involved for 2007.

Q. Any Tips on up and coming talent who you think is going to be big this year...
A. Jamie Jones is on form right now. His productions are great. He will be the next big thing i think. Burnski(Infant Records/Trapez etc) is a super talent. At only 20 years old the music he make is very mature and production techniques fuckin amazing. He is my one to watch.

Q. What and who would you say has had the bigest influence on your music?
A. I am influenced by many many people all for different reasons. I love electronic music full stop. I have been listening to it since i was 11 years old when i first got Best of house volume 1. i suppose that is my earliest influence. These days, i listen to everything from Carl Craig to the Smiths. Each has a part to play in my life.