It was during the halcyon period of House music in the early 90s that MK (Marc Kinchen) established his reputation as one of House music’s finest producers and today he’s certainly regarded as one of its most influential. It’s not surprising given his set of credentials; he started out in Detroit making his own tracks and as a protégé of Techno god Kevin Saunderson where he developed his craft engineering Inner City records. A major label album deal saw him move to New York where he also became a prolific remixer for underground acts as well as the remix producer of choice for R&B or credible pop acts (including Jodeci, Bobby Brown, Pet Shop Boys and Moby) that sought his unique dance floor flavour. His successes led to the even headier heights working with Quincy Jones and later as a songwriter and producer with Will Smith, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna amongst others but it also meant a period away from the dance underground.

Now, MK has returned to House and he is the latest artist to be featured in Defected’s House Masters series with a new unmixed retrospective of his finest works which brings together a package of his original productions and remixes including some classics that previously existed only on vinyl.

House Masters MK by Defected Records

MK’s unique sound found fans across house music but also way beyond. He was the producer behind THE mix of The Nightcrawlers “Push The feeling On” that crossed over to sell over 3 million copies worldwide and he produced a range of seminal house tracks from Chez Daimier “Can You Feel It” to Byron Stingily “Love You The Right Way” (MK Dub), tracks that still get played and checked today.

But it was two works specifically that have really brought him back into focus; especially his production under the guise of 4th Measure Men, “4 You” which was recently remixed by Maya Jane Coles and then there was “Burning” another staunch house classic that has religious spins from luminaries across the board from Pete Tong to Tiefschwarz, Visonquest to Spencer Parker.

His musical legacy that has also influenced big pop artists of today who unashamedly emulate MK’s distinct vibe, recently American artists Dev and Pitbull both borrowed his sound to much success for major releases.

The diversity of his sound (and talent) allowed MK to effortlessly straddle both commercial and underground worlds. His tracks are played by both long-established DJs like Kerri Chandler, Todd Terry and both Masters At Work but importantly have influenced the new breed of contemporary producers. Ask Soul Clap, Round Table Knights, Maya Jane Coles or Jamie Jones and they will all acknowledge his influence on their own very current sound. It’s that special blend of melodic Korg M1 basslines and perfect chopped up vocals that created his signature New York-style that many seek to replicate.

There is no question that MK’s sound is unique, so here in your chance to get access to 20 of his most influential recordings. They have all been made available completely unedited, unmixed and DJ friendly for the very first time. Listen out for the 9 previously unreleased and rare classics only available on vinyl up until now including 4th Measure Men “Given” (MK Dub) and MK re-rub of Captain Hollywood “Rhythm Of Life” (MK 12” Mix). This is an album that will never leave your DJ wallet.

What other artists say about Marc Kinchen aka MK:

Jamie Jones “I remember hearing Burning back when I was about 14 living in Wales, listening to Pete Tongs essential selection, Its one of the records that helped convert me from drum n bass and hardcore to house music.”
Eli from Soul Clap – “Push The Feeling” is the most obvious MK remix to mention, but that’s why it’s had such an impact on my DJ life. MK’s “The Dub of Doom” always works on any dance floor… probably anywhere in the universe”
Frankie Knuckles – “MK, A giant Inspiration in House Music”
Kevin Saunderson - “his records have hooks and they are very catchy in the clubs. They simply work, he knows what to do, he is still around and he still has it”
Louie Vega from Masters At Work – “MK will always be one of my favorite producer / remixers. He was ahead of his time with his music and to this day continues to inspire us all”
Felix (Basement Jaxx) – “MK-A true innovator and originator, a pioneer of true deep house”
Ryan Crosson (Visionquest) – “The original of 4th Measure Men “4 You” is a real classic”
Kerri Chandler – “I don’t think I ever DJed a set without at least playing 1 MK track”
 Pitbull – “I think what makes Marc special is that he is someone that has always been ahead of his time with music which is genius in his own right”

Tracklist:

CD1

01. MK – Burning (Vibe Mix)
02. Chez Damier – Can You Feel It (New York Dub)
03. MK feat. Alana – Always (MK Club Mix)
04. 4th Measure Men – Given (MK Dub)
05. New Girl Posse – Higher (MK Vocal Dub)
06. R Tyme – Use Me (MK Mix)
07. LaTrece – I Want To Thank You (MK Mix)
08. MK – You Brought Me Love
09. Studio Apartment feat. Yasmeen Sulieman – Sun Will Shine (MK Dub)
10. 4th Measure Men – The Need (MK’s Original Mix)

CD2

01. 4th Measure Men – 4 You
02. The Reese Project – The Colour Of Love (MK Deep Dub)
03. Masters At Work feat. India – I Can’t Get No Sleep (MK Dub Mix)
04. MK feat. Alana – Love Changes (MK Mix)
05. Lauren Flax feat. Sia – You’ve Changed (MK D-troit Dub)
06. Chez Damier – I Never Knew Love (MK Club Mix)
07. Byron Stingily – Love You The Right Way (MK Dub)
08. The Sleepwalkers – New Thang (MK Dub)
09. Captain Hollywood – Rhythm Of Life (MK 12” Mix)
10. K.E.L.S.E.Y – Boy (MK Deep Dub)

Defected Presents House Masters MK
Release Date: 21/11/11
FORMAT ONE: 2 Unmixed CDs

For more info or to pre-order check Defected @ Official Site