Previously unheard remix from Frankie Knuckles has been released
The rework, which was created over a decade ago by the Godfather of House music, reimagines Ultra Naté and Michelle Williams' ‘Waiting On You’
A new unheard remix from Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper under their Director’s Cut alias has been released a decade after it was first created.
The new track reworks a disco classic from Ultra Naté and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, ‘Waiting On You’ from Ultra Naté’s 2013 record ‘Hero Worship’ spun into an uplifting house cut.
Speaking on the track, Ultra Naté explains: “The remix was blessed by my mentor, big brother and cultural icon, Frankie Knuckles, officially ‘The Godfather of House Music,’ who at the time, was making his way back into remix and production work as ‘Director’s Cut’ along with Eric Kupper.”
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The track was said to have been given approval for release by Knuckles before his death in 2014, EDM.com reports, later confirmed by Naté.
The decade-old release landed on all platforms just days before Frankie Knuckles Day (August 25), a celebration in Chicago to honour the late producer who pioneered the sound of house music.
“‘Waiting On You’ has always been a centrepiece of the ‘Hero Worship’ album and there’s no better time than now to drop it for Frankie Knuckles Day,” Naté added.
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Frankie Knuckles was commonly referred to as the ‘Godfather of House Music’, steering the genre’s sound in the 1980s as it became popular in Chicago. Knuckles passed away on March 31, 2014, after suffering with prolonged health issues. He was 59-years-old.
“As we celebrate Frankie Knuckles Day tomorrow, August 25, I’m posting this pic of the last time Frankie and I played together, 10 years ago, October 2013 at ADE in Amsterdam.” Eric Kupper said on Twitter yesterday. “I miss you so much, my brother Frankie. Thanks for watching over me and guiding me musically.”
Listen to Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper’s remix of ‘Waiting On You’ below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter