Modern music writers love to misuse the term “long-awaited.” In our current age of streaming and insatiable single consumption, it’s not often that a piece of music truly is so anticipated. I’ll argue that Archie Hamilton’s debut album Archive Fiction, on the other hand, was not only long-awaited but very much worth the long wait.




By the time he released Archive Fiction in 2019, Hamilton had already cut his teeth in the industry for nearly 15 years. He’d also been running three separate record labels, each dedicated to a subset of killer house music. During his performances at the most prestigious underground clubs in Ibiza and beyond, he was dubbed an original voice in the “new European sound.” When he finally released his debut album, he channeled a decade of mounting skills and a lifelong dedication to electronic music.




Hamilton was already making a name for himself with his minimal approach to deep house. Archive Fiction marked a cumulative milestone, an homage to his musical upbringing and his newfound influences. From lo-fi house and trip-hop to ’90s tech as well as drum and bass, this is the London producer’s legacy.




Supposedly, the ten tracks on Archive Fiction depict a life-changing night on the dance floor — of which Hamilton has had many. The atmospheric, psychedelic opening tracks “Six Years Later” and “Lifted” are the low-key, slightly hesitant moments when you first arrive. A quick change of pace comes with “Relax Your Body,” a rugged, jungle-tinged banger. This eventually leads you to a pivotal moment with “Make the Difference,” which features legendary New York producer Mr. V. Towards the end of the album, the aptly titled “A Little Lower” uses downtempo trip-hop to coax you back to Earth before the victory lap of “Quicksand” and “Waisted.”




As the only original full-length album in his discography, Archive Fiction is a treasure for any Archie Hamilton fan. It’s an album that shows his full breadth as a musician and his ability to transcend music from the dance floor and into your life.

A Look Back at Archie Hamilton’s Debut Album, Archive Fiction

Archie Hamilton has made a name for himself through his prowess as a master selector and producer, maintaining a distinct sonic identity over the years, and bringing a fresh take to the world of minimal house and techno.




Archie’s signature sound can overflows with vigorous bass lines, out-of-this-world synths, and builds that give his tracks and sets an ethereal atmosphere. His new Motion Lotion EP is coming out soon and he spoke to Gray Area about the inspiration behind it, and some tracks he is currently loving to play out.




“I got married in May 2022 and had some time off with my beautiful wife, and spent quality time with family and friends,” he said. “But once reality kicked in and the summer touring was in full swing, I was so excited to head back into the studio that this EP basically just wrote itself. I guess it was itching to come out.”



In spite of this highly anticipated release, Archie Hamilton was more interested in talking about music from (mostly) other artists. Below are five tracks he’s been rinsing during his performances across the globe.



1. Local Dub - Bestnotask [HOARDER, 2021]



“I love the futuristic sound of this EP, and this track in particular has an amazing effect on the dance floor: everyone locked into a groove together having an eyes shut moment,” says Archie. The idea of such an instant is emblematic of the Archie Hamilton sound. His selections have the tendency to put you in a trance and will allow you to simply relax, enjoy the beats, and let go as the hours slip away.



2. Space Bunny - Space Bunny [Surreal, 1997]

“All time classic for me, this one!” says Archie. “Super fun, groovy, and twisted with a killer acid line — definitely something for the early morning.” One could imagine Archie dropping this track as the night turns into morning during one his many iconic Club Space sets. The track has a genuinely alien feel, with NASA-inspired vocals, a trippy bass line, and a rapid drum pattern to truly suck the listener in.



3. DJ Life - The Pluck [Lobster Theremin, 2021]

“This track is such a trip — so funky and groovy, which is great on the dance floor, but it’s also really introspective,” says Archie. “Music for the head and feet.” Cascading synths truly make this track pop. The sounds bounce up and down, and left to right throughout the six-minute masterpiece. A simply contagious beat gives the listener a feeling of distortion and energy in all the right ways.



4. Mennie - Fusion [Denser, Forthcoming - September 2022]

“This has been smashing every set for me,” says Archie. “Pair a sick groove, some triumphant, ravey lead chord stabs, and a catchy vocal hook, and you’ve got a winning combination.” On the more upbeat side for Archie, the unreleased “Fusion” by Mennie carries tones of ’90s rave music with its upbeat lead and Fatboy Slim-reminiscent vocal sample. This is a track for any time of night: a perfect party starter, peak time banger, or even a funky, late-night interjection if the energy in the room is dropping.



5. Archie Hamilton - Motion Lotion [MircoHertz, Forthcoming 2022]

“Bit of self-promotion here, but I am really happy with this track from my new EP on MicroHertz,” says Archie. “The funky bassline that comes from nowhere halfway through the track always catches people pleasantly by surprise.”


The unreleased “Motion Lotion” is simply a defining track of the Archie Hamilton sound. A jagged, funky bass line permeates the arrangement, forcing you to bob your head as you try and understand all of the intricate sound design going on elsewhere in the dynamic range. As Archie himself says, the track continues to surprise as each time you get comfortable, a new synth or vocal lead jumps in.



What's In Your Rekordbox with Archie Hamilton

London-based DJ Archie Hamilton travels internationally to deliver astounding sets to fans worldwide. He spoke to Gray Area about some of the most memorable gigs of his career, and how one in particular took him to a Star Wars set.




In 2019 Hamilton trekked to Tunisia for an exhilarating and unforgettable performance. When he first arrived at the location, it was too dark to see anything. Once the sun came up, though, Hamilton realized he was playing on the set of the fictional Star Wars planet, Tatooine.







“Crazy venue in the middle of the desert,” he said. “When we got there, it was totally pitch black, so you couldn’t really tell, but then as the sun came up, all of a sudden these objects started becoming more clear.”




Hamilton knew the set for the fictional Star Wars land of Tunisia was located near the venue, but he did not quite know how proximal. “As the sun comes up, you’re like my god,” he continued. “I’m in the middle of Star Wars.”















Hamilton explained that the buildings surrounding the venue had marks just like in the Star Wars movies and made him feel like a character in the franchise.




In addition to DJing on Tatooine, Hamilton mentioned two other standout aspects of touring in Tunisia. He remembered the vivid image of the Tunisian citizens racing their SUVs, mostly Toyota Land Cruisers, up almost vertical sandbanks.




The second image he recalled was a cuter one. Sandy desert foxes prowled the land behind his set with perked, prodigious ears. Perhaps they wanted to attend the festival, too.




Telling this story prompted Hamilton to reminisce on other memorable shows in recent memory. “I think it’s nice to give support to the promoters out there and maybe give a shout out about what’s going on in that part of the world, because there are some seriously good parts over there,” he said.




On Saturday, August 13, Hamilton took to the middle of Egypt for a gig. He felt discouraged after a six-hour drive from Cairo, but admitted once he arrived at the venue, “I’m not joking, probably one of the top five gigs I’ve ever played in my life. The crowd was so good, and the venue was so cool.”




Hamilton continues to explore the world, discovering new favorite venues. As his tour pushes on, he will soon have new music to share with fans. His two-track effort, the Motion Lotion EP, comes out on September 2.






























Archie Hamilton on Performing on the Star Wars Set of Planet Tatooine

In the decade since Archie Hamilton’s DJ career fully took flight, he’s found himself playing bigger and bigger stages. For him, this means it’s important as ever that he makes time for more intimate gigs — and he calls upon the most famous DJs in the world to do the same.




“I play a lot of big stages, but I came from the smaller rooms with a more intimate vibe,” Archie recently told Gray Area. “For the big festival shows, it’s big festival music. But for example, I play Fabric on Saturday. I’m closing room one, and I just spent a month going completely mad digging up tons of records from the early ‘90s. That’s my real love.”




Archie Hamilton has managed to strike an admirable balance between these two worlds. On the recording front, his early tracks like “I Forget” and “Two Time” represent house music’s more minimal, experimental spectrum. Even his more recent crowd pleasers like “Kick It” and “Our Time” featuring Molly Green bear plenty of the gritty, intelligent hallmarks of his longtime sound.




When I first came to prominence, what we were doing in London was much more minimal,” Archie said. “We were playing very stripped-back music. That has now become much more popular, and I’m getting booked because of the notoriety I built up for that sound. But I’m getting booked on these big stages where I have to deliver a much tougher, bigger set.”




Archie was at pains to point out that he doesn’t mean to knock bigger sets, either. “I don’t wanna write off people who are primarily big festival DJs,” he said. “It’s really difficult to be successful as an artist nowadays, and if you have a team of people working on your brand, you do have to be business minded and take these bigger shows to bring in revenue and gain new fans.




“But no matter how big you get, stay true to your roots,” he continued. “In my calendar I try to have at least once or twice a month, one of those super cool shows, like on a desert island in the middle of a lake a few weeks ago put on by the people behind Sunwaves Festival. It was pretty much a friends and family crew, and that was four hours where I got to take them on a bit more of a journey.”




Archie doesn’t mince words when he says this is a call to other DJs. “Guys, we should all be doing these extended sets and reminding ourselves why we love what we do, still being connected to really digging deep and searching for music that’s gonna blow people’s minds,” he said. “That’s the emotional side, where so much of everything now is about videos of drops with everyone’s hands in the air. I think we forget why we’ve all gotten into this in the first place.”




As any music lover can attest, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in the sensory overload of a massive festival. As you grow more embedded in dance music’s rich undercurrent, however, you might naturally find yourself in smaller and smaller rooms. Either way, you’re bound to run into Archie Hamilton — and chances are he’ll play the records you didn’t know you needed to hear.

Archie Hamilton: "No Matter How Big You Get, Stay True to Your Roots"

U.K. DJ and producer Archie Hamilton did not become a globetrotting act overnight. He founded Microhertz Records in 2009 and began releasing music after cutting his teeth as a DJ for many years — but it wasn’t until 2013 that he was able to quit his job in tech sales to pursue a career in music full-time.




Since he’s focussed all his energy on music, the hits have been many. From the darker tech house flavor of “Mind Blank” to the upbeat verve of “Kick It” to the singalong appeal of “Our Time” featuring Molly Green, Archie’s left an indelible mark on house music.




That’s not to discount his early music. Archie Hamilton’s early discography brims with quality releases and a distinct underground appeal that speaks to how refined his tastes were at the beginning of his career. Below are five tracks from that period that still hold up.




1. I Forget

Archie Hamilton inaugurated Microhertz Records in 2009 with the Introductions EP Part 1. His contribution to the effort was “I Forget,” a song whose smooth, resonant bass line was miles ahead of most music being released at the time. The EP was the first of many “focused solely on introducing fresh, young, creative producers to the scene.”




2. Two Time

“Two Time” demonstrated the versatility of Archie Hamilton’s inventive approach to sound design. An infectious groove suffused with organic percussive elements is punctuated every several measures by risers that give the track a psychedelic effect. Foley effects and reverb delays at the breakdown provide the listener an expertly timed respite.




3. Stathis Lazarides & Archie Hamilton - Monophonie

Stathis Lazarides pulled Archie Hamilton in a more experimental direction for the two artists’ collaborative Numbmania EP. Characterized by dense foley recordings and contemplative atmospheres, the 2012 record remains one of Archie’s most minimal to date. Of the three tracks comprising the EP, “Monophonie” has the closest thing to a melody.






4. Archie Hamilton & Patrice Meiner - Antithesis

Brooding and hypnotic, “Antithesis” by Archie Hamilton and Patrice Meiner goes through a series of novel changes throughout its seven-and-a-half-minute runtime. It appeared on a collaborative EP of the song’s namesake, marking the two artists’ first release together. It came out on Genial in 2013 and included remixes by Igor Vicente and Dubsons.




5. Stathis Lazarides & Archie Hamilton - Untold Drama

“Untold Drama” appeared on an EP of its namesake via Body Parts Records, marking the second collaborative EP between Stathis Lazarides and Archie Hamilton. It shows a refinement of Archie’s unconventional approach to sound design, along with a luminous synth that rings out intermittently for added ambience. This was the period in which Archie’s career took flight, and the inspiration is evident in the music he released at the time.



Early Archie Hamilton: 5 Cuts that have Stood the Test of Time

London-based house and techno DJ Archie Hamilton’s music is as distinguishable as his name. A permanent fixture on festival lineups, the UK selector, is known for producing some of the most illustrious house records in the last decade. His recently rebranded imprint MicroHertz is where you’ll find his latest original minimal-house releases and plenty of internationally sourced cuts—the best in alternative house and techno.




We’ve chosen five of our favorite Microhertz Records releases to give you a sampling of what the imprint has to offer.




1. Floog - Sepe Patru




The Bucharest-based artist—heavily inspired by musicians of the likes of Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, and Pink Floyd—began his career in the 90s by toying with a friend’s Roland analog synth and experimenting with the sounds on his computer’s production software. In the years that followed, Floog has honed his sound into one that’s distinctly his own. “Sepe Patru” is a deeply melodic tech house cut encapsulating his minimal approach to the genre while providing a uniquely immersive listening experience.




2. Archie Hamilton (feat. Molly Green) - Our Time  


“Our Time,” released in 2021, is an intensely euphoric house cut. With a winding bassline, resounding kicks, and jazzy, soulful vocals from Bristol-born songstress Molly Green, “Our Time” is essential listening for fans of Hamilton and the MicroHertz label.




3. Dos Equis - Archie Hamilton




Re-released on the label’s tenth-anniversary compilation, “Dos Equis” is sensual, trip-hop-infused tech house. Initially released in 2018, the song is a blazing dancefloor cut. Hamilton demonstrates his mixing prowess on the updated iteration. The track’s soundscape, while atmospheric, simultaneously drives listeners on a journey—syrupy vocal loops intertwine with organic samples to create one unforgettable tech house tune.




4. Toman - Guarulhos









This heady, synth-heavy release was one of three tracks unveiled by the imprint less than two years ago from Toman’s critically-acclaimed Feel for You EP. The Amsterdam-based DJ’s career took off in 2017 in a meteoric fashion upon the release of his debut via the revered Cyclic label. His second EP further cemented the prodigious talent, who would go on to perform at Awakenings, Straf_werk festival, and various venerated German clubs of the likes of Leipzig’s Distillery and Berlin’s Watergate.




5. Archie Hamilton, Benson Herbert - Swerve









Featuring meticulous production from Miriam Records label founder Benson Herbert, “Swerve” is an enchanting collaborative house tune between the two UK-based DJs. Herbert, a frequent fixture at numerous revered institutions Rex Club and fabric, had produced house music under a plethora of pseudonyms and stage names over the years. It wasn’t long until he began to take producing seriously—releasing projects on Hamilton’s label garnered him the support he was missing to launch his own label and establish his solo project.



5 Tracks That Define Archie Hamilton’s Microhertz Records

London-based Archie Hamilton has a palate that was heavily influenced by the sounds he consumed growing up in Wales and clubbing in London—The Prodigy’s discography was one insatiable obsession. House and trance records were another.



The minimal-house selector has over a decade of experience curating and creating dynamic techno and house records. Hamilton’s love for producing irresistible cuts over the years has led him to create two successful imprints—MicroHertz and Moss Co.—all the while performing at some of the most esteemed international festival stages and music venues of the likes of Circoloco, Parklife, Amnesia, elrow, and fabric.



We asked Archie to share five tracks that shaped and inspired his journey to becoming the acclaimed label boss and DJ we know today.



1. Leftfield - Storm 3000






Pick any track from this album, it was the soundtrack to my youth! Storm 3000 was an early intro into drum and bass for me, which I then got much more into when I started going clubbing in London. I remember constantly tapping the drum rhythm with my fingers in my classes at school, and getting lost in the pads when I walked home.




2. The Prodigy - Voodoo People









The Prodigy was my first electronic music obsession. The first three albums absolutely blew my mind—the energy is just unreal and I loved their personalities and the whole band aesthetic. Hard to choose a favorite from their catalog, but I chose this one because the video is so totally amazing!




3. Chemical Brothers - Chico’s Groove









I think Exit Planet Dust was the first electronic album I ever bought—I got it on tape from Woolworths (a now non-existent chain of stores that sold absolutely everything). Chico’s Groove really reminds me of driving ‘round the countryside where I grew up in Wales in the summer with my mum and cousins when we were kids. It’s got a really familiar and comforting feel to it.




4. Nalin and Kane - Beachball









I absolutely love this and still play it today. It hits that sweet spot between deep melancholy and joyful abandon. Soft M1 organ, loose percussion and the vocal is ace—so many fond memories of this record!




5. Three Drives on a Vinyl - Greece 2000









I went through a huge trance phase as a teenager—I think most DJs of my generation did. I could have picked a hundred tracks, but I think this has to be the winner.




The Tracks That Made Me: Archie Hamilton

elrow Far Rowest

Spain

Amnesia

The penultimate elrow of the season and one of their most famous themes, Far Rowest, is here. Step out of the Saloon and find yourself in Old elrow, the wildest town in the West. Party the night away with carefree cowboys and the can-can dancers. But, be careful! You don’t want to end up in the Sheriff’s jailhouse!



The team behind elrow will be pulling out all the stops to make sure that their season goes out with a bang, and that means starting the celebrations a whole week early!



From 11pm to 6am, discover the Far Rowest whilst some of the biggest names in house and tech house provide the soundtrack to what will be a truly unforgettable night. elrow residents Viviana Casanova and George Privatti will be joined by Melanie Ribbe, Will Clarke, and Marco Farone in the terrace, whilst the main room, named and themed as elrow City, will host just one DJ all night long; Archie Hamilton.



elrow are famous for their top-class production, wild performances, color, confetti and, above all else, oodles of fun! You won’t find anyone in the crowd without a smile on their face, all waiting for the next confetti cannon or inflatable drop. And once that happens - wow! The crowd will roar and Amnesia Ibiza will be more alive than ever before!



If you’ve not managed to make it down to an elrow yet this season, make sure you get your tickets early!



Terrace



Tuscan born Marco Faraone was influenced by his DJ father as he grew up and truly burst onto the techno scene after securing a residency at Florence’s globally renown Tenax club. Since, he has become one of the most respected techno DJs and producers in the world.







British DJ and producer Will Clarke not only has a distinct look, but a distinct sound that caught the attention of house and techno heavyweights when he started his career. Nominated as ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2016 at the DJ Awards, he’s now firmly established himself as a techno heavyweight. His releases on Drumcode, Trick, and his All We Have Is Now imprint have pushed him to the forefront of the genre.







From model to DJ, Melanie Ribbe passionate energy are the perfect match for elrow. Nicknamed the Angel of Techno, she’s no stranger to Amnesia Ibiza.







George Privatti became an elrow resident in 2013. He started DJing at 17, when he bought his first decks, and has played at some of the most influential clubs and festivals around the world.







Viviana Casanova joined the elrow family in 2019. Born in Chile, but now residing in Spain, her passion for music shows through her vibrant sets. Her personal style has developed over the years, mixing deep tech-house sounds with funk and hip-hop influences.







Main Room | elrow City



Producer, DJ and label owner Archie Hamilton has spent over 10 years rising through the ranks of the underground house and techno scene. No stranger to the White Isle, Hamilton has played iconic parties such as Circoloco and Music On, as well as Amnesia’s opening/closing fiesta in 2019 and their opening party in 2022. His distinctive sound and impressive skills as a selector mean that he can truly control a dancefloor, pushing 90s gems one minute and brand new tracks the next.







London-based DJ, producer, and label owner Archie Hamilton served up an hour of slick minimal house goodness for Gray Area’s OCHO back in December 2021. The accomplished artist recently launched his Frequency club event series in the UK, which offers attendees a unique audio-visual experience.







The latest Frequency party kicked off under the iconic railway arches of The Steelyard, London. It also featured Oden & Fatzo, Jaden Thompson, and more incredible acts behind the decks. The Frequency series continues this Bank Holiday Sunday at Mint Warehouse, Leeds, where Hamilton is frequently welcomed back with open arms.









The proud owner of Moscow Records and Moss Co., Archie Hamilton is a well-respected name in dance music both in the UK and abroad. He delighted fans worldwide with the release of his debut album, Archive Fiction, in the summer of 2019.

Now established in both North and South America, Hamilton is also an irreplaceable feature on the Ibiza circuit, performing at Circoloco, Music On, and the closing of Amnesia in 2019. He also was called upon in January 2020 by Pete Tong for a coveted spot on the Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1.

Keep your eyes peeled for Hamilton’s sets this summer at Music On Festival, Amnesia Opening Party, Baltic Weekender, and many more clubs and festivals across the globe.




Follow Archie Hamilton on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

Follow Frequency Events on Instagram

























































Dive into Archie Hamilton’s Ultra Funky Mix for OCHO

In October, Gray Area launched OCHO, an eight-hour journey through the global sounds of modern house and techno. In partnership with Diplo's Revolution and Sirius XM, listeners expanded their sonic palates with a day of diverse music and fresh beats. On December 11, 2021, OCHO returns to the airwaves with a new lineup featuring Dennis Ferrer, Yulia Niko, Gioliì & Assia, Dennis Cruz, John Summit, Dombresky, Archie Hamilton, and Arielle Free.

The lineup of innovative and forward-thinking artists is another shining example of Gray Area's mission to unite the international house music community and draw lines between its rich sub-cultures and sub-genres.

Dennis Ferrer

New York-born house music legend Dennis Ferrer heads the lineup. Ferrer established his footprint in the 90s as part of the early New York techno and gospel house scene. The genre-defining producer has throughout the years continued to push the envelope with a wide-spanning output that includes hits like "Hey Hey," "Sinfonia Della Notte," and "Whisper" with Disciples and James Yuill.

Follow Dennis Ferrer on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Yulia Niko

Yulia Niko's worldly sound is likely a result of her travels. The Russian-born artist discovered dance music in Sochi, wrote her breakthrough music in Greece and New York, and finally settled in Berlin, where she became a resident of the iconic Watergate nightclub. Her Detroit-inspired deep minimal tech has received acclaim from Jamie Jones and Lee Foss and earned her releases on Get Physical, Crosstown Rebels, and Objektivity.

Follow Yulia Niko on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Tune in to Gray Area OCHO on December 11, 2021



Giolí & Assia

Multi-hyphenate's Gioli & Assia combine their deep-seated background in live instrumentation and traditional music for a lush, passionate melodic experience like no other. What started as a manager/ client relationship has grown into a creative partnership that has developed beyond their imagination. Assia's lilting vocals float over the top of scintillating sonics that exemplify the lengths to which techno can be pushed.

Follow Giolì & Assia on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dennis Cruz

Dennis Cruz is a singular force in house and techno. By the time the Spanish DJ and producer was 17, he'd already been in the studio with hip hop artists and rock bands crafting hits. However, he found a home in dance music weaving together thumping basslines, Latin-tinged beats, and a wide array of musical influences. Named the Beatport Most Charted Artist of 2016, his music draws support from icons like Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Roger Sanchez, and Marco Carola.

Follow Dennis Cruz on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Become a Gray Area member for access to exclusive perks!



John Summit

John Summit has been on a two-year tear, dropping hit record after record and dominating the festival circuit. Incredibly, the Chicago-based DJ broke through amid the pandemic with "Deep End" on Defected—the longest-running Beatport #1 of 2020. He has since collaborated with everyone from Gorgon City to Sofi Tukker and has seen releases on the industry's most lauded labels.

Follow John Summit on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dombresky

Dombresky has established himself as a dynamic purveyor of classy, uplifting, vocal-driven house music. The French-born, LA-based artist has dominated the Spotify playlists and festival stages in 2020 with landmark performances at Lollapalooza and EDC Vegas. And future classic releases on Insomniac, Armada, and Toolroom.

Follow Dombresky on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud







Archie Hamilton

In 2019 Archie Hamilton released his debut album Archive Fiction, a milestone and breakthrough moment for the producer who'd already spent years grinding and building his two record labels, Moscow Records and Moss Co., from the ground up. His rough and tumble basslines and floating synth work were the first signal that a new brand of European house music maestro was taking over the game.

Follow Archie Hamilton on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Arielle Free

BBC Radio 1 presenter, producer, and DJ Arielle Free has risen to be an influential tastemaker in dance music. Often referred to as Scotland's answer to Annie Mac, she's diligently spent years creating her own space in dance music. Aside from being the daytime ambassador for Radio 1's iconic dance programming, her career as a DJ exploded in 2020 with performances at Printworks, Parklife, Glastonbury, and Creamfields.

Follow Arielle Free on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Tune in to Gray Area Presents OCHO on December 11 from 12 PM to 8 PM ET.







Gray Area OCHO Returns to Diplo's Revolution in December

Archie Hamilton is a London-based DJ, producer, and label owner. Releasing and performing music under his real name, Hamilton balances his creative career with the business side of things, proving to be incredibly influential in both sectors. Alongside his decade-long career producing music and DJing, Hamilton manages A&R for his two imprints, Moscow Records and Moss Co.

Mastering his craft over the years, Hamilton has worked his way up in the underground, becoming one of the most respected artists in house and techno. He was an early pioneer of the new European sound but provided his own influential twist to what was commonly heard in clubs at that time. His unique take on minimal house and techno boasts hardy basslines and spacious atmospherics, ingraining in the minds of anyone who listens.

Aside from his own original music, Hamilton is known as a dynamic selector and influential tastemaker. Between his work as an A&R and time on the decks, Hamilton uncovers and supports some of the most exciting hidden talents. During performances, he mixes a cocktail of classic 90s gems, potent club bombs, original and unreleased tunes, talent from his own imprints, and untouched bottom-of-the-crate bangers, creating sets at a level that many strive for but can’t seem to match.

Though he’s been releasing original music since 2010, it wasn’t until 2019 that Hamilton released his debut full-length album, 

. This project is a first-person exploration of the transformative effects of house music and life-changing nights on the dancefloor. This project holds his signature minimal style and also pulls elements from trip-hop, dub-techno, acid jazz, drum and bass, and house. His decade-plus-long career cemented his place as one of the most influential European underground producers, but his debut project is what proves his ability to transcend the world of electronic music.

In recent years, Hamilton has established his name outside of Europe, performing at festivals and venues around the world. He could be found at festivals like BPM in Costa Rica and venues such as Club Space in Miami, performing alongside huge names like Jamie Jones and SG Lewis. In 2022, Hamilton is set to perform at Paradise Ibiza, Lovefest in Serbia, Welcome to the Warehouse in Manchester, and much more.

Other recent accomplishments include Hamilton’s delivery of Radio 1’s Essential Mix in January 2020 as well as his livestream collaboration with Arts Council England. He has also put his focus on creating remixes for exciting new talents, such as Toman, Oden & Fatzo, and Djoko.

United Kingdom

Archie Hamilton

Archie Hamilton (Extended Set)

United States

Quantum Brooklyn

Paradise

elrow Growenlandia

elrow Triángulo de Las Rowmudas

Paradise Opening Party

Amnesia Ibiza Opening

elrow NYC: RowsAttacks

Avant Gardner

OCHO Episode 2

There is a delicate tightrope strung between the world of the DJ and that of the producer. Being a storyteller behind the decks and crafting the gems that connect to the dancers are two separate but equal talents. When both co-exist in harmony, it’s unique.

Archie Hamilton has spent years gracefully walking that high wire. His releases on venerated underground tastemakers like Cuttin’ Headz, Toolroom, Nothing Else Matters, and his own Microhertz imprint have ingrained his singular sound into the minds of clubbers worldwide. Deftly moving between minimal house, techno, upfront club cuts, and classics, he’s helped guide a new European sound while staying true to the roots of dance music culture.

ARCHIE HAMILTON at Music On Festival 2022

ARCHIE HAMILTON at Music On Festival 2022
Music On Festival returns to Amsterdam in 2023! Don't miss lineup & ticket updates and sign up now: musiconfestival.nl/pre-register

#MusicOnFestival #ArchieHamilton #MusicOn #ReliveMusicOnFestival #ReliveMusicOn #Festival #Amsterdam #Weekend


Behind the decks, he’s intuitive and technical, leading dancefloors on expertly crafted journeys. Beyond his audio-visual experience Frequency, he’s a fixture at London’s legendary FUSE parties, establishments like fabric and Ministry of Sound, and a regular for brands like CircoLoco, elrow, and Music On.

It was almost a foregone conclusion that Hamilton would walk a path towards dominating dancefloors. He grew up in a home surrounded by a brilliant patchwork of music. His earliest musical memories were early flashpoints for the kind of musical adventures he would eventually lead the dancefloor on.

“My grandfather was a concert pianist. I have very vivid memories of listening to him play for hours and hours to whoever would listen,” he wistfully remembers. “And at some points it [was] totally psychedelic and trippy. You’d sit there in the afternoon and the sun would be going down. I was only like 9/10 [and] in this half, dreamlike almost asleep state listening to him play these incredibly complex pieces.”


He also credits his mother, a former member of a punk rock band, for establishing his love for digging through the crates. Her extensive record collection ranged from the Star Wars double-disc soundtrack to Lynyrd Skinner. She always encouraged his artistic growth and was the person who bought him his first set of decks at 14.

“I didn’t even ask for them. That’s the funny thing,” he explains with a smile as he recalls the beginning of his journey as a selector. “At the time she was she had a boyfriend and he was a rave promoter. And, and my mom was like, ‘You got to get into DJing it’s so cool.’ So, I just I had these decks, had no idea what I was doing.”

Despite being a novice, he had an ear for the compelling and unexpected mixes he’s become known for. “I was going out and buying garage records and breakbeat records and trying to mix them in with the stuff from [my mom’s collection]. I’ve actually got it recorded on tape. I managed to mix. 

 (which was a garage anthem) with the Cantina Theme from Star Wars.”

He envisioned a career as a DJ. However, a less than encouraging teacher at a rigid school quickly eviscerated that dream. Instead, he was pushed to join the army because, as the teacher told him, he “didn’t have much going on.” In a twist of irony, the budding artist failed the Army hearing test five times.

So he went to university and, like most university students in the early ’00s, spent his weekends at raves and clubs, fully reigniting his love for dance music and DJing. Instead of going home for the summer during his second year in college, he locked himself in his dorm, learned to properly mix, and recorded tons of mixtapes.

While cutting his teeth in London’s DJ circuit, he learned to produce in his bedroom and never stopped clubbing. And while living down the street from 93 Feet East in the heart of Brick Lane in London, he became a regular punter at the legendary FUSE parties, which unknowingly helped kickstart his career.

On the Spot With Archie Hamilton

Gray Area contributor Alex Dias caught up with Archie Hamilton in New York before he played elrow at Avant Gardner. They talk about everything from favorite classic house tunes to Archie's old dream of becoming a chef.

▪️Follow Archie Hamilton▪️
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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archiebhamilton/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/archiehamiltonmusic
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/archiehamiltonmusic

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Gray Area's mission is to build a bigger house music community in North America by helping fans discover exciting house music artists, event brands and festivals that are new to them. 

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Gray Area On the Spot with Archie Hamilton

“When I moved in, there was no excuse not to go pretty much every Sunday. And [I] just happened to be there once and someone was playing the track that I’d made a few weeks before. I went up and introduced myself.”

It was one of the first times he’d ever experienced hearing his music on the dancefloor, leading to him becoming a resident for FUSE a few years later. Almost by chance, that brief interaction with a DJ playing his music helped catapult his career into overdrive. In the years that followed, he started two record labels, performed at shows worldwide, and released records with top-tier record labels.

Among his most notable career highlights was his 2020 Essential Mix. Indicative of his live performances, he fully displayed his audio storytelling, leading listeners through the strands of his musical DNA.

“It was it was very exciting. It all happened incredibly quickly but it was a real honor. I tried to try to cram everything that I love into there. House, deep house, tech house, bit of old school, a lot of the new stuff. And then ending on Francoise K ‘Hypnodelic,’ which is one of my all time favorite records.”

Tracing his musical progression from listening to his grandfather playing psychedelic piano concertos in his living room to Archie throwing down genre-spanning extended sets at the world’s finest clubs and festivals, it’s easy to see how he became such a dynamic and well-rounded artist. Equally future forward and rooted in a rich history, he will undoubtedly continue to excite and enchant audiences.

60 Seconds with Archie Hamilton

Archie Hamilton tells the story of how he began DJing.

Read our Spotlight on Archie Hamilton: https://grayarea.co/artists/archie-hamilton/spotlight

▪️Follow Archie Hamilton▪️
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archiebhamilton/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/archiebhamilton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/archiehamiltonmusic/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DfYCARYRJ4vlSWlief3jv?si=IlYtqFRfT12Z7SpJ-xwwXQ
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/archiehamiltonmusic
Beatport - https://www.beatport.com/artist/archie-hamilton/124071

Connect with Gray Area:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/entergrayarea/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/enterGrayArea
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/entergrayarea
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3nGJIfQ

60 Seconds With Archie Hamilton

There is a delicate tightrope strung between the world of the DJ and that of the producer. Being a storyteller behind the decks and crafting the gems that connect to the dancers are two separate but equal talents. When both co-exist in harmony, it’s unique.




Archie Hamilton has spent years gracefully walking that high wire. His releases on venerated underground tastemakers like Cuttin’ Headz, Toolroom, Nothing Else Matters, and his own Microhertz imprint have ingrained his singular sound into the minds of clubbers worldwide. Deftly moving between minimal house, techno, upfront club cuts, and classics, he’s helped guide a new European sound while staying true to the roots of dance music culture.


Behind the decks, he’s intuitive and technical, leading dancefloors on expertly crafted journeys. Beyond his audio-visual experience Frequency, he’s a fixture at London’s legendary FUSE parties, establishments like fabric and Ministry of Sound, and a regular for brands like CircoLoco, elrow, and Music On.




It was almost a foregone conclusion that Hamilton would walk a path towards dominating dancefloors. He grew up in a home surrounded by a brilliant patchwork of music. His earliest musical memories were early flashpoints for the kind of musical adventures he would eventually lead the dancefloor on.




“My grandfather was a concert pianist. I have very vivid memories of listening to him play for hours and hours to whoever would listen,” he wistfully remembers. “And at some points it [was] totally psychedelic and trippy. You’d sit there in the afternoon and the sun would be going down. I was only like 9/10 [and] in this half, dreamlike almost asleep state listening to him play these incredibly complex pieces.”


He also credits his mother, a former member of a punk rock band, for establishing his love for digging through the crates. Her extensive record collection ranged from the Star Wars double-disc soundtrack to Lynyrd Skinner. She always encouraged his artistic growth and was the person who bought him his first set of decks at 14.




“I didn’t even ask for them. That’s the funny thing,” he explains with a smile as he recalls the beginning of his journey as a selector. “At the time she was she had a boyfriend and he was a rave promoter. And, and my mom was like, ‘You got to get into DJing it’s so cool.’ So, I just I had these decks, had no idea what I was doing.”




Despite being a novice, he had an ear for the compelling and unexpected mixes he’s become known for. “I was going out and buying garage records and breakbeat records and trying to mix them in with the stuff from [my mom’s collection]. I’ve actually got it recorded on tape. I managed to mix. Zed Bias “Neighborhood” (which was a garage anthem) with the Cantina Theme from Star Wars.”

He envisioned a career as a DJ. However, a less than encouraging teacher at a rigid school quickly eviscerated that dream. Instead, he was pushed to join the army because, as the teacher told him, he “didn’t have much going on.” In a twist of irony, the budding artist failed the Army hearing test five times.







So he went to university and, like most university students in the early ’00s, spent his weekends at raves and clubs, fully reigniting his love for dance music and DJing. Instead of going home for the summer during his second year in college, he locked himself in his dorm, learned to properly mix, and recorded tons of mixtapes.




While cutting his teeth in London’s DJ circuit, he learned to produce in his bedroom and never stopped clubbing. And while living down the street from 93 Feet East in the heart of Brick Lane in London, he became a regular punter at the legendary FUSE parties, which unknowingly helped kickstart his career.

“When I moved in, there was no excuse not to go pretty much every Sunday. And [I] just happened to be there once and someone was playing the track that I’d made a few weeks before. I went up and introduced myself.”




It was one of the first times he’d ever experienced hearing his music on the dancefloor, leading to him becoming a resident for FUSE a few years later. Almost by chance, that brief interaction with a DJ playing his music helped catapult his career into overdrive. In the years that followed, he started two record labels, performed at shows worldwide, and released records with top-tier record labels.




Among his most notable career highlights was his 2020 Essential Mix. Indicative of his live performances, he fully displayed his audio storytelling, leading listeners through the strands of his musical DNA.




“It was it was very exciting. It all happened incredibly quickly but it was a real honor. I tried to try to cram everything that I love into there. House, deep house, tech house, bit of old school, a lot of the new stuff. And then ending on Francoise K ‘Hypnodelic,’ which is one of my all time favorite records.”




Tracing his musical progression from listening to his grandfather playing psychedelic piano concertos in his living room to Archie throwing down genre-spanning extended sets at the world’s finest clubs and festivals, it’s easy to see how he became such a dynamic and well-rounded artist. Equally future forward and rooted in a rich history, he will undoubtedly continue to excite and enchant audiences.



















