Rick Wilhite “The Godson” – Detroit’s undisputed underground elite ‘maestro’ – Interview by Joe Babylon

Rick Wilhite at Housepitality
Rick Wilhite at Housepitality

Rick Wilhite has a strong 25+ year old music industry legacy behind him. He is one of the most influential names out of Detroit yet one of the most under talked about artists. How can this be? He has put out some of the most classic hits recognized by the world’s dj masters. He has been collecting records since he  started working in music studios since he was 11, throwing parties since he was 12, remixing records since 1986, worked at and opened multiple record stores in Detroit including the well respected world wide recognized Vibes and Rare Music. He has put out music alongside Juan Atkins, Derrick may, Dj Stingray and the list goes on. He is the man behind many different faces of Detroit’s underground music scene, a maverick of soul. He heads the exclusive “3 Chairs” label made up of collaborators Kenny Dixon Jr (Moodyman) and Theo Parrish and recently released a compilation of his work on the prestigious Rush Hour label. For crying out loud, he is recognized as “THE GODSON” by all of Detroit’s music elite. His discogs page speaks for itself. Resident Advisor already featured him on their podcast series in 2009 (RA 175  – Rick Wilhite). Did we forget to mention that his god given talent as a dj is the centerpiece of his career? This is undisputed. It is finally his time.  We are so proud to be able to bring this phenomenal name to our lovely San Francisco city.

Joe Babylon of Roundabout Music had a chance to interview him the direction of his life’s work,  music label and the direction of the underground music industry:


* How you feel about the influence you’ve created in other artists

As far as influencing others I really hope that my dedication to
this industry has paid off meaning all the time and effort of this
Music with a record store for 19 years and production work since 1986
and as a DJ for 25 plus.. years and as a promoter of proper functions
here in Detroit.

* Any comment about vinyl vs digital music/dj’s etc

As far as comments on digital vs. vinyl most everyone knows where i
stand on this subject but just to be quick and say that this subject
has way too much to discuss both positive and negative view points but
i’ll leave this up to whoever wants to really talk to me regarding
this subject if you know what I mean.

* Regarding your label 3 Chairs, how have your specific group of artists’ reputations have been developing
both locally and overseas

As for the artist i work with all have different styles and they
all have been putting out more music and getting more work too as far
as remixes and DJ work as well both locally and abroad, Detroit &
Chicago is really getting it in..this year


* Do you feel that Detroit house music is on an upswing and more
popular than ever?  If so or not, why?

Is Detroit House music on the rise HELL yeah, we have some new cats
that really have come tight on releasing music and peeps like Vince
Halliburton, John Easly, Raybone, Kyle Hall, Marc King, TJ Dumas,
Derwin Hall, Pirahnahead, Lenard Strickland aka Big Strick and more
have some hot music and i must say thank you guys for you’re
determination.

* Your personal plans for your label, DJ/Producing and a current calendar of events?

As far as my plans for my label i will release some new material
next year and The Godson is planning to be in a city near you to hit
you off with a show that will blow your mind… I am a DJ for real!
and like my Bra GU would say”no offense!!

——- end of transmission——-

Check out this near 4 hour mix by Rick Wilhite  recorded live at Jack Cafe, Yokohama Japan on Jan 30th 2011, this year.

THE DEETS:

Michael Tello & Miguel Solari invite you to

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ H O U S E P I T A L I T Y ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] – Hosted by Chris Fricke

Feat. Rick Wilhite ‘THE GODSON’ (3 Chairs, Detroit)
… …

FREE champagne from 9pm-10pm
FREE before 11pm with RSVP at www.housepitalitysf.com/rsvp
THE GUEST LIST CLOSES AT 11PM !!!

Main Room Love Support:

> > Joe Babylon (Roundabout music)

> > Miguel Solari (Housepitality)

Slow Groove Lounge:

> > Dj Magic D (Deelicious Disco, San Francisco)

> > ROB GREGA (Slow Groove, Housepitality)

Mixologist – KIRA BUCK – handmade pisco, tequila and bourbon cocktails.

He is recognized as “THE GODSON” of soulful Detroit house, RICK WILHITE:

Rick Wilhite has a strong 25+ year old music industry legacy behind him. He is one of the most influential names out of Detroit yet one of the most under talked about artists. How can this be? He has put out some of the most classic hits recognized by the world’s dj masters. He has been collecting records since he started working in music studios since he was 11, throwing parties since he was 12, remixing records since 1986, worked at and opened multiple record stores in Detroit including the well respected world wide recognized Vibes and Rare Music. He has put out music alongside Juan Atkins, Derrick may, Dj Stingray and the list goes on. He is the man behind many different faces of Detroit’s underground music scene, a maverick of soul. He heads the exclusive “3 Chairs” label made up of collaborators Kenny Dixon Jr (Moodyman) and Theo Parrish and recently released a compilation of his work on the prestigious Rush Hour label. For crying out loud, he is recognized as “THE GODSON” by all of Detroit’s music elite. His discogs page speaks for itself. Resident Advisor already featured him on their podcast series in 2009 (RA 175 – Rick Wilhite). Did we forget to mention that his god given talent as a dj is the centerpiece of his career? This is undisputed. It is finally his time. We are so proud to be able to bring this phenomenal name to our lovely San Francisco city. Get ready for another showcase by another maestro from Detroit!

Read the Rick Wilhite interview by Joe Babylon and find a 3+ hour live mix on our Housepitality website:
https://housepitalitysf.com/2011/10/rick-wilhite-the-godson-detroits-undisputed-underground-elite-maestro-interview-by-joe-babylon/

See you there lovely midweek professionals!!!

Located at Icon Ultra Lounge
1192 Folsom St. at 8th St., SF

9pm-2am | 21+ | 3 Rooms
$5 before 11pm, $10 after
FREE before 11pm with RSVP at www.housepitalitysf.com/rsvp