As part of Trojan Records 40th Anniversary activities, various DJs and musicians have been given free reign to select and remix tracks from the reggae label’s vast back catalogue. One of those involved is Manchester’s dapper DJ Justin Robertson.
Clash caught up with him for a quick Q & A about his remix and what the Trojan label means to him
Why did you decide to get involved in the Trojan Takeover series?
Well I’ve been a fan since I was a little suedehead! and I’ve always wanted my name on a piece of Trojan vinyl!
40 years of Trojan; what do you think of the past and present of the Trojan Records label?
Its heritage is breath taking, it really helped develop and expose reggae in the UK, I think lots of people were introduced to reggae through the tighten up series in particular. The catalogue is so massive I think they will be unearthing stuff for years to come!
What was the first Trojan Record you bought?
Probably one of the ‘Tighten up’ comps , or ‘Double Barrel’ by Dave and Ansel Collins, man I love that record!
What does Trojan Records mean to you?
Good times skanking late at night! Soundtrack to a whole life style and identity.
The catalogue is so massive I think they will be unearthing stuff for years to come!
Any favourites out of the Trojan Records collective?
‘Moving on up’ – Cimarons, ‘Iron bar’ – Lord Tanamo, ‘What a fire’ – Ethopians, ‘My Conversation’ – Uniques, ‘Chant down Babylon’ – Freddie Mcgregor, ‘Here I am’- Al Brown, ‘Duppy Conqueror’ – Bob Marley, ‘Ali Babba’ – John Holt, ‘Pressure Drop’ – Maytals… I mean you just can’t get better than that!
What do you think the Trojan Takeover Series will accomplish?
Well I hope it will introduce reggae and the riches of the label to new audience, and add a twist, refreshing the tunes for the long term fans!
What inspired you to choose this particular track, ‘ I Need your Sweet Inspiration’ by the Pioneers, for remixing on the Trojan Takeover series?
Its been one of my faves in my more eclectic dj sets, I just love the optimism and sunshine sound of the original, its a Dan Penn song which helps, I always love a reggae cover version!
