Fredrik Lager aka Freddie Cruger & Red Astaire first got in contact with hip-hop when he started out as a break dancer in the early 80's. His electric boogie dancing brother was collecting records at that time, which introduced Freddie to the world of black dance music. Around 85-86 he worked weekends at a legendary import record store in Stockholm called Space (special job cleaning the toilet). At this time he started buying more and more records, mostly electro and rap records but also disco and funk 12"/7" classics. One thing led to another and he soon bought his first drum machine and turntables in 88 (according to himself the best investment he's ever done). Around 91 he met up with Mad Mats (Raw Fusion/Jugglin') and started to hang out in Mats studio in downtown Stockholm. This started a friendship and working relationship, which is still going strong today. Around 92 he bought his first sampler and released his first 12" vinyl in 94 under the name Chimney Heads (only 100 copies printed). But since then he's worked with numerous artists like China Moses (DeDe Bridgewaters daughter), Bob Powers (Tribe Called Quest, The Roots), Rappadon, Baz Baz, La Nata (France), ADL, Desmond Foster, Linn, Swing Fly, Anthony David, Bas-1 and many more. The characteristic style off Freddies productions are a blend off old school hip-hop and b-boy grooves mixed up with dirty funk, soul, reggae, latin and disco rhythms. He's currently signed to Jugglin' Records (sub-label to Raw Fusion Recordings) but he also releases music on Swedish Brandy, GAMM (as the notorious Red Astaire) and his own Home Grown label. Besides this he's also travelling the world as a renowned DJ spinning everything from future to old-school funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, disco and latin.
Releases:
- Chimney Heads - Spread Love (Sonet/Breaking Bread)
- China- Time (Freddie Cruger rmx) (Source France)
Anthony David performing Red Clay Chronicles live on Jools Holland show produced by Freddie Cruger aka Red Astaire
Linn & Freddie performing "BlipBlop" on Swedish MTV taken from their upcoming Waiting for spring album sep-oct 2008
Calisoul 2008 in Los Angeles
A few MySpace comments:
Jazzy Jeff
YO...DID U DO THAT DEANGELO JOINT...OH MY GOD...DUDE IF IT'S U...U R THE SHIT...I PLAY THAT EVERYTIME I PLAY...GOOD LOOKING MAN 4SHO
Bobbito Garcia
word to my mother, your parents must've fed you comida criolla cuando tu era un bebe--you one funky dude, man! that new 'tito' gamm 12" is bananas. i get amped when i'm at turntablelab and see your new joints in the stacks. keep doing what you d
Anthony David
I wanna make it hot for yoooooooooooooooou! Whatup Freddie! Let's knock out some more joints!!
Mark Ronson
big up yourself for the tunes buddy
follow me is one of the last pieces of vinyl i still carry around (hasn't made it into serato yet) peace
Props sir!
Andy Smith (Portishead)
I have to say (as I just wrote on the reaction sheet) I think your album is the best album I've heard in years!!!
Freddie Cruger aka Red Astaire's Friend Space (Top 40)
The new Guynamite 180 gram 12 inch -''Born in '82' 4 Track Soul Boogie EP is out now on Mukatsuku Records (Cat MUKAT 015 )featuring the amazing vocals of Shea Soul & Dee.
As played by Phil Asher,Simbad,Kyoto Jazz Massive,Tubbs,Kevin Beadle,Mr Scruff and more !
Trippin.. on 80..s Black music; funk, soul, jazz are all met on this classy EP that..s deliberately risk taking too. Down tempo BPM..s electro key pads and rustic synths inserts lead on ..Take My Dreams sung by Dee, while the beats are prominent on instrumental ..Patrice.. dedicated to keyboardist Patrice Rushen. Inputting new wave forms and bonus beats in double time ..Space Elevator.. has plenty of funk with the gorgeously sung headliner ..Set Me Free.. from Shea Soul sweetly soul broken boogie u p ! 10 out of 10 (IDJ Magazine)
Online Now!
