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
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)
Man I just wrote the hook, this shit is going 2 be off the chain!!! Oh and I love that part in the song that say's chuuuuch!! I'm about 2 vibe on some verses holla back at ya folk chuuuch!!!
you got some more beats for me to go through?? think i got about 6 or 7 songs out of the tracks you sent me...will try to have them all recorded by time you get out here...you know you'll be staying out here with me and my lady in Oakland!! take care of that baby boy. -ras
Hey dear friend of mine! I just wanted to tell you that i've put on two new songs on my space (RandezVous and Searchin') and i would really like to know what you think about them, coz i estimate a lot your music and i appreciate your opinions.. so.. come and listen! respect! Jaze.
Go to www. breakthruradio. com BTR World Hip-Hop, Sunday, May 4th...did an old-school all Japanese hip-hop mix...spread the word!! -RasCue, Cali Agents
ahoy red. how about your plans of coming to vienna? would love partying together. already got several great djs on standby to rock with you big partystyle. blow that good shit man! great tune! keep on. peace&respect, d.e.r. drinker
hey whats going on man ive got lots of new stuff man please check it out and tell me what u think lol my page and flow has changed alot since i last spoke with ya