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We return to our Going Deep series with an artist who's been around the block a few times, freaky motherfucker Luke Solomon. Release on 1st March 2010 is the compilation, Best of Times, under his Freaks moniker and work also continues on his second artist album, Timelines, the follow up to debut artist album The Difference Engine (Rekids 2008).  Best of Times is a 'past, present and future' analysis of Luke's work with Justin Harris under the name of Freaks, the guise through which he enjoyed perhaps his biggest exposure by way of chart hit 'The Creeps'. The compilation includes unreleased mixes and exclusive new material.

Back on topic here, Mr. Solomon takes a very different approach from Todd Bodine in the last edition, by completely baring his musical soul, 'Going Deep' and citing life-long influences and heroes.

Prince - Sometimes It Snows In April
Probably the first artist that had an immediate life changing affect on me. I was hooked at the age of 10. I wanted to be like him, play the guitar like him, dance like him. He will always be one of the main reasons I make the music I make. He made me understand what the word funk meant. Sometimes it Snows in April still makes me cry, even now. And his version of When the Lights Go Down is marvellous.

David Byrne  - Broken Things
After Prince came David. How could someone be so leftfield yet appeal to such a broad audience? From Songs about buildings and Food, to Fear of Music, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts to Look into the Eyeball. Indeed the funkiest white boy there is. Broken Things is such a disturbing but wonderful song. And the instrumentation is amazing.

David Sylvian - Red Guitar  and Japan
The first time I heard Ghosts it knocked me sideways. What was this voice that was so haunting yet so beautiful, and so revealing. I consumed Japan and that was it. From all the Ryuchi projects through Songs Across Borders and then Nine Horses, probably my all time favourite album. Serotonin and Red Guitar are two records I wish I had made. 

Karen Carpenter -  Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft
I lost my Mum at an early age. She died of cancer. I think that was my connection with Karen Carpenter. My Dad would always remind me that the Carpenters were her favourite band. I think it was a combination of the sadness in her voice and the sadness I felt when I listened to them (and still do now,) that made them important to me. Calling Occupants is an astounding piece of music.

James Ingram feat. Michael McDonald - Yah Mo B There
Every time I hear his voice the hairs on my neck stand on end. Don't ask me why. It just has a quality that can't be compared. Plus the way he sings in close coupled harmonies is an incredible talent. From Yah Mo B There, Steely Dan's "Peg", I keep Forgettin'. I just love the soul in his voice. My favourite bar in the world is the little Soul Cafe in Tokyo. Every time I go there, the owner puts on Michael McDonald especially for me. I am at home there.

Sound Patrol (Derrick Carter) - Trippin' Among The Stars
The first time I heard of Derrick was under this guise. I was fascinated by the music. Electronic, quirky, odd and rough sounding. We met, hung out, became best friends. Even though he is one of my closest friends, I still look to him for inspiration, which is quite sweet I reckon. Trippin' among the Stars is always in my head. Sweetened No Lemon is the blueprint and inspiration for my new album, Timelines.

Green Velvet (Cajmere) - Land of the Lost
I remember hearing early records and wondering "what on earth." This is mad. This is mad music. Who is this mad man? He talks to me. He makes music that I wished I had made, with titles I wished I had thought of, but it was so hard, so punk rock, but modern, contemporary. Those records still sound light years ahead of anything. Land of the Lost is a real favourite and No UFO's

Ian Dury - What a Waste
It seems that the man is now as popular as he deserved to be. I have been a fan since the early 80's. I remember being blown away by him at Glastonbury. I was on acid at the time, but regardless, he changed my world. This make up laden disabled dude singing songs about spastics, his Dad, Gene Vincent and Trevor. His lyrics still floor me. The use of slang and rhyming couplets is nothing short of genius.
And his dress sense, well, legendary.

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Freaks ‘Best Of Times’ Label: Music For Freaks TRACKLISTING 01. Instrument 02. High Spirits 03. Deck of Cards 04. Fly With Me 05. Turning Orange (Vocal) 06. Where Were You 07. Black Shoes, White Socks [exclusive] 08. Washing Machine 09. He’s Angry 10. evol-Hate 11. 90’s Comeback 12. Blam! 13. The Creeps (Unreleased dub) 14. Continuous mix (free with album only) 15. Don’t Feed The Bears (Disco mix) [exclusive] 16. Situations [exclusive] 17. Black Shoes, White Socks (instrumental) [exclusive] 18. Tweekers (instrumental version) [exclusive] 19. Bonus: All F£$%ed Up [exclusive] www.musicforfreaks.com www.myspace.com/djlukesolomon www.lukesolomon.com www.myspace.com/justinharris_freaks