“Vinyl is like a book. Because it was never about making money in the first place, I can now have fun again doing the vinyl bit and leave the digital to those who wanna take it and make it into an empire. I have no intentions of making music into an empire.” – Chez Damier

Born in a suburb of Chicago, Anthony Pearson, better known as Chez Damier, has been one of the true pioneers of electronic music. From running seminary music establishment, The Music Institute in Detroit alongside Alton Miller and Derrick May, to his involvement in running Kevin Saunderson’s legendary KMS label, through to working with leading producers such as MK, Ron Trent, Stacey Pullen and Saunderson himself, Chez has done it all.

Together with Ron Trent, Chez owned the prolific Prescription label, widely regarded as one of the finest house imprints ever and the duo nurtured; a sound what would eventually become known as deep house.

After his split from Prescription in 1997, there was a lengthy period of inactivity. Eventually, Damier releases started appearing again sporadically until 2009 when he joined the roster of Germany classic house and techno label, Mojuba. Damier now releases exclusively through the label, but past productions have seen the light of day from other essential labels such as his own label Balance, Eddie Leader’s Hudd Traxx, Popcorn Records and Track Mode .

Quite a list of achievements.

To pay our homage to one of the pioneers of house music, we’ve compiled a list of his most notable tunes, true gems and future classics that shall never be forgotten.

A Work In Progress – Moment Of Truth (Yore)

A collaboration between Priceless One and Chez, this is deep house perfection combining jazzy and organic elements.

Chez Damier & MK – The Feeling (Mojuba)

Chez & MK were fairly prolific as a partnership and “The Feeling” is a fine example of the quality of their work.

Chez N Trent – All About You

Previously unreleased until 2009, Chez and his long-term production partner Ron Trent drops killer tribal rhythms.

Alton M – I Like Havin’ You (Cyren America)

Damier on production duties for another member of deep house royalty, the severely underrated Alton Miller.

Noni – Teach/Keep Me

Chez and Ron Trent take snippets from Midway – Set It Out and create near perfection. Backed with a quality Kai Alce remix on the flip.

Chez Damier featuring Antonie – Close (Balance Recordings)

One of his many tracks that were heavily influenced by jazzy elements – packed full of brass and piano riffs.

Chez Damier – Can You Feel It (Club Vocal) (KMS)

The vocal version of Chez Damier’s most notable song. MK’s Dub edit was the reason that took this record all over the world.

Chez Damier & Stacey Pullen – Forever Monna (Prescription)

Chez and Detroit OG Stacy Pullen combine for one of the most prizes tracks in his discography.

Chez Damier – Close (Distance)

“Close” drops a big vocal showing the more emotional side of Damier’s output.

Chez N Trent – Morning Factory (Prescription)

This one should need no introduction. Damier and Trent combine on what is easily one of the best deep house tracks of all time.

Chez Damier – Take Me Away (Not On Label)

Released in 2015 via less-than-legal means, this is actually Damier’s edit of David Morales’ remix of none other than Mariah Carey.

Chez Damier ft. Leroy Burgess – Your Love (Balance)

“Your Love” with Leroy Burgess on vocal duties was one of first track released after Chez Damier’s comeback in 2004 after a 7 year break.

Chez Damier – Help Myself (Mojuba)

Damier’s second release on Mojuba, widely regarded as one of the best deep house records around.

Chez Damier & Ron Trent – Foot Therapy (Prescription)

One of Ron & Chez’s finest – thumping, soulful and jazzy.

Chez Damier – Untitled B1 (KMS)

Probably Chez’s finest solo moment – the quintessential deep house record with those disco strings.

What is Sound Shelter?

Think of Sound Shelter as your own personalised record store.

As DJs and vinyl collectors ourselves, we know the time and effort that not only goes into finding new records, but also actually finding a store that sells the record you want.

So we’ve taken the best parts of an online record store, like curation and quality listening samples and combined it with machine learning and a real-time marketplace that connects you with an independent record store selling the record you want.