One of house music’s most iconic spoken-word vocal samples was delivered by Chuck Roberts for Rhythm Controll‘s 1987 single, “My House.” Manchester producer Lempo has now tapped the “voice of house music” for “Open House.” It releases via Force of Habit on August 14th, 2020.
According to 5 Magazine, “Open House” features a vocal similar to that of Roberts’ seminal work. Lempo (real name Mike McGuinness) produced the track, but both artists are credited as writers.
“House music has always served a higher purpose of uniting people from all ages, races, genders and sexualities,” McGuinness said in a release. “That is what we preach on this record, the house party is open to all walks of life – no discrimination, just good vibes.”
The Return of Chuck “The Voice” Roberts
When Rhythm Controll remixed Larry Heard‘s seminal deep house track, “Can You Feel It,” with Chuck Roberts’ vocal, little did they know the song would become an instantly recognizable figment of house folklore. In the decades that followed, the spoken-word sample would find its way into innumerable DJ sets and singles.
2017 marked something of a reboot for Roberts. As reported by 5 Magazine, his appearance at that year’s Chosen Few Picnic during Terry Hunter‘s set garnered him significant media attention. He accompanied Hunter on a subsequent tour as a result and released a 2018 edit of “My House” featuring vocals by Monique Bingham.
Dutch producer HP Vince has also shared plans to release a song titled “Jack Had A Groove” featuring Roberts’ speech at the end of August.
