Release Radar: Luciano - The Golden Thread (Charles Webster Remix) [CADENZA147]

From experimenting with synthesisers and drum machines as a teenager to a career spanning several decades, Charles Webster continues to be driven by a curiosity for new sounds and musical ideas. His work has explored many sides of electronic music, from disco and soul to jazz and ambient, while retaining a deeply personal approach. Now arriving on Cadenza with his interpretation of Luciano’s The Golden Thread, Webster brings the original’s atmospheric qualities into a spacious, late-night dance floor setting. We spoke with him about his creative journey, the art of remixing and what continues to inspire him after all these years.

Your career in electronic music stretches back several decades. Looking back, what first drew you into making music and what do you remember about those early years finding your own sound?

I had always been fascinated by the idea and process of making music, even as a child. I started playing around with synths and drum machines when I was about 13. I grew up in a home with lots of music on the radio and on records bought by my parents so I was always surrounded by it. I was obsessed, probably. Bands like Kraftwerk and disco music really inspired me, the combination of the clean electronics and the rich soulful elements seemed like the perfect combination.

You’ve worked across so many different shades of electronic music over the years, from deep house and more club-focused productions to ambient, jazz and soul influences. What continues to excite you creatively after all this time?

I’m always moving forwards. I think in the earlier days of electronic music people always moved forward with finding new sounds and ideas, rather than looking backwards. So I think I’m stuck in that mindset. Finding new sounds and musical moods, it’s part of my personality I guess, not wanting to be stuck in one place musically and always searching for the thrill of new ideas.

You and Luciano exchanged tracks to reinterpret, with your rework of The Golden Thread now arriving on Cadenza. How did that exchange come about?

We were introduced by an old mutual friend, Dimitri from Weetamix in Geneva. I asked if he could make an introduction and he kindly did. We both agreed straight away and the rest, as they say, is history.

When approaching a remix, how important is it for you to retain something of the original artist’s identity while still taking the music somewhere distinctly your own?

I think it is very important, essential actually to keep the original piece of music in mind, otherwise it’s just a different track. I think that is part of the challenge, to keep original moods and vibes from the original music, but also to take it into new and different areas.

Your interpretation of 'The Golden Thread' has a beautifully spacious feel, bringing together minimal rhythms, delicate percussion and rich melodic elements. What were you looking to capture through your version of the track?

I really liked the mood and ambient feel of the original piece, but wanted to build upon its rhythm and bring it to a late night dance floor audience. Moody yet light, not heavy and dark.

You’ve seen electronic music and club culture change enormously throughout your career. Are there aspects of the way music is made, discovered or experienced today that you find particularly exciting?

Yes, it’s always exciting if you focus on the music rather than the state of the ‘industry’, if you make music for the sheer enjoyment of the music and try and ignore all the negative and competitive side of the business. New technology (not AI !) keeps everything moving forwards, there’s always something new to play with…

Away from making music, where do you tend to find inspiration and what helps you switch off from the studio?

Films, nature, family and friends.....just living a peaceful and honest life is inspiration. I can’t deal with all the competition in the industry, there is plenty of space for everyone. I always try and stay away from the negative, and those simple pleasures get me through it all.

What else is on the horizon for Charles Webster? Any new music, collaborations or projects you can share with us?

Lot’s of remixes are coming out soon, maybe 7 or 8 over the next few months, mostly on vinyl. There are also some reissues coming of some of my older releases, but the main thing for me is my next Charles Webster solo album. I’m 75% finished now and currently in London to complete the recording. I hope to have it released in Q3 of 2027.

Check out The Golden Thread (Charles Webster Remix) on Beatport and Bandcamp.