UK disco house favourites reflect on their journey, honour Danielle Moore’s legacy and prepare for a special night in Brighton.
Few groups in UK dance music carry the same sense of history as Crazy P. For over two decades, their blend of live musicianship, disco heritage and club culture has shaped dance floors across the world. As Jim Baron (Ron Basejam) and Chris Todd (Hot Toddy) prepare to return to Brighton for a special back to back DJ set at the newly reopened Quarters, the moment feels both celebratory and deeply reflective.
The show comes during a significant chapter for the band as they continue to move forward while honouring the memory of Danielle Moore, whose voice, presence and spirit were central to Crazy P’s identity. Ahead of the night, we spoke with the band about Brighton’s place in their story, the energy of their current DJ sets and what lies ahead.
You have performed all over the world, but Brighton has always been a strong city for dance music. What does playing at Quarters mean to you at this point in your journey?
We’ve always had good gigs in Brighton, and over the years we’ve played some great venues like the Comedia, Concord, Audio and Patterns. We’re really excited about Quarters. I’ve heard lots of good things about it. The venue has a rich history as part of Brighton’s club culture, and the new refit sounds really exciting. Can’t wait to see it.
How are you feeling as you return to shows this year, and what kind of energy are you hoping to bring to Brighton?
There was a bit of anxiety when we first started gigging after Danielle died. Whether we even wanted to in the first place, what kind of response we’d get, whether it would be too overwhelming. But we’re pleased to say all the shows have been heartwarmingly positive. The crowds have given us a real lift and helped support us through what has been a difficult time. The kind of energy we’ll bring is very much two blokes playing records.
Danielle had a huge impact on Crazy P and on the people who followed your music. How do you feel her presence continues to guide the band today?
Danielle was such a positive force of nature. She’s irreplaceable and she’s left a huge void in our lives, but we’re keen to pick up her mantle and continue her legacy where we can. She is ever present in our minds, and we like to think she’s always there guiding us in our decisions going forward. A phrase that often comes up when we have a difficult choice to make is, “What would Danielle do?”
When you step on stage now, what parts of Danielle’s artistry or personality do you find coming through in your performance?
She’s always present in our minds. We like to play one or two vocal tracks from Danielle, which is an obvious way for her to still be part of the show. We also remember certain favourite tunes of hers and sometimes drop them as a little nod. She was always very generous with her time and her interactions with people at gigs, so we like to continue in that vein as well.
Crazy P have always stood out for the warmth and musicality of your sets. How would you describe the shape of the show today, and how has it developed recently?
It’s worth pointing out that we’re doing DJ shows at the moment. We’re entertaining the possibility of doing some live shows in the future with Tim and Matt, but we’ve no idea yet what form they would take. For now, the DJ shows are going great. Me and Jim are often playing together doing back to back sets, sometimes long all night sessions of five, six or seven hours, which has been brilliant.
Previously, most of our shows were sound system shows with Dani and either me or Jim with her, or the full live band. It was rare that me and Jim got to play together, so it’s been great to strengthen our relationship.
You have been writing and producing together for a long time. What is inspiring you at the moment?
All sorts of things. Where I live in Todmorden is a big one. It’s got an amazing community, with one of the best pub venues in the country, The Golden Lion, at its centre. It’s the beating heart of the town. It hosts amazing bands and DJs and attracts a beautiful, diverse range of people.
There’s a vibrant music scene there, especially among the young. There’s some serious talent knocking about and you can’t help but feel inspired by that. The beautiful countryside has also brought a reinvigorating and much needed breath of fresh air.
Are you exploring any new material or directions in the studio, and what can you share about where the music might be heading?
Yes, we’re going back to our instrumental roots. In the early days it was just me and Jim and a load of samples. We’ve never lost that approach and it’s always been an important part of what we do. Some of our biggest tunes have been instrumentals with samples in, so we can take a bit of confidence from that.
Collaboration has always been central to your work. Have recent experiences changed the way you write or produce as a group?
We had a writing session with Tim and Matt earlier this year in March. The idea was more of a get together, really, but we took some studio gear with no pressure to do anything. We ended up jamming loads of new ideas and there was a real buzz in the room.
Me and Jim brought loads of samples in and we used those to trigger ideas and direction. We’re working through them in the studio at the moment.
Your fans have shown incredible support throughout the years. What does that connection mean to you as you return to the stage?
It’s meant the world to us. We’ve received such love and warmth from audiences this year. It’s been genuinely very moving and humbling. We feel blessed to have the numbers we do at our shows. It’s great to see loads of kids there, as well as the people who’ve been with us from the very start.
Is there anything you would like to say directly to the Brighton crowd ahead of the show?
Bring your smiles and your dancing shoes. You’re going to need them.
What do you hope people experience when they leave the Quarters event?
We genuinely hope people feel like they’ve been given something of the Crazy P experience despite the absence of our dear Dani. We hope they leave uplifted, emotional and sweaty.
After Brighton, what comes next for Crazy P?
Always more shows. There are a couple more this year, on the 26th in Liverpool and the 31st in Manchester at Social Service. There’s loads going on next year too, notably a residency at Night Tales in London every Friday in February, and a tour of Australia in March.
Me and Jim have plans to be back in the studio as well, with the aim of getting something released soon.
If you could sum up the next chapter for Crazy P in a few words or themes, what would they be?
Keep the balance. Stay humble. Be hopeful. Be kind.
After everything the band has lived through and achieved, what continues to motivate you to create, perform and stay connected to audiences?
Music will always be our passion and continues to give us energy and excitement. We’ve met some amazing and inspirational people along the way, which makes us hopeful for the future. We need a lot of that at the moment.
Speaking with Crazy P makes it clear that their commitment to the music and the people who support them has never wavered. This next stage of their journey is shaped by reflection, but also by a genuine desire to keep building, keep sharing and keep bringing people together.
When they step into the booth at Quarters, Brighton can expect warmth, honesty and the unmistakable spirit of Crazy P. It promises to be a night that reminds everyone why they remain such an important part of UK dance culture.
Tickets for the Quarters show have sold out but for more info head here.
