/album/active-x-trax-ii While many UK producers were leaning toward breakbeats and the big rave-driven sound of the era, Simmonds found himself experimenting between both worlds. The result was the Active X-TraX series: music that reflected the tension and creativity of that moment.
The first release, Active X-TraX, appeared on Baby Blue Records and carried more of the UK-influenced sound of the period. The second release, Active X-TraX II, marked a turning point. After being introduced to Detroit producer Mike Huckaby and visiting Detroit, Simmonds became deeply inspired by the city’s musical philosophy and approach to house and techno.
That influence led to the launch of Cross Section Music, where the Active X-TraX II release became the label’s first step. From that moment the Cross Section story began, rooted in the meeting point between UK underground energy and the deep musical traditions of Detroit.
#1994 #crosssectionmusic #chrissimmonds
Hello beautiful people!!!
We are very honoured and excited to announce our next event of the year on 9th May, with one of our biggest bookings of the year, the one and only Chris Simmonds!!!!
Chris is a London born DJ / Producer & Percussionist and comes from a musical family background going back as far as 1977.
Chris Simmonds aka Kidsmart, House Proud People, Smooth & Simmonds, Deluxe & Simmonds, Retro Emotion, Private Funk, Bakers Dozen. The Push Button Orchestra, The Chris Simmonds Project and Urban Influence are just a few of the pseudonyms and more well known co productions that Chris has been known as on his musical journey to date, a favourite amongst the underground house music scene since the late 80's.
Cross Section Music was set up by Lorraine Kempster who in later years became Chris's wife. The label which maintains a great standing with tracks still being championed today from 1996!
Cross Section has been host to artists such as Mike Huckaby, Tim Deluxe and DJ Sneak, Todd Terry, Demuir, Jason Hodges & Magoo. Chris has worked with musicians such as Jeff Lorber, Basement Jaxx, Roselie Niclasson, Shena Winchester, Sabrina Malheiros, Luke Buttery and Rick Braun and Xantone Blaq.
Chris has remixed for a host of labels such as BMG, Ministry Of Sound, Inhouse Records, Fourth & Broadway, Robsoul, Music For Freaks, Houseguest, Magnetic Recordings and Planet E to name a few, and his remix of DJ Assassin “Face in The Crowd” was shortlisted by Mixmag to be one of the Best Dance Tracks of all time!
This is Chris' first visit to Plymouth, so we are extremely excited and privileged to have him join us. A true musical magician who is guaranteed to take you on a journey, the likes of which you have never been before!!
We also welcome back into the rotation, the Southwests' favourite New Zealander "Fourjak", who played such a blinder last time he joined us that we just had to have him return!!!
As always, Supporting will be BUFS and Johny 5 ❤️
This is not an event to be missed folks - early bird tickets are now available on fatsoma through the link in our bio. Get them in while they are still there 😬
We cant wait to see you on the dancefloor!
After the successful Beatport exclusive release “ Back In Da Old Skool” by Rory Northall, this track has done really well already.
Now it is time to release this energetic, timeless and uplifting track on the Cross Section Music website.
The link to check this gem out:
/shop/
Buying “Back In Da Old Skool” through the Cross Section Music website supports the artist and the label.
#crosssectionmusic #newrelease #housemusic #buythistrack #rorynorthall
Some tracks just stay with you.
"Sunny Side Up" was originally made with Chris Simmonds for @crosssectionmusic back in the 90s. We're bringing it back — a 2026 version for the new Retro Emotion album, out in September.
Mixing is underway as we speak. Still a lot of work to do, but hearing this one come back to life has been something else.
More soon. 🎛️
#RetroEmotion #CrossSectionRecords #ChrisSimmonds #BackToLife #HouseMusic #JazzFunk #IndependentMusic
Chris is ready for his roadtrip to Plymouth! The secret folder and special Cross Section Music material are packed.
So everything is prepared to travel to Plymouth and play an amazing set for Housewerk at Cosmic Kitchen!
Unfortunately there is no HouseproudTV live stream this Saturday!
Chris hopes to see familiar faces in Plymouth tomorrow!
#crosssectionmusic #chrissimmonds #housewerk #plymouth #cosmickitchen
A true underground pioneer joins us this Saturday 9th May, at Cosmic Kitchen in Plymouth. We welcome DJ, Producer & Cross Section Music label owner, Mr Chris Simmonds.
The epitome of the underground scene for nearly 40 years. Expect a musical journey, the likes of which you will never forget.
Dont miss out on this rare opportunity, it will be extremely special. We can not wait and hope to see you on the dancefloor!!
Chris will be joining Bufs, Johny5 and Fourjak on Saturday the 9th of May at the Cosmic Kitchen in Plymouth for Housewerk!
We’re sure he’ll be selecting some cuts from that special folder of unreleased and re-edited House music, presented in his own unique style.
So let’s get down to GET DOWN! NoFlimFlam! #chrissimmonds #houseproudtv #crosssectionmusic #cosmickitchen #plymouth
A LIFETIME OF HOUSE - 3 DECADES DEEP! (Pt-2)
Since 1990, timeless & tested, Chris has kept the flame of his authentic and underground sound burning steadily to the present day!
Here we have a small selection of the numerous productions and compilations Chris released between 2000 - 2010.
STILL DOING IT - NO FLIM FLAM!
We have the honour of a true underground pioneer with a discography spanning over 30 years joining us on 9th May - you do not want to miss it. Tickets are available in our bio!!
At the age of 10, music found me. I was taught how to play percussion and drums by my brother and uncle. I would listen and practice by playing along to some of the greats, Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Ralph MacDonald and Paulinho Da Costa, to name a few of the world-class session drummers and percussionists.
I’m forever out checking drums and percussion in music, and I’d love the opportunity to play live again just once, but not without considerable practice, as I’m a bit rusty right now! #crosssectionmusic #chrissimmonds #houseproudtv #thingsyoudidntknowaboutme
The new release “memories of our lives” (Paul Frazer Clarke) remixed by Chris Simmonds is online on
This picture represents one of the best memories Chris wants to show you.
Seven years ago Chris had the opportunity and pleasure to meet these legends during a recording session in his studio. They shared ideas and their passion for music. One of Chris’ best memories of his life!
#crosssectionmusic #chrissimmonds #houseproudtv #housemusic #houselegends
We would love to start streaming Housekeeping Tuesday again. Can you let us know in the comments what you prefer? Once a month, every two weeks or every week?
Thank you so much for your help!
#houseproudtv #housekeepingtuesday #chrisssimmonds #crosssectionmusic
In 1994 Cross Section Music was founded and has stayed a powerful label all these decades. Despite the changes in the music industry, Chris has always had an eye for the future but always stayed true to himself! You can check out the latest and previous releases on
#crosssectionmusic #chrissimmonds #houseproudtv #housemusic
