Medication’s what you need – if you want to be a record maker

Jon Carter, a prominent name in the big beat movement and Heavenly Records artist, is to return to music production with the release of his new album, Medication Time on Irvine Welsh’s Jack said What label on February 16.

A prominent figure in the 90s and 00s underground dance music scene, Carter, best known for being part of an influential group of UK DJs who were to set the musical tone of clubland and dance culture at the time. The set comprised of Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers and the late and much missed Andrew Weatherall, all residents at music institution and iconic club brand the Heavenly Social.

This new album showcases a diverse range of tracks, joyfully blending psychedelia with house, acid, techno, and electronica, reflecting Carter’s trademark eclecticism. Entitled Medication Time it serves as both therapy and medication for Carter, who believes in the healing power of music. Whilst the album has a positive, spiritual thread throughout, it’s inspired by his own experience with mental well-being. With a focus on normalising conversations about positive mental health, Carter, recently diagnosed with adult ADHD, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental well-being. He emphasises the importance of society openly acknowledging and appreciating those addressing their mental health either with or without medication.

The opening track, ‘Sail We Must’, is a poignant tribute to the late DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall, a close friend and inspiration to Carter. The album’s release coincides with the anniversary of Weatherall’s passing.

Reflecting on Weatherall’s impact, Carter shares, “Andrew’s passing affected me very deeply, and still does. Emotionally, I showed this openly. Sadly, this was also a point where I started to be medicated, not entirely correctly, and my mental well-being was also stigmatised.”

Medication Time holds additional significance, aligning with the anniversary of Andrew Weatherall’s passing and the 25th anniversary of the final Heavenly Social party at Turnmills in London, emphasising the interconnectedness of Carter’s music, personal journey, and the broader dance music community.