Graeme Park is a DJ and producer from Aberdeen, Scotland, born in 1963 and raised in Kirkcaldy. He becomes closely associated with the rise of UK house music and Manchester’s club culture, particularly through his work at the Haçienda.

Early career

In the early 1980s, Park works at the Select-a-Disc record shop in Nottingham, where he sources obscure house records from Chicago, Detroit and New York. He begins playing them at The Garage club in Nottingham in 1986. He also forms the Submission record label and releases some of the first UK house material under a range of names.

Haçienda years

In 1987 he joins Mike Pickering at the decks of the Haçienda in Manchester. A later account places his invitation there in 1988 as a cover set, but his long association with the club remains central to his career. He plays at the venue for eight years to a decade, depending on the account, and becomes one of the key figures linked to its house-music era.

DJ work and productions

Park continues to DJ internationally, with regular appearances across the UK, Europe and further afield, including Australia, South America, the USA and Asia. He also remixes for other artists. His productions appear under various names, including the single Shady by Gooden & Park, featuring Byron Stingily of Ten City on vocals, and his Yellow & Black project, which includes original tracks, remixes and collaborations.

Radio and later projects

He celebrates more than 15 years on radio, with shows on Kiss, Galaxy, Key 103, Radio City, Juice FM, Forth One and other stations. His weekly Graeme Park Radio Show airs on stations in the UK and overseas and mixes new and older tracks. He also launches an official app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch in March 2010.

Style and legacy

Park is known for playing classic house alongside newer music and for drawing on a large vinyl collection. He avoids being defined only as a “classics” DJ, instead continuing to present house music from its early roots through to newer material. His name appears carved into the steel timeline at the former Haçienda building, reflecting his significance in the club’s history.

Associated acts

His named associated acts include Park & Birch and Haçienda Classiçal.