Fool’s Paradise makes its long-awaited live debut at fabric tonight

Fool’s Paradise makes its long-awaited live debut at fabric this Saturday 18 April, landing as a day party built on the same ethos that has defined the label from the start: house music as a living, evolving language. Rooted in emotional intelligence and musicianship rather than nostalgia, the imprint continues to carve out a sound that feels both timeless and sharply tuned to today’s dancefloors.

Headlining the launch is New York pioneer Todd Terry, a figure whose influence stretches from the raw swing of late-80s productions through to the global crossover of the 90s. His catalogue didn’t just soundtrack an era — it helped shape the blueprint for modern house music as we know it.

Founded by Mark Knight, Fool’s Paradise has always operated in the present tense. Built on trust in the records rather than hype, the label channels disco, soul and classic house as underlying influences, never crutches — each release a forward-facing statement of intent.

With fabric’s reputation for world-class sound and long-form programming, the setting couldn’t be more fitting. Running from mid-afternoon into late evening, the day party format offers space for deeper musical storytelling, favouring flow and connection over quick-hit peak-time moments.

Ahead of the night, we catch up with Jay Vegas.

You’ve been shaping house and disco for decades — how does it feel to still be evolving your sound with releases like ‘Sunshine People’ on Fool’s Paradise?

My enthusiasm for house and disco is as strong as it has ever been. I was making this style of music before it recently became popular again. So to continue my journey with Fool's Paradise, a label that shares my passion for quality music - has definitely pushed me to dig deeper and raise the bar and take my music to the next level.

Your music has always drawn from classic disco and house influences — how do you approach reworking something as iconic as Brass Construction’s ‘Happy People’ while still making it feel fresh for today’s dancefloor?

I always try to produce contemporary sounding tracks, that don't lose the magic of the original idea. I like to come up with something that has longevity. With 'Happy People' I wanted to capture the essence of the original, but give it a more solid groove and add some of my own touches. Such as the disco strings and brass phrases that aren't in the original. Making it a bit more sassy in places. It's funny, a lot of people thought it was a direct sample from the original, when in fact it's all replays. Even Randy Mullers publishers took some convincing that no sample of the master copy was used. 

Fool’s Paradise is quickly becoming a key label in the scene — what is it about Mark Knight’s vision for the label that resonates with you as an artist?

I think Mark and I share the same ethos and we have very similar tastes in music. We both like music that has its own signature, that can stand the test of time. Mark is very good at nurturing and encouraging artists. He's very astute and knows how to get things over the line. He also likes to bring people together.

A sense of community is extremely important and is something that is getting lost in current society. People want to be part of something that makes them feel valued.

You’re set to play the first-ever Fool’s Paradise event at fabric — what can people expect from your set, and how will it reflect both your roots and where your sound is now?

I'm really looking forward to this event. Hopefully it's going to turn into a bit of a movement - a party that can be done on a regular basis. I always try to make records that I want to play out. So I'll be trying out a few of my own unreleased tracks and remixes; including my brand new collaboration with Mark Knight called 'Give Me Your Love' that's coming out on Fool's Paradise this weekend.

No better place to test out new music, in such an iconic club that is Fabric! I've always stuck to my roots, so expect funky, energetic beats with a touch of soul.

With such a stacked lineup including Todd Terry, Norman Jay MBE and Grant Nelson, what does it mean to be part of a bill that bridges house music’s foundations with its current wave?

What can I say. It's an honour to be on the same bill as these guys. Grant is a friend and a genuine guy, who has influenced me as a producer. Talk about having your own signature. He has it in multiple genres. He's also an amazing DJ. One of my favourites. Todd, well...where would we be without his iconic beats and killer stab hooks. He's one of the innovators of house music. There are so many great dj's and producers on this line up. It's definitely the talk of the town. Big up Mark, Fabric and all the guys who work in the background for making this happen. It's going to be off the hook!