Legendary DJ and nightlife icon Dave Beer, the driving force behind the immortal Back To Basics night in Leeds, releases his debut album, ‘What Goes Around’, alongside his long-term collaborators The Blessed. This deeply personal and uplifting collection of tracks reflects Beer’s journey through hardship and healing, transforming near-fatal adversity into a testament to the power of music and the human spirit.

‘What Goes Around’ celebrates a life lived to the full. From the middle of the dancefloor and behind the decks for over 30 years, Dave has conducted a slew of memorable nights out in Leeds and via Back To Basics on tour. He’s always worn his huge heart on his sleeve and treated others with respect, selflessly putting others before himself and building up his talented associates. As such, his Basics night gave UK debuts to US DJs such as Danny Tenaglia, Derrick Carter and Francois K; early opportunities to Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada; and helped nurture resident DJs such as Ralph Lawson, Denney, Paul Woolford, Tristan da Cunha, James Holroyd, Huggy and Burnski. Now it’s his turn to shine.

Dave had a health scare last year, nearly dying of cancer. He’s now in remission and has converted to Buddhism, a state of mind that’s allowed him to look back on his storied career with a fresh perspective. This newfound clarity has led to him finalising the tracks for his album with a vibrant positivity. “This album is a celebration of life,” says Dave. “It’s about facing your demons, finding your peace, and remembering the joy that connects us all. I’m incredibly proud to share this journey with the world.”

Opener ‘For The Beloved’, the first single to be released from the album — which came with some cracking Todd Terry remixes — sees Dave and cohorts team up with amazing house singer Robert Owens. Owens’ soulful vocal delivery, recorded during a stay in Leeds, is rich with warmth and sincerity, perfectly complementing the track’s message of gratitude and love.

Tracks like ‘Come Together’ and ‘Love Is Everywhere’ are infused with positivity, while ‘Deep Heat’ is more of a glitchy bassy beast. The sample on ‘Basic Vibes’ clearly dedicates itself to his infamous club night, while ‘Erectile’ is infused with breaths of life and a cheeky joie de vivre.

‘You Don’t See Me’ is stripped down and funky, while ‘Herbie’ is a dusky squelch-athon for smokey late night floors at twisted o’clock. Closing track ‘Community’ — one of the singles that was accompanied by a high-octane Utah Saints remix — is formulated on a breakbeat bedding and is all about coming together as a community. With the forces of darkness looking to divide people, its message of hope and connectivity feels more contemporary than ever.

Dave has been a vital cog in shaping electronic music culture into what it is today. This larger than life Yorkshireman is now giving back again via this fine selection of dance tracks on ‘What Goes Around’.

“From a spiritual point of view, it’s what it says on the tin,” says Dave of the album. “The world, the universe and time itself goes around, as does the effect you have on people — the vibration you give off is what you receive, cause and effect. The message is meant in a wholeheartedly positive light, a natural cycle of birth and rebirth. With my new Buddhist beliefs it’s all about the love you give out, and rebirth. A reflection of life. Records go round, the world goes round, the seasons and life go round. ‘What Goes Around’.”

The cycle of life continues. This album is the manifestation of Dave’s indomitable spirit, proof that even when life knocks you down you can rise again, stronger, and more grateful for the journey than ever.