Roots in the Underground – The 1990s Beginnings
Simon Baker’s journey through the realms of house music began in the gritty, high-energy club scene of Birmingham in the 1990s. At a time when rave culture and underground house were defining a generation, Simon found his calling amidst the flashing lights, smoke machines, and pulsating basslines of the city’s most beloved venues. His earliest sets were at the now-infamous TinTins Club and Nightingales, two hotspots that helped shape the sound and vibe of Birmingham’s house music scene.
TinTins, with its raw industrial aesthetic, provided a perfect backdrop for Simon’s deep and electrifying house sets. Meanwhile, Nightingales allowed him to explore a slightly more eclectic palette, fusing funk-infused rhythms from classic to french-filtered house. It was in these clubs that Simon honed his craft—not only as a DJ but as a curator of vibes, reading the crowd with razor-sharp precision and building euphoric journeys that kept dancers locked in until the early hours.
Creating a Movement – House Of Music (HOM)
With his reputation firmly established and his passion for house music undiminished, Simon took the bold step of curating his own weekly event. He launched House Of Music (HOM), a Saturday night club in the attic of Nightingales. It quickly became more than just a night out—it was a movement, a sanctuary for purists and newcomers alike to lose themselves in proper, feel-good house.
HOM wasn’t just about the beats; it was about community. Simon’s infectious energy, his deep vinyl cuts, and his willingness to experiment turned the attic into a hedonistic haven. The room often felt like it was levitating as dancers responded to seamless transitions between uplifting piano house, tribal grooves, and deep, bass-heavy tracks. With no pretense and an emphasis on joy, HOM was both nostalgic and forward-thinking, keeping house music’s essence alive while embracing the genre’s evolving styles.
From Local Legend to Superclub Stages
Simon’s influence couldn’t be contained within Birmingham’s borders for long. As word of his talent spread, so did the opportunities. One of the crowning achievements in his DJ career was gracing the decks at Godskitchen, one of the UK’s most iconic superclubs. Known for hosting some of the biggest names in dance music, Godskitchen represented the pinnacle of credibility—and Simon delivered sets that easily matched the international standard.
Whether he was playing to hundreds or thousands, Simon retained the same approach: authentic, groove-laden, and emotionally resonant. He didn’t chase trends. Instead, he guided crowds through a story, often drawing on classics and hidden gems, balancing peak-time energy with subtle, hypnotic moments that demonstrated his maturity behind the decks.
Hype and the Weekly Ritual
Simon’s presence wasn’t just reserved for big stages. True to his roots, he maintained a weekly residency at Hype, a beloved house night that attracted a dedicated crowd of enthusiasts. At Hype, Simon found the perfect balance between regularity and reinvention. Each week brought something fresh—new tracks, unexpected remixes, mashups—but the heart remained the same: house music in its purest form.
Dancers came not only for the music but for the atmosphere Simon fostered. His connection with the dancefloor was electric. He could make a room erupt with a perfectly timed drop or bring it down to a simmer with a sensual deep house groove. For many, Saturday nights at Hype were not complete without a Simon Baker set. The club became a weekly pilgrimage spot for those seeking a euphoric release from the monotony of the workweek, and it often went on until the early hours.
A Signature Sound and Timeless Style
What made Simon Baker stand out wasn’t just his technical ability—it was his signature sound. Rooted in the golden age of house but infused with modern sensibilities, Simon’s sets were unmistakably his. He had a knack for layering chunky basslines with melodic hooks, often introducing old-school acapellas over contemporary grooves, creating a timeless fusion that felt both familiar and new.
He wasn’t afraid to dig deep into crates for vinyl treasures or sample underground releases that never hit mainstream airwaves. That musical integrity earned him immense respect from fellow DJs and dancers alike. You’d often hear someone on the dancefloor say, “Only Simon would have dropped that track,” moments after he surprised the crowd with an obscure classic or a reworked anthem from decades past.
Beyond the Booth – Mentor and Tastemaker
While his performances were his most public-facing art form, Simon also became a mentor to many up-and-coming DJs in the Birmingham scene. He believed in sharing knowledge, championing local talent, and keeping the spirit of house music alive for future generations. Whether giving feedback on a demo mix or offering advice on navigating club politics, Simon was generous with his time and wisdom, and he took DJ James Flavell under his wing.
As a tastemaker, he curated countless playlists and warm-up sets that helped shape people’s taste in music. His record collection was legendary—not just for its size, but for its breadth and depth. From soulful US imports to hard-to-find UK white labels, Simon’s musical library was a time capsule of house music history and evolution.
A Legacy Etched in Rhythm
Simon Baker’s contribution to Birmingham’s house music scene—and the UK’s broader club culture—cannot be overstated. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was an architect of memories, a keeper of the house flame, and a guiding light for those who lived for the beat. In clubs big and small, under laser beams or disco balls, he gave people something to believe in—music that moved them, connected them, and stayed with them long after the last record played.
Whether it was the packed attic at HOM, the electric energy of Hype, or the massive rooms of Godskitchen, Simon delivered with passion and purpose. His story is one of dedication, authenticity, and love for the music that gave him his voice—and gave countless others a reason to dance.
DJ Simon Baker
House Music DJ | Birmingham Legend | Founder of House Of Music (HOM)
About
With a career spanning over three decades, DJ Simon Baker is a true pioneer of Birmingham’s house music scene. From his early days behind the decks at iconic venues like TinTins Club and Nightingales, to founding the legendary House Of Music (HOM) nights, Simon’s name has become synonymous with authentic house.
Known for his seamless mixing, deep musical knowledge, and ability to create unforgettable atmospheres, Simon has carved out a respected legacy across the Birmingham House Scene.
Career Highlights
- 1990s Resident DJ at TinTins and Nightingales, shaping Birmingham’s early house scene
- S.L.A.G Regularly performing at S.L.A.G (Straight, Lesbian & Gay) for the beloved and missed house club promoter Black Pat.
- Founder of House Of Music (HOM) – a legendary Saturday night club hosted in the attic at Nightingales
- Godskitchen Performer – played alongside global names at one of the UK’s most iconic superclubs
- Weekly Resident at Hype, delivering high-energy house sets to a dedicated crowd of music lovers
- Mentor & Tastemaker – championing up-and-coming DJs and sharing decades of house music wisdom
House Of Music (HOM)
Founded by Simon in the attic of Nightingales, House Of Music became one of Birmingham’s most beloved underground house events. With its joyful, intimate vibe and focus on quality music, HOM was a haven for those who lived and breathed house. The Saturday night sessions became legendary, with HOM etched into the memory of a generation of clubbers.
Signature Sound
Simon Baker’s sound is instantly recognisable—classic house grooves blended with modern rhythms, unexpected remixes, and hidden gems. His sets are journeys through deep, soulful beats, uplifting piano melodies, and funk-infused basslines. Whether it’s a rare vinyl cut or a modern house anthem, Simon’s selections always move the floor.
Legacy & Influence
Simon’s contribution to the Birmingham house scene goes beyond the booth. As a mentor and tastemaker, he’s guided countless aspiring DJs, curated influential mixes, and preserved the rich traditions of house music through every set he plays. His passion for the music and the people who love it continues to inspire dancefloors and fellow DJs alike.
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