I’ve tried to include a track here from different era’s that I say influence my music now, as well as one older non electronic piece of music.
LTJ Bukem – music
At a time when rave music was using gimmicks and an abundance of obviously used samples to get attention, Bukem was showing us me the more progressive and subtle musical side of dance music. The emotion is there in abundance and the production was top notch. This still sounds fresh today and it was a difficult choice picking this over two of his other tracks, Horizons or Return to Atlantis.
Pink Floyd -- Shine on you crazy diamond
Pink Floyd were introduced to me by my father. This piece of music is not only an early example of synths being used to create effects but it also takes you on a journey over half an hour of music over it’s 5 parts. It’s simply epic and I think you can hear its influence in some of my music.
Jamie Principle – Baby Wants to Ride
This is just the wickedest house music. The b line bounces all over the place whilst the arp keeps you hypnotized and those vocals bring a sleazy element to the track. Pure dance floor stuff to make you jump around. The link I’ve put up is for the very original version before Frankie Knuckles picked it up. Blueprint House music at its finest.
Guy Gerber – Timing
I love this piece of music so much. I just think you don’t get better production anywhere, where feeling and emotion in the music meet excellent drum programming and basslines that take you on a journey. As with all these tracks, to me this is an epic bit of music.
KMA – Cape Fear
I had to have a UK House and garage era track in here too as it was a big part of my life for a few years in the mid to late 90s. I’ve picked this for its chunky, nasty beats and amazing groove when it drops. I actually heard someone drop it in Circo Loco in London a few years back at 6am and it fitted in with today’s sound perfectly!
Alexis Raphael plays Carnival Cities at Sankeys Ibiza this Saturday September 7, then the closing party on Saturday 28 September.