We ask some of bass music’s finest to choose five tunes from any era, any genre, any period of their lives that have not only inspired or influenced them but also changed their lives in some way.
I remember being young and seeing the Ministry of Sound branding everywhere. I would always think to myself, “There’s a Ministry of Sound? This place sounds magical.”
Stardust “Music Sounds Better With You” (Roulé Music, 1998)
The days of repetitive, overly sampled disco and Motown records in house music are all but long gone, but when I look back on some of my favorite dance chart-toppers around this time, I can’t help but come back to this little gem of a track. I was four years old when this track came out, but I remember even then, as a child, moving into this new millennium and starting to understand and comprehend the power of music and its effect on us—truly, a great record.
Get it at Spotify
Artful Dodger “Woman Trouble” (ft. Craig David) (London Records, 2000)
One thing that I feel has also helped shaped me as a person, and in turn as a producer, is the fact that I grew up with separated parents. It may sound odd, but living between a smaller town and a big city with lots of radio stations exposes you to different kinds of music. My mother and the family I lived with in my hometown listened to a lot of swing, country, gospel and also traditional South American music, like tango. My father, and family in Sydney [Australia] introduced me to hip-hop, reggae, UK garage and house. This record in particular is something I can remember my father blasting through the house when he was cleaning or preparing for guests to arrive. It’s safe to say that it kick-started my love for UK garage.
Get it at Spotify
Eric Prydz “Call On Me” (Ministry of Sound, 2004)
In my books, this one is undeniable. I was 10 years old when this beast dropped. I remember it playing in malls and adverts, on the radio and on Video Hits. Its one of those tracks that really helped shape my love for electronic music. I remember being young and seeing the Ministry of Sound branding everywhere, this song would soon follow and I would always think to myself, “There’s a Ministry of Sound? This place sounds magical.” Last year, I was lucky enough to release a compilation with Ministry of Sound and do an Australian and New Zealand tour. So, this track is special to me in a “who would have though it?” kind of way.
Get it at Beatport | iTunes | Spotify
Skrillex “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” (Big Beat Records, 2010)
When I got a hold of the internet and began to find my own way through music I was introduced to Pendulum, which sparked my love for production. Through Pendulum, I was introduced to Caspa & Rusko and after listening to a bit of early brostep (shout outs to Chrispy) I finally stumbled upon Skrillex, who quickly became a huge inspiration and huge influence on my music. This track is the track that set the ball in motion and started my career.
Get it at Beatport | iTunes | Spotify
Lido “Money” (Pelican Fly, 2014)
I chose this track because it’s a mix between future beats and gospel with a hint of R&B/neo-soul. The chords are amazing and the musicality is astounding and it makes me want to be a better composer. I will always strive to be a better composer and Lido is a huge inspiration to me. Do yourself a favor and purchase this EP; you won’t regret it.