Depeche Mode – Higher Love
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a huge Depeche Mode fan. Through high school and then college, my friends could find me mumbling one of their songs. In fact one night when I was listening to one of their tracks, it hit me that I should try to be a producer. Out of all their albums, I admit I am obsessed with ‘Songs of Faith and Devotion’. And my favorite track out of this album is the last one, ‘Higher Love’. Simply beautiful.
Thom Yorke – Cymbal Rush
After hearing this track and the album, I became a big Radiohead fan. Thom’s voice combined with Johnny’s unbelievable creativity always captivates you and makes you cry. If I come to this world again I would like to come as Johnny Greenwood!
Sasha – Baja
Sasha has always been one of my favorite DJ and producers. I was lucky to be part of the unforgettable Twilo nights and experience himself and Digweed back in the day. That magic is the reason why I still make music and DJ today. Back then I was very much into the raves and sounds like drum&bass, breakbeat and all that. I thought Sasha and his deep trance sound was commercial. But I did a 180 soon enough. After hearing ‘Expander’, I was simply blown away and became a huge fan of him and his progressive sound. Although ‘Expander’ is the hit of this amazing EP, I always thought the best track out this EP was ‘Baja’. Still sounds good today. Amazing music!
Hans Zimmer – S.T.A.Y / Interstellar
I look for different inspirations when I make music. And soundtracks have always done it for me. I have a huge collection of soundtracks and I enjoy doing an ‘only’ chill-out mix out of these soundtracks once every other year or so. Hans has always been my biggest inspiration. Watching him live in Paris last year was surely one of my best musical experiences. Anything he makes, even the harsh Dunkirk sound gives me goose bumps. Interstellar is one of my recent favorites. What an orchestral delight. Much respect to the living legend.
Guy J Lamur (AM mix)
The talented mighty Guy J. I guess some people came to this world just to make music. When you are able to write such a melody, you are destined to be on top. The first time I heard Lamur, I knew the original and I couldn’t believe how he made the track more emotional than it already was. I think he is the best progressive house producer of the past two decades. And here, one of the best melodies of all times in this genre.
Orbital – Adnans (original mix)
This takes me back to my rave days. I love every track in this album, ‘Insides’. Obviously I like ‘ Box ‘ too, but ‘Adnans’ wins this one with its deep pads and melodic journey. One can only wish for more of this kind of track nowadays.
Thievery Corporation – Shaolin Satellite
Thievery Corporation = Washington DC = my college years. I remember like yesterday the legendary 18th Lounge, home of Thievery Corporation, where I spent almost every night of the week! People are into deep house with ethnic samples nowadays. Many consider it a new sound. But years ago, in a galaxy not far away, Thievery had it covered. There was a tiny dance floor in the lounge, and DJs were playing acid jazz, trip-hop, very low bpm music and people were at it. Before it’s official release, every nightowl in DC already had this track in his or her heart. And being one these owls, it is only natural ‘Shaolin Satelite’ belongs to my all time favourite list.
Aphex Twin – Avril 14th
The craziest of all. Freaky for most of my friends back in the day but Aphex Twin has a really big impact on me. There is a reason why he is so famous. I love this track, it is one of my classic ambient tracks. With such an emotional solo piano he proves he is more than a crazy freaky electronic musician.
Chicane – Offshore
One of the best ambient tracks of all times. Beautiful Piano, melodies with mesmerising pads, top of its genre. Never gets old…
Layo & Bushwacka – Let the Good Time Roll
This track has a speical place in my heart as I first heard it on my first trip to Ibiza. We kept listening to this album (and Sasha’s ‘Airdrawndragger’) over and over again. An unforgettable summer holiday with the greatest friends, this is one of the best breakbeat tracks of all time !
Can’t beat that…
Pachanga Boys – Time
The best dance track produced this decade. Still one of my secret weapon when finishing a set; I am sure I will keep loving it for forever.
The Chemical Brothers – Lost in the K Hole
This track too reminds me of my college times in Washington DC. Some amazing times and amazing raves at Buzz club. I played it many, many times, and still play it if it hits me.
As a big fan of Chemical Brothers’ ‘Dig your own Hole’ album, it is the most playable track from the album. I love it and never get bored of it!
Sebastian Tellier – La Ritournelle
Beautiful… ! Even your parents will shed a tear or two when they listen to this track. Another big tune.
Johann Johannsson – The Theory of Everything
Johann Johannsson is one of my favorite composers. I love every track that he does. If you never listen to this soundtrack, I highly recommend it.
Gadi Mitrani’s ‘Swirly Angel’ EP (featuring a remix from Death on the Balcony) is out soon on Galaktika
