Sigrid – Strangers
Favourite song right now. She’s a breath of fresh air and this song is just great.
Daft Punk – Around The World
The Homework album was one of my first introductions to dance music. I remember being in the back of my brothers Ford Fiesta being blown away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOngRDVtEQI
Drake – Hold On We’re Going Home
My dad loves a Drake song. Enough said.
Phantom Planet – California
I’m obsessed with alternative americana of the early 2000s. There’s a sunny, positivity in the sounds and the lyrics that we definitely try to borrow in our tunes. I never watched the OC, but I love this song. I’ve also just realised that we borrowed the title for our latest single. Non-intentionally of course.
The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
I grew up on the Beach Boys. Their discography is ingrained in me. However, it was later in my teenage years that I discovered the complexity and genius of their music and God Only Knows is definitely no exception. Possibly my favourite of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkPy18xW1j8
Imogen Heap – Hide & Seek
I heard Hide & Seek on myspace and it was the very first time I ever heard a vocoder. I became obsessed and instantly put all my efforts into trying to figure out how to replicate the sound. That was about 10 years ago and I haven’t stopped using it since. I’d use it on every single song if I could.
The Beatles – Blackbird
Blackbird is “that” guitar song that everybody learns. There’s absolutely no doubt it’s a phenomenal song but the reason I’ve mentioned it in this list is because it taught me how to play guitar in that two finger, singer-songwriter, plucked way. Swap the acoustic out for an electric and you’ve got the basis of every campfire EDM tune from Lost Frequencies – Are You With Me to Kygo – It Ain’t Me.
Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
This version of this song does something to me that I can’t explain. The song didn’t connect when it was originally released by Leonard Cohen and this version only became popular posthumously. I find the journey of Hallelujah fascinating.
Kodaline – All I Want
When we first started working together we were obsessed with this song. We still are. Fast forward five years and we’ve had the privileged to have worked with the guys on their latest record.
ELO – Mr. Blue Sky
Jeff Lynne’s vocal production changed the game for me. Who doesn’t love a bit of ELO?
Responsible for a wealth of huge commercial releases, production pair ROOKIES have unveiled the official video for their debut single ‘California’, a dreamy summer anthem fuelled by upbeat chords, and a soft bass-backed melody.
Shot across a series of Californian locations, the official video, centres around the passionate relationship of two women, who spend the course of the production losing their souls to one another through their consumption of love and joy, fuelled by special and memorable moments.
Grainy and hazy in shade, the smoky colours of the piece give off a real retro-summer vibe.
Made up of Welsh pair Mags and Sandles, ROOKIES have carved a reputation as one of dance music’s most in-demand duos, producing chart-topping tracks for the likes of Sam Feldt, Don Diablo, and Calum Scott – with legendary Dutch DJ Tiesto remixing the latter.
The two mix their productions in line with their artistic vision, with ‘California’ centring around the warm days in the golden US state. The track precedes the Spring time release of their next singles ‘Pay Check’ and ‘This Body’ – later on in 2018.
Inspired by acts like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the 90s Britpop boom, ROOKIES are not your stereotypical DJ project, with the pair writing tracks organically on guitar and piano, as Sandles takes control of vocals.
Two of the most versatile writers and producers in the industry, ROOKIES have racked up over 10 Top 40 hits in the UK via their individual production monikers, with ‘California’ serving as a lush hazy embodiment of the duo’s combined aural styles.
Check out the gloriously gorgeous and sun-soaked video for ‘California’ is out now via Positiva Virgin EMI / disco:wax
