1. Thor Rixon & Deep Aztec – Dark Side
This is my latest collaboration with a fellow South African, Deep Aztec. We have both been producing and releasing house music for the past few years, but we’ve recently been delving in funk and soul, which we tried to capture with this single and video.
The sounds, groove and feel of the track is directly influenced by global funk and bedroom pop. We’re super proud of how the track and video turned out and hope that whoever listens to it has as much fun and joy as we had making it.
2. St Germain – Rose Rouge
This is one of my all-time favorite tracks. St Germain is a genius. My mom had ‘Tourist’ on CD and we would blast this every day driving to and from school. I think, subconsciously, this record has influenced my song writing fundamentally.
3. RAS – Kaki (Thor Rixon Remix)
I had to put this one in here as it’s another one of my tracks that I am very proud of. It’s a remix of a track called ‘Kaki’ by some close friends of mine RAS, who everyone should check out. They have so much incredible musicality and brilliant song writing abilities. It comes to them so naturally. Anyway, I was very honoured to remix this song and had so much fun doing it.
4. Rick Flair & Klaus Layer – I Got The Fever Baby
I heard this song a few months back when I was half listening to my ‘discover weekly’ playlist on Spotify while I was doing some work or something and it immediately caught my ear. (love it when this happens). I’m a huge fan of the bassline, chopped vocal lines, chord progression & old school feeling of this one.
5. Against All Logic – Some Kind Of Game
Nicolas Jaar is one of my all-time idols. He can do no wrong in my eyes. I’ve always been a big fan of his more dance music orientated work which is exactly what Against All Logic is. His use of drums, percussion and rhythm is so unique and powerful. Listening to his work always leaves me very inspired.
6. Channel Tres – Controller
One of the artists I’m listening to the most at the moment. Again, an artist who leans towards funk and soul from the past. Everyone one of his tracks slap so hard. His songwriting and vocals get me every time. This track is one of my favourites of his. \
7. Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey
A classic. Need I say more?
8. Jayda G – Both Of Us
It’s such a big tune! This track has made me, and I’m sure many others, feel very hopeful & optimistic in this pretty dark time.
9. Blaqkongo – Somthin’ Bout U
A good friend from South Africa Blaqkongo has been putting out some really great house music and this track is one of my favourites of his. The progression and sound selection on this one is perfect. I’m really looking forward to hearing their upcoming releases.
I would highly recommend you check him out.
10. Gourmet – Baby Boy
And lastly, another good friend Gourmet aka Spaghetti Boy is one of South Africa (and the worlds) hidden gems. You really need to go check their music videos. They are works of art, Gourmet is also one of the most unique artists I know, with such a fresh aesthetic and sound.
Look, no computers! Thor Rixon shows his ‘Dark Side’ – ft. Deep Aztec
The charismatic producer crafts a special surprise blend of nu-disco, lo-fi and house, written entirely on analog drum-machines, synthesizers, samplers and his very own custom-built modular synth and recorded on 1/8″ tape. Eschewing the computer allows a sound that’s warm, dirty and full of deep grooves, channelling global-funk & bedroom pop.
Born in Cape Town, Thor has been immersed in the heart of Berlin’s music scene for the last five years. ‘Deep Aztec and I have worked closely together for years. We wrote ‘Dark Side’ when Aza was visiting Berlin from Cape Town in September 2019’ Thor says. ‘We wrote the song in an afternoon in my very humble bedroom studio. Everything just flowed in that session and it all happened so fast. We felt we had found something special once we were done that day.’
The video was shot in Cape Town with FarOutFilms mid-March before worldwide lockdown, then edited and sculpted with animator Caitie Weare. ‘We wanted a very nostalgic lo-fi aesthetic to match the tone of the track. The message and concept of the track is the relationship we have between love and drugs; our reliance on a ‘good time’ and how that can lead to a ‘dark side’. We tried to convey this message with the visuals using positive ‘good time’ footage which slowly devolves into disturbing and ‘dark’ imagery.’
Connect with Thor Rixon:
https://www.instagram.com/thorrixon
https://www.facebook.com/thorrixon
