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Exclusive Interview with Soundrivemusic.com

Bringing together like-minded DJs and music enthusiasts to celebrate the sound that inspired us all, I believe that music is more than just a commodity; it’s an experience that should be shared and enjoyed together. A space where artists can express themselves freely, and you can immerse yourself in the music without any distractions.” Simon Field

Read the full interview from the chat I had with Soundrive not long ago from my collaboration with Jame Hurr and Georgia Meek on Vibe Like That to my vision for Basement.

10 Iconic Underground House Records from the 90s: Exploring the House Music Scene in New York and London

inspired by the underground house scene in the 90s, Basement Records and Basement Sessions became renowned for their cutting-edge mix of soulful vocals, deep basslines, and infectious beats. Here are 20 underground house records from the 90s that describe the house scene in New York and London.

Masters At Work – “The Ha Dance”

This track by Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez and Louie Vega of Masters At Work features a classic house beat and a catchy vocal sample. With its jazzy sound and Latin percussion, it became an instant club classic and a favorite at New York’s Sound Factory.

Kerri Chandler – “Atmosphere”

Known as the “King of House Music,” Kerri Chandler’s “Atmosphere” is a deep and soulful track with lush chord progressions and a hypnotic bassline. It’s a perfect example of the “deep house” genre that became popular in the underground club scene in London.

Lil Louis – “French Kiss”

Considered one of the most iconic tracks in house music history, Lil Louis’ “French Kiss” features a seductive vocal sample and a pulsing synth bassline that became instantly recognizable. It was a staple at clubs like New York’s Paradise Garage and London’s Ministry of Sound.

Armand Van Helden – “The Funk Phenomena”

Armand Van Helden’s “The Funk Phenomena” is a high-energy track with a funky bassline and samples from James Brown and Public Enemy. It became a hit in both New York and London and solidified Van Helden’s status as a leading figure in the house music scene.

Todd Terry – “Jumpin'”

With its infectious beat and catchy vocal sample, Todd Terry’s “Jumpin'” was a crowd favorite at New York’s Tunnel and London’s Ministry of Sound. Terry’s signature “hard house” style influenced many other producers in the scene.

DJ Sneak – “You Can’t Hide From Your Bud”

DJ Sneak’s “You Can’t Hide From Your Bud” is a funky and playful track with a catchy vocal sample and a deep bassline. It became a staple at Chicago’s Warehouse club and was later popularized in the UK by DJs like Sasha and John Digweed.

DJ Pierre – “Muzik Set You Free”

DJ Pierre’s “Muzik Set You Free” features a sample from First Choice’s “Let No Man Put Asunder” and a driving house beat. It was a favorite at New York’s Club Shelter and helped define the “acid house” genre.

Robert Owens – “I’ll Be Your Friend”

With its soulful vocals and uplifting lyrics, Robert Owens’ “I’ll Be Your Friend” became an anthem of the house music scene in the 90s. It was a staple at clubs like New York’s Palladium and London’s Ministry of Sound.

Frankie Knuckles – “Tears

As one of the pioneers of house music, Frankie Knuckles’ “Tears” is a classic track with a soulful vocal performance by Robert Owens. It became an instant hit at Chicago’s Warehouse and New York’s Sound Factory.

Ten City – “That’s The Way Love Is”

Ten City’s “That’s The Way Love Is” features a powerful vocal performance by Byron Stingily and a catchy piano riff. It became a club favorite in both New York and London and helped define the “garage house” sound.

Funky tech house

There are many talented funky tech house producers, and it can be difficult to determine who the “most important” ones are. However, here are a few artists who are well-regarded in the genre:

Green Velvet – a Chicago-based DJ and producer known for his unique blend of house and techno music, including funky tech house tracks like “Flash” and “La La Land”.

Patrick Topping – a British DJ and producer who has gained popularity for his energetic and catchy tech house tracks, including “Be Sharp Say Nowt” and “Forget”.

Solardo – a UK-based duo known for their high-energy tech house tracks, including “Tribesmen” and “Be Somebody”.

Jamie Jones – a Welsh DJ and producer who is known for his genre-bending tracks that often incorporate elements of tech house, house, and techno, including “Hungry for the Power” and “Summertime”.

Claude VonStroke – a California-based producer and head of the Dirtybird record label, who has been a driving force in the funky tech house scene for many years. Some of his popular tracks include “Who’s Afraid of Detroit?” and “The Whistler”.

Again, there are many other talented artists in this genre, and opinions about who is “most important” can vary widely.

Here a playlist combing Funky Tech House and Jackin House

How to build a successful playlist

Sinces 2015 I´ve been building my Ibiza Deep House playlist step by step. It´s time I try to sum up some of the learning on the way so you can build your dream playlist. A playlist is in many ways like a dynamic compilation or even a record-shelf. It is meant to make it convenient for the listeners either to discover new tracks or to cover some sort of need like training, chilling on the beach having a party at home. My tips here is from an artist perspective. So feel free to share this with fellow artists, labels and managers.

artist playlists spotify

Make a clear unique theme

In order for your playlist to have some sort of identity, make a clear theme or a thesis to answer to the need that the playlist cover. Also, as with songwriting, make the title unique. We REALLY don´t need any more Chill, Deep House, Mellow, TikTok, Training or Running playlists on ANY streaming service. The playlist will eventually be a part of your artist identity and the last thing you want is to be generic! The playlist might be the first time a listener finds out about you – so make that experience special!

Love your playlist

If you don´t relate to your playlist – no-one else will. Your playlist is the go to record shelf, your favourite gems. Dear to be unique and personal. Listen to your playlist at least a couple of times a week. If you are tired of one of the songs, delete it. The more you listen to stuff YOU like, the better will also Spotify serve up relevant song suggestions in Discover Weekly and other algorithmic playlists. Use that to your advantage. You might even be inspired to make music that is more you!

Music in the car
Listen to your playlist as often as you can and in different situations – LOVE your playlist 🙂

Share and run ads

The playlist is your online virtual set. It´s in a way your gig. And its super sharable. So why not share it. Whenever you add a new song, share that with your fans. They would love finding new music with your. Even run ads where you tell them about the great finds. Oh and make sure to properly tag the artists you talk about. They will love you back, share your tweet and repost your Instagram story. Obviously this is more likely the smaller the artist.

Make it visual

The artwork of the playlist is super important. But not only that, build a branding around it. Make suitable videos or find them on iStock to help setting the listener in the mood that the playlist is about. Users who are introduced to your playlist via a video are more likely to stay on there and understand your vision of the playlist.

Ibiza playlist
Place your playlist in a bigger setting to visualise for the context – the dream scenario!

Consistency

You wanna work with music, the playlist is a vital part for your own discover, development and curation skills. Yep the learnings are equally applicable to when it comes to building your live set! So including playlist curation into your weekly routine. To keep some sort of structure to your work, I recommend making a private playlist called “Inbox” where you put newly found tracks. Personally I put tracks in there through the week, and go through them on the weekend so I have a clean inbox on Monday! This is also a good point to update your artist pick on Spotify, as that only lasts for 14 days.

Curate playlist
Add an event to your calendar to remind yourself to work on your playlist!

Make a live set!

To support your playlist effort, make a live set on Youtube, Facebook or Instagram. Check out my live set on Youtube for some inspiration. This one is done with 2 action cams recorded live into OBS. Super simple and effective. The video description is a great place to promote your playlist!

Simon Field - Live from home

My inspiration – Part 2

Simon Field DJ

I´m going a little further back in time this time around. Here are some tracks that really defines my early friendship with club music. These tracks are still solid in every aspect.

You find them all on my IBIZA Classics playlist. If you are looking for current IBIZA tracks check out my current IBIZA playlist.

Fatboys Slim – Right Here, Right Now

This is from a time when sampling really started taking part of mainstream tracks and Fatboy Slim was among one of those who pushed the bounderies. His tracks stand the test of time!

Puretone – Addicted to Bass

This classics might be one of these jams that might didnt get the attention that it deserves. One in spiring thing about this track is how the lyrics supports the music and the other way. Teasing sexy vocals upfront on a classic drum & bass track. “The bass line is shooting up my spine…”

Artful Dodger – Moving Too Fast

Hall of fame kinda track this one. This track is checking on all boxes. Soulful vocals, organic production and a superb lyrical idea.

Everything but the Girl, Missing Todd Terry Remix

This part will not be complete without Everything But The Girl. This band has always been with me. It wouldnt surprise me if I know all their songs by heart. Pure love and that extra club magic added by Todd Terry.

Gorgon City – Real

The kings of UK house. This track is pure magic – a forever classic. Shame the Spotify version is has lost the magic. No idea why. This one is da shit!

Route 94 – My Love ft Jesse Glynne

Jesse Glynne build her entire foundation on the dance scene mainly driven by this track. Route 94 did a masterpiece with this one. Still works magic on the dancefloor.

My inspiration – Part 1

Simon Field Inspiration Studio and DJ

Here is the first instalment on tracks that inspired me, are regulars in my DJ set or tracks tracks that I come back to over and over again for other reasons. Look out for Part 2, Part 3 etc.

All tracks in these articles are likely to be found in my playlists: IBIZA 2020 PLAYLIST , IBIZA Classics, TechHouse or Organic House

Tooth Faeries – Dust and Ashes

Here´s on of those magic classic tracks that always work. I have played this in a house set, in a tech setting and in lounge sets. It´s pure magic! It also points to another of my favourit artists Everything But The Girl with the smooth vocals and airy production.

Erick Morillo – Colombiano

Among the most playful tracks with a serious heavy beat that you simply cannot get away from. The Speedy Gonzales sounding vocal sample over a classic Morillo beat makes Djing a pleasure!

Sllash – Jillie Bean

One of the finest house interpreations of the MJ track my biggest hero! 4 minutes of awesome groove giving prays to the big master Micheal Jackson

Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey

Forever in my Rekordbox. Simply a masterpiece

Disclosure – Latch

I wonder if they know how important this track was gonna be when they made it?  To me this is one of the tracks that made me keep the faith in house music and despite overplaying by DJ´s this is one that will stand out forever!

Black Coffee – Wish You Were Here

I love strong emotional soulful vocals. This track has that. I love organic sounding beats. This track got it! Also this track has some special personal meaning that ties me to a very special person. I always try to finish the night with this one. Get the shiwers every time!

CamelPhat – Cola

When Cola started rising to the surface, tech house finally got a name among the regular listeners. Thanks to this track people like Fisher could break through a year later. Cola is simply a masterpiece. It also points to the future; techy beats with sexy playful vocals – where we are still heading.