Contributing Writer
Jesusdapnk’s debut album Summer Heartstrings – an eight track collection of heady grooves, mesmerising vocals and intoxicating atmospherics – is out now on Brobot, the respected US record label founded in 2013 by DJ and Record Producer Junior Sanchez.
With the album out now, we asked him to put together a list of some of the artists and records that have inspired his musical journey to date.
“Reaching a point of confidence where I can say my sound is quite unique has been a journey of experience and inspiration. My craft and sound are inspired by funk basses, grooving smooth improvised drums, and spacey atmospheric chords and synthesizers.
My journey as a musician is all about learning and being open to various forms of inspiration. Here are 10 tracks that I consider amazing and that help inspire the music and sounds I create today.” Jesusdapnk
Crustation – Flame (Mood II Swing Borderline Insanity Dub Mix)
Crustation’s ‘Flame Mood II Swing Dub Mix’ is a track that I consider to be a journey. Something I truly love in a song is when it takes me on a story and a trip. This track starts off slow and dreamy, then builds up to a climax of groove and space. This song never fails to kick off any dope DJ set or party. The first time I heard this track was in Mark Farina’s ‘United DJs of America’ vinyl mix compilation.
Marshall Jefferson – Mushrooms
Marshall Jefferson’s infamous song ‘Mushrooms’ is truly one of my favorite deep house tracks of all time. This song embodies everything in the realm of deep house, along with the story it tells throughout. This track is sexy, smooth, and full of groove. It’s a track to lay your head back and just daze out while you dive into its deep, fat mood.
LTJ Bukem – Demons Theme Part II
LTJ Bukem’s ‘Demons Theme Part 2’ is an amazing drum and bass track. This track is a smooth DnB tune that relaxes me; its sounds keep my mind in a state of relaxation while still driving a fat drum and bass groove. The synth at the beginning catches me right away and truly takes me on a sick trip. Space and atmosphere are always big for me, and it’s not hard to see how this track has inspired the Jesusdapnk sound.
Soichi Terada – Grand Senshuraku
Soichi Terada’s ‘Grand Senshuraku’ is another drum and bass gem. This track is unique and smooth, yet still packs a punch with its drum and bass beats. The sounds of the Far East have always inspired me. Japanese producers, in particular, have such amazing synthesizers and moods in their tracks—always spacey, warm, fat, and grooving.
Shinichiro Yokota – Right Here! Right Now!
Shinichiro Yokota’s ‘Right Here! Right Now!’ is another amazing example of how Japanese producers simply know how to create a unique vibe with the use of smooth, warm synths that are non-invasive and overall dope. This track is definitely a deep house tune that always sets a good mood. The amount of inspiration I have gotten from this track is insane.
High Powered Boys – Udon (Julio Bashmore Sax Dub)
Julio Bashmore’s Sax Dub Mix of High Powered Boy’s ‘Udon’ is one of my favorite jazzy deep house tracks of all time. The bass is fat and grooving, the synths are smooth and dreamy, and the sax is hypnotic throughout the track’s runtime. This track has always inspired me, particularly how the bassline is so fat, grooving, and yet calm. One of my favorites of all time.
Marc Evans – The Way You Love Me
Marc Evans has always been such a talented house music vocalist. His voice is amazing and always enhances a solid house track. In his track ‘The Way You Love Me,’ I can only describe it as amazing. It’s sample-based but with unique chops, a fat groove, and an overall vibe. Marc Evans’ vocals throughout the track are just the cherry on top. This track has definitely inspired my jackin’ house sounds. I highly recommend this one to any house music head.
DJ Sneak – Getting Crazy In The Ghetto
DJ Sneak’s ‘Getting Crazy in the Ghetto’ is one of the first house music vinyl records I owned. This track is self-explanatory: it’s smooth, deep, and grooving. DJ Sneak is a master of house music. The way he samples tracks to create something new is so unique and has always inspired me to think outside the box in how to flip and chop samples.
Goldie – Inner City Life
Goldie’s ‘Inner City Life’ is a masterpiece of electronic music. This track is one of the best drum and bass tracks of all time. ‘Inner City Life’ is an amazing track that uses atmosphere, synthesizers, and drums to their fullest potential. The vocalist in this track is powerful and full of emotion, leaving a lasting impression on my mind. This track always takes me to a special place and creates an amazing vibe. What always inspires me is how unique this track is.
Daft Punk – Revolution 909
Last but not least, one of the artists that has inspired my entire journey and career as a musician is Daft Punk. Daft Punk’s ‘Revolution 909’ from their debut album Homework is iconic. This is truly one of the best house music tracks that has ever existed. The French house sound is exceptional. The use of flipping and chopping samples, alongside electro synths and basslines, has consistently inspired me to this day. The sound Daft Punk has created is incomparable to anything in electronic music. Truly an inspiration.
Summer Heartstrings is out now on Brobot