INTERVIEW — P-REZ Favorite Tunes that Helped Shape His Sound [MI4L.com]

Steve Perez, aka P-REZ, began his dj career in late 2000. With over 30 years of drumming experience, it didn’t take him long to learn the ropes, define his sound, and build a following in his hometown of Fresno, CA. Many locals remember his party, Frisky, which ran for 15 years where he played alongside some giants in the genre. He and his pal Rusty teamed up to form the production duo, Dos Banditos, and in 2007 had their first release on Fresno label, Le Poop Music.  P-REZ keeps himself busy in the studio more than the booth these days. His work can be heard on labels such as Bounce House Recordings, Blunted Funk, 4E&A Records, Household Digital, and Whiskey Pickle. In 2009, he took the reins of record label, Not So Fast Records, keeping a schedule of releases to keep the underground sound alive.

Off the back of his latest offering ‘Total Domination’ on Whiskey Pickle, we sat down with P-Rez to talk through a few of his favourite records that helped shape his sound.

The Sunburst Band – Garden Of Love (Joey Negro’s Club Mix) – Z Records
https://www.traxsource.com/track/7503245/garden-of-love-joey-negro-club-mix

The simplistic artwork on the record caught my eye in the store. That first listen was magical! I still don’t think I’ve heard a track that emotes this much happy emotion from the speakers. It’s a true testament to how the perfect synth sound can do so much from the back. If you’re hearing this song from the dancefloor and I happen to be in the booth, it must be a special night.

Halo Varga – Future! – Siesta Music
https://www.traxsource.com/track/8520951/future

I mean, this tune defined the late night West Coast sound. I knew I wanted to make records like this, for that late night crowd. The mix of hypnotic synths, tribal percussion, and a super dubby vocal sample was incredibly exciting to hear on the big systems. I recall nights when this tune was playing in the background at some party, somewhere. The way I felt. The way everyone in the room felt. Memories like that are easy to channel when making a trippy tune.

Doc Martin & Tony Hewitt – Music From My Soul – Wax Records

One of the very few records that has lived in the bag since the day I bought it. It gets a reaction from the dance floor every time it’s played. I’m always trying to make a track that feels the way this one does. I remember taking notice of the 303 pattern, and then going back into my record collection looking for all the other records with that sound. The start of the acid rabbit hole.

Freaked – Rhythm By Nature – Drop Music
https://www.traxsource.com/track/34767/rhythm-by-nature

This track was my introduction to Drop Music. Throughout these last 2 decades, it’s extremely evident in my DJ sets how much of an inspiration Drop Music, and their artists, have been to me. This level of funk and groove is second to none!

Phil Weeks – Hypnose – Robsoul
https://www.traxsource.com/track/153760/hypnose-original-mix

The party track. This tune commands the attention of everybody in the room when it’s played. It’s not just the groove, but this track has a, sort of, playfulness about it. It’s something I identified with quickly. But, man, I gotta say; the use of a 303 to provide an accent to an already killer groove, it’s no wonder why this would be in my all time top 10.

Rocket – People (Jeno’s Stormy Weather Mix) – Grayhound Recordings
https://www.traxsource.com/track/226880/people-jenos-stormy-weather-mix

Another West Coast staple. My love for the 303 grew more the first time I heard this, and even more than that when I got my hands on a copy of this record. This was, most definitely, the sound I was aiming for. Still is.

Roy Davis Jr. feat. Jordan – Take You There – Rouse Records

One of my favorites. This track is always a mind opening experience for me. When the 303 takes the lead, but still leaves room for a vocal and synths, that type of sound is wildly exciting to me.

Larry Fives – Dance Me Dance You (Inland Knights Remix) – Drop Music
https://www.traxsource.com/track/56117/inland-knights-remix

Oh boy, I’m not sure how I’m able to make a top 10 list and only have 1 Inland Knights track on it. These guys have been one of the biggest inspirations since the beginning. They always have the perfect combo of funk with all the bloops and bleeps. This is some of their best work and perfect if you really love to mix.

Peace Division – Club Therapy – NRK
https://www.traxsource.com/track/13770/club-therapy-flashback-club-therapy

Aside from the obvious, being the dope vocal that really describes what we’re all about; it’s also that infectious groove that stays consistent throughout the track. It’s what I’m always trying to achieve. Finding that groove that feels so good, you can let it marinate a while.

Vanessa Daou – Once In A While (Roberto Rodriguez Every Now And Then Dub) – KID Recordings
https://www.traxsource.com/track/1024122/once-in-a-while-roberto-rodriguez-every-now-and-then-dub

Ah yes.. This absolute gem of a track. The perfect closer to an epic night. When I first heard this, I couldn’t get enough of that ostinato that is so consistent and driving in the background. It really moves the track along. One of these days, I hope to put out a super sexy tune like this, that DJs can look to as their go-to, to close out the night.

– P-REZ