Contributing Writer
Leigh Russell, known professionally as HNRY ST, is an Australian music producer, songwriter, artist and label owner from Melbourne. HNRY ST infuses curiosity and a true love of music into contemporary sounds, creating a unique brand that uplifts and inspires.
With his new single NVR alongside S.T.P out now, we invited him to share a playlist of some of his current favorite cuts.
“I thought I’d be just a touch self indulgent here and compile a list of some of my favourite tracks from my HNRY ST Sessions. This is a series of DJ sets I’ve put together and posted to my YouTube channel. I would love for the Music Is 4 Lovers audience to check it out here” HNRY ST
Here are the selections
Block & Crown , Souvernance – Baaah (Original Mix)
The energy in this track is just amazing from the organ to the keys. It builds from start to finish brilliantly and the Loleatta Holloway sample couldn’t be more perfect the track. The thing that really drew me into the song when I first heard it is that the melody in it sounded like The Greeting Song by Red Hot Chili Peppers (self confessed RHCP fan boy here) – perhaps a HNRY ST mash up / remix could be on the cards??
Malaa – Notorious
Another fan boy track – Two of my favourite artists combined. I’ve mentioned previously that I grew up as a Hip Hop kid in the 90’s and there was none bigger than Biggy at that time. I’ve since grown to love what Malaa does. He has a real Hip Hop flare to his production, which never seems to miss. This track is so hard and grimy and the Notorious Samples are used to perfection.
Aviella – Downtown Love (Ellemi Remix)
For me, it’s sometimes the absence of elements that make a song. I love how in this remix by Ellemi the lack of tops through the verse, then the lack of kicks in the pre chorus help build into the chorus. The bass lines and synths are perfect throughout. Then of course you have Aviella’s amazing vocal rounding off this extremely smooth and easy to take in Bass House tune.
Joel Corry – Liquor Store
A theme will start presenting as I work through this list – A hip hop theme. Joel Corry’s use of the Nate Dogg vocal sample in this track is so good. Even as a Bass House number, it has such a head nod feel.
As with the Aviella track, Joel does an awesome job of withholding the claps and tops in the first part of the chorus. When they do come back in, it feels like an entirely different section. Simple yet effective.
Latroit – Four On The Floor
Next level bass groove with tight production that keeps it moving from start to finish. Absolutely love the arrangement, how the sections transition and the use of vocal elements that elevate the track.
I also connected with Latroit briefly (exchanged DM’s) when I posted about this track being on HNRY ST Sessions so that was a thrill.
HNRY ST (feat. Taja) – MLKY
I am listing tracks from HNRY ST Sessions so it would be remis of me not to include this track, MLKY, that I put out earlier this year with the amazing UK Vocalist/MC Taja.
When I was putting this track together, I was focussed in on it becoming a house track. I then discovered Taja online and approached her to see if she wanted to work on it with me. She said YES, we did the thing and ended up with an absolute hip hop house gem. I couldn’t be happier with the production on this one and Taja’s vocal is out of this world…literally.
Nitti Gritti & Marten Hørger – Want You
I’ve quickly become a Marten Horger fan and in no small part to his contribution to this jumpy, feel good and energetic bass house offering with Nitti Gritti. I love how they’ve put together the keys & bass to create two separate yet dominant elements in the one song. The track also demonstrates how you can create a real vocal presence with a simple & short vocal sample.
Chris Lake (ft. Aatig) – In The Yuma
How good is Chris Lake? Production is always crazy good and In The Yuma is no exception.
Effortlessly executed bass line carries this one the whole way through. The hard and tight low end keys are so impactful with amazing percussion that ties it all together. As a producer, I can only imagine the excitement and elation of having such an amazing sounding instrumental then Aatig goes and drops a signature vocal on it…..My goodness!
WILL K – Sun Is Dark
I love everything about this one from Will K. The vocals are haunting and deep and the way the melody is used to create the rhythm and bounce is executed perfectly. This allows the bass to sit heavy in the very low end as it carries the track. The transitions and builds with the use of synths and tops create the ultimate balance of energy.
HNRY ST – H3Y!
As I write this there are nine HNRY ST Sessions on my HNRY ST mzk YouTube channel. Each session begins with a HNRY ST original. My most recent session includes my most recent release (prior to NVR), H3Y!. I built this track around the bassline to create energy and a strong chord progression to do the same through the verse. I do love the bounce it has and the way the song transitions with the use of builds, reverse crashes and sustained chords. Heavily processed vocals add depth, helping piece it altogether. Get around it!!