Contributing Writer
HRVST, an Austin-based DJ and producer, is celebrated for his underground minimal bassline-focused tech house sound. His music has found a home on labels like Unlearn, Late Night Munchies, and Admit One. In 2022, he launched his own imprint, Slabbed Out Digital, further establishing his influence in the scene. Known for his dynamic EPs, such as “Drippin’ Sweat” and “Git Up / Synchronic,” HRVST continually showcases his creativity and passion for house music through both his releases and his Slabbed Out Sesh radio show on Data Transmission Radio.
With his new single One Way Trip out this week on Unlearn, we asked HRVST to pick out 10 key tracks that have influenced his productions over the years.
N-Type – September Sun [Wheel & Deal]
There have been a few moments in my life when I’ve felt at peace and believed everything was going as it should. One of those moments was during a sunrise set at a regional Burning Man event, playing this track as the sun’s beams began to creep above the trees. My drum programming was really honed during my early production days writing dubstep, and the drums on this tune really hold the groove together while the pianos and vocals drive things forward.
Icicle – Dreadnaught ft. SP:MC (Phace Remix) [Shogun Audio]
This record directly influenced my song “Pulse Rate,” released on the Unlearn:Miami 2024 compilation earlier this year, as I borrowed a vocal line and recorded it myself for the track. Ever since I started writing music, I’ve always gravitated to hip-hop influenced tracks with big bass, and this drum and bass classic hones in on all of those aspects.
Lubelski – The Rave Scene [Desert Hearts]
Lubelski has been a huge influence on my music, having connected with him on Twitch and Discord while COVID lockdowns were still a thing. This record, released on Desert Hearts, just drips dark underground vibes. It takes me back to my early days driving forty-five minutes from the country for the rave, just to do it all again the next night.
Dani Deahl – Poppin Bottles
This record was one of the first house tunes that I ever downloaded to DJ. An absolute techy groove and classic fidget house bassline drive the tune while the fire vocal performance from Whiskey Pete makes this a classic banger in my book.
DJ Fixx, Nimbus – We Got the Beats [illeven eleven]
Austin, Texas had a really solid breakbeat scene in the late aughts, and this track from DJ Fixx and Nimbus continues the themes of this list, focusing on solid vocals and hard-hitting drums. This breaks tune is a high-energy party starter that is guaranteed to make some booties shake.
Casmalia – H808 ft. ACIDMOM [Prime Society]
There’s a common misconception these days that an 808 is just a bass tone, but there’s so much more to this iconic drum machine. I believe the 808 cowbell is the best cowbell on the planet. Casmalia flexes all aspects of the 808 on this weighty tune, while the acid-inspired lead synths melt one’s mind. The catchy hook is just the icing on the cake with this record.
DJ E-Clyps – There Is No PLUR [Blacklight Music]
Wonky jackin house music with soul is the best way I can describe this record from DJ E-Clyps. The groove is so solid that you can’t help but groove along to it, even if “you don’t dance.” Every element gels perfectly for this track to be played in any setting of a venue.
MISS DRE, Niles Shepard – Fluid [House of Hustle]
“Dirty Chugger” was used by Tough Love to describe one of my songs in the past, and I would categorize this one from MISS DRE and Niles Shepard in that same class. MISS DRE’s hook is so catchy, one cannot resist grooving as the tune progresses. The ear candy throughout and the tension in the big build-up, dropping another tension builder, will draw a stank face every time.
Josh Butler – Keep Movin [MTA Records]
This classic tune from Josh Butler has some weighty low end. The subwoofer flexing bassline accompanied by the shuffling hi-hats and jackin snare drums really drew me to this tune. The breakdown’s lush piano chords and strings bring another level to the vibe and then make way for the stab lead and bass to crash back into the solid main groove again.
Goth-Trad – Alone Warrior
To finish things off, this dubstep tune from Goth-Trad may not have any vocals, but the intricate drum programming, relentless chugging bassline, and eerie lead synths bring a foggy atmosphere. While dubstep is frequently felt at half the speed of its actual tempo (140 bpm but it’s perceived as 70 bpm), “Alone Warrior” gets bodies moving at a faster rate before easing off to let you catch your breath, then pummeling you with low-end frequencies once again.