Contributing Writer
Notorious Lynch, originating from Cork, Ireland, and now based in San Diego, is a pivotal figure in electronic music, known for his dynamic DJ sets and diverse productions. Starting his music journey in 2000 as a radio presenter, he has evolved into a versatile DJ and producer with a deep-rooted passion for House Music.
On his latest single Kick Back he keeps the Unlearn Records standards sky-high with this stripped-back tech house gem, backed up with a remix from Miami’s Ian Allen. With the release out now, we asked him for a playlist of some of his all-time favourites.
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In a recent interview with Grahame Farmer from Data Transmission on his Music Talk series, I discussed how my sound is a bit of mix mash of Deep House, Piano House, and Tech House influences that spans from the 90’s to present day. As we reviewed some of my music catalog live, I could hear the elements of multiple subgenres that when I am producing is certainly subconscious but, these tracks have certainly influenced and shaped my sound over the years including some non-dance music styles.
This list was extremely difficult to curate, and I left at least another 15-20 records on the cutting room floor. I really enjoyed having to think about it, and reminiscing a little, maybe we’ll do a part 2 sometime.
The East West Connection “The More I Get, The More I Want (Teddy’s House Groove)”
Starting from here with this track from 1997 which I didn’t really hear until about the year 2000 when I started Djing (I was only 13 in 1997!). This tracked hooked me in 24 years ago, and I still champion it. It’s a cult classic in Cork City, Ireland where I am from and affectionally known by locals as ‘Dr. Bob Jones’ who was the producer, and co-owner of Chillifunk Records. The record has soul, and always delivers. It was one of the 2 tracks I spent days mixing back and forth until I learned how to mix.
Mood II Swing “All Night Long”
This was the 2nd track to go with the track above. I spent 2-3 days mixing these back and forth likely driving my parents’ mad downstairs until I learned how to mix and began my DJ journey which is in its 24th year, this year. I always heard the DJs in the town bars and nightclubs mixing these two tracks together so I figured that’s where I should start. Before this, I was a young Hip Hop & R&B presenter & connoisseur on a local pirate radio station, Klub FM, never mixing, just presenting the show, playing the latest Hot 100 from the US but, after hearing this type of music, House Music, my journey into Dance Music began, and here we are.
Glenn Underground “House Music Will Never Die”
This record, for me, epitomizes House Music. If someone asked me, what is House Music? How does it sound? I would point them to this record. It just makes you feel good, and you can get lost in it, never gets old.
Inner City “Pennies from Heaven (Kevin’s Tunnel Mix)”
This is probably where my love for pianos came from. I’ve done a few piano tracks mixing House and Tech House with piano melodies, and when it’s done right, it’s gold. This is an example of what gold sounds like. My favorite Inner City track, and that’s a big statement given their catalog.
Sunscreem “Perfect Motion (Boy’s Own Mix)”
I feel like this record was way ahead of it’s time. Originally released in 1992, this is something you could easily hear produced today, it still sounds fresh, and crosses through the house, progressive and more melodic sub genres. I dropped it at a gig in Tijuana recently after peak time, around 3am, and the response gave me goose bumps.
Ruff Driverz presents Arrola “Dreaming”
The iconic riff, infectious Spanish vocal, and banging drums, a simple formula but, not as easy to replicate. This was, and still is an anthem.
Todd Terry “Something Goin On”
What can I say about this record? An iconic, legendary DJ/Producer behind it, paired with 2 divas in Jocelyn Brown, and Martha Walsh, and every element in the track hits. There is no way this one could have missed. A globally recognized track and vocal, they just don’t make them like this anymore.
Eric Prydz & Steve Angello “Woz Not Woz”
Long before the official super group ‘Swedish House Mafia’ there was a Swedish House Mafia that Eric Prydz was apart of. These were the early days and for me the raw underground days of these guys journey to the top. Each one of them including Axwell & Ingrosso have records, or remixes pre-2010 that would hit my Top 30 for sure. They were always gonna make it.
Stefano Noferini “Burujava”
A record that I absolutely rinsed from 2010-2012 before moving to the US, and it still sounds fresh today with the surge of Afro, Latin and Tribal sounds. This for me was the original Tech House sound, way before the million and one subgenres we have now. This record works on any dancefloor around the globe. It has all the groove and ear candy people need. A masterpiece from Noferini.
The Notorious B.I.G. “Juicy”
One of the reasons behind the Notorious Lynch name. I was a huge fan of Biggies music, and this song is iconic for me. A label manager (that shall remain nameless) was convinced I sampled this track in one of my early releases, he kept insisting I did, and why I had the name. He was half right, on the name neway but, the sample I used was royalty free, and does sound like it’s taken from Juicy but, alas, it is not.
Kick Back is out now on Unlearn Records