Contributing Writer
Thorsten Hammer is a prominent German DJ and producer known for his distinct blend of tech-house and deep house. Hailing from Karlsruhe, he has become a staple in the electronic music scene, with a career spanning over a decade. Hammer’s music is characterized by its deep grooves and atmospheric sounds, earning him a reputation for captivating live performances and compelling studio productions. He has released numerous tracks on respected labels and continues to influence the electronic music landscape with his innovative sound.
Recently he was one of several artists who took part in the Mixmasters retreat in Ibiza, with the track he produced signed to Poker Flat and now available as part of the new Under One Roof compilation. To celebrate the release, we asked Thorsten to pick out 10 of the tracks that have influenced his own productions.
“Here we go with 10 tracks that inspired me and had a huge impact on me from my early days till today, but to be true, there are so many tracks from the past till today which influenced me and my sound of today – this is just a little overview.” Thorsten Hammer
Blace – Lovelee Dae (Original Mix)
“Lovelee Dae” by New Jersey duo Blaze from 1996 features a classic deep house bass, soft hi-hats, and distinctive melodic keys. A timeless classic, perfect for warm summer nights.
ISOLEE – Beau Mot Plage
“Beau Mot Plage” is built around a constant groove enlivened by reverberated synth melodies flowing in and out of the mix. Shimmering with a hazy dub feel, acoustic guitars, and Afro-strumming create a kind of hallucinogenic magic. I played it a lot, still love it, and it’s a track that always takes me back to the days when music stood in the forefront.
Steve Bug – Loverboy
What should I say about this masterpiece from Steve, a key influencer in electronic music? This track is an absolute timeless beast and works every time, even more than 20 years after its original release. The minimalistic groove and the atmosphere he creates are outstanding and still among my favorite tracks of all time. Characterized by its deep bassline, subtle melodies, and infectious rhythm, it encapsulates the essence of the late ’90s.
Swayzak – Another Way
“Another Way” by electronic music duo Swayzak, known for their deep house, techno, and minimal influences, is part of their album *Snowboarding in Argentina*, released in 1998. “Another Way” epitomizes Swayzak’s signature style, merging intricate electronic soundscapes with a minimalist aesthetic, creating a deep and immersive listening experience.
Herbert – It’s Only (DJ Koze Remix)
“It’s Only (DJ Koze Remix)” is a remix of a track originally by Matthew Herbert, an influential British electronic musician and producer. This remix by DJ Koze, a renowned German DJ and producer known for his eclectic and innovative style, brings a unique twist to the original. DJ Koze’s version retains the soulful essence of Herbert’s work while infusing it with his signature playful and psychedelic electronic elements, creating a track that’s both emotionally resonant and dancefloor-ready. The remix showcases Koze’s ability to blend deep house grooves with experimental sounds, resulting in a captivating and memorable piece. I can’t get enough of DJ Koze and his label Pampa.
Der Dritte Raum – Hale Bopp
Andreas Krüger, aka Der Dritte Raum, is the man behind some of the most stirring electronic music of the past twenty-five years. “The least important thing in all I do is myself,” he says. “It’s about the music.” But of course, there would be no music—no epic anthems like “Hale Bopp” nor transcendent tunes like “Electric Friends”—without his creativity, vision, and technical virtuosity honed by his lifelong fascination with sound.
Gui Boratto – Arquipélago
“Arquipélago” is a track by Brazilian electronic music producer Gui Boratto, known for his melodic techno and house productions. Featured on his debut album *Chromophobia*, released in 2007, “Arquipélago” showcases Boratto’s talent for blending lush melodies with driving rhythms, creating an evocative and atmospheric soundscape. The track’s intricate layering and emotive progression are emblematic of Boratto’s style, making it a standout piece in his discography and a favorite among fans of melodic techno.
Ólafur Arnalds – So Far
“So Far” is a composition by Ólafur Arnalds, an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and producer known for his blend of classical, ambient, and electronic music. Featured on his 2010 album *…And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness*, “So Far” is a serene and contemplative piece that highlights Arnalds’ talent for creating emotive, cinematic soundscapes. The track combines delicate piano melodies with subtle strings and electronic textures, encapsulating the melancholic beauty and introspective nature that defines much of Arnalds’ work. “So Far” is a testament to his ability to evoke deep emotions through minimalist compositions.
Timo Maas – Subtellite
“Subtellite” is a track by German DJ and producer Timo Maas, renowned for his contributions to the electronic music scene, particularly in progressive house and techno. Released as part of his 2001 album *Loud*, “Subtellite” exemplifies Maas’ distinctive style, characterized by driving beats, hypnotic rhythms, and intricate sound design. The track’s dynamic progression and dark, pulsating energy make it a standout piece in his discography, reflecting Maas’ skill in creating immersive and dancefloor-oriented music. “Subtellite” remains a favorite among fans for its intensity and intricate production, still effective today.
Rodriguez Jr. / Jan Blomqvist – Destination Lost
“Destination Lost” is a collaboration between French electronic music producer Rodriguez Jr. and German artist Jan Blomqvist. Known for their melodic and emotive styles, both artists bring their unique talents to this track. “Destination Lost” features lush, atmospheric production, blending Rodriguez Jr.’s intricate synth work with Blomqvist’s haunting vocals and poignant lyrics. The result is a deeply evocative track that combines elements of deep house and techno, creating a rich, immersive soundscape that captures themes of introspection and longing. The collaboration showcases the synergy between the two artists, making “Destination Lost” a standout piece in both of their repertoires. I can’t get enough of Rodriguez Jr.’s productions; he is one of the best producers in my opinion, and his music is simply amazing.