John Monkman is no doubt one of the UK’s most promising studio prospects, his tracks have landed on imprints like Drumcode, Ellum, Kompakt, Last Night On Earth, Noir, Crosstown Rebels and his own Beesemyer label.
The London artist will this month return to Above & Beyond and James Grant’s Anjunadeep for his brand new three-track Komplex EP.
We got in touch with John to have him share the five productions that most inspire him for a session in his studio. His picks include work from Aphex Twin, Ruede Hagelstein and Extrawelt. Grab the full list below.
Aphex Twin – Yellow Calx
I can’t not include Aphex Twin in this list. There are too many songs to choose from, however, Yellow Calx is up there as a great illustration of beautiful melody work juxtaposed with aggressive, intricate percussion. A proper work-out for the synapses.
Overmono – Quadraluv
Timeless music being made from these guys. It’s delicate stuff with great attention to detail. I’m always transported to a land that makes sense when plugged into this track, again a great balance of light and dark.
Company Is Family – Steinhuder Meer (Ruede Haglestein Remix)
Using vocals in tracks so not to sound cheesy is important and often tricky. Ruede walks this line perfectly here as well as laying out an interesting arrangement that gives the songs its power/impact when needed.
M83 – Run Into Flowers (Jackson Remix)
Never gets old. This remix is one of rich and meaningful melody mixed with interesting rhythms that seem to tear the song apart as the journey unfolds. Hard not to come away from listening to this in awe and inspired.
Dominik Eulberg & Extrawelt – A Little Further (Not On A Map)
Such a tune, a proper journey through sound. It has a clear chorus section that it drops in and out of a few times that not many dance tracks without vocals pull off and is uplifting whilst keeping the brain entertained with its playful melodic hooks.
John Monkman’s Komplex EP is out now on Anjunadeep.