Recently iTunes asked me to create a DJ Playlist for them and I wanted to try and do something a bit different.
Instead of making a Beatport-type chart, I figured I’d use the iTunes catalogue to its full potential and make more of a personal playlist that shows the different types of music that I listened to, and have been inspired by to get me to where I am today.
I’ll break it down track-by-track.
Felix Cartal’s iTunes DJ Playlist – January 2012
1. Steely Dan – Peg
One of my favourite Steely Dan tracks. Always been a big fan of them, my dad was the first person to introduce me to them at an early age. My band teacher described them once, “Steely Dan is like caviar, most people know it’s amazing but it’s definitely an acquired taste.”
2. The Beatles – Blue Jay Way
Had to have a Beatles track on this list because they’ve influenced me in so many ways. Chose this one because it’s a bit different from your average Beatles track, making some pretty bold EFX choices with heavy flange and reversing the track at moments.
3. Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place
One of the songs that got me into electronic music. The rhodes is beautiful and the vocal effects are perfect. An amazing entrance into the entire Kid A record.
4. Nathan Fake – The Sky Was Pink (Holden Remix)
I’ve charted this songs a few times, but it’s because I never get sick of it. One of the most underrated tunes I can think of, it stays interesting for the entire 10mins. Holden doing what he does best here, matched with a brilliant Fake melody.
5. Lightning Bolt – Dracula Mountain
Thrashy, obnoxious, aggressive. Everything I loved about music growing up. Lightning Bolt had such an influence on my bassplaying and the way I hear sounds, they helped me have no fear of pushing things to the limit.
6. Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’
Still blows my mind that this came out in ’97. This track truly stands the test of time, remaining heavy even 15 years later. (Has it really been that long since Homework?)
7. Britney Spears – Toxic
Everything I love about pop music is in this song. Daring production done by the boys in Miike Snow makes this one of the edgiest pop tracks I can think of. Hook is flawless too. So catchy!
8. MSTRKRFT – Paris
MSTRKRFT was one of the earliest supporters of my sound, and this is the tune that made me really excited about everything they’ve done. It has this lingering quality where you can hear Jesse’s basslines really come through, and the drum patterns are fairly unconventional for dance music. It’s really just a cool transition of a couple guys coming from a non-dance background and making electronic music.
9. Felix Cartal – Don’t Turn On The Lights
My latest song. Where I’m at today. Gotta throw my own shit on here right?
So there it is. 8 songs that have influenced my sound to where it is today. Also, I’ll forgive iTunes for the typo on my name. Starting to get used to that one….
