“I tried to combine some tunes that sculpt me as an artist and showcase how the album came about to be.”
björk- Cover Me (Dillinja Mix)
We start with the first drum n bass tune I have ever heard. I was a huge Björk fan and came across her remix album, where I discovered this little gem from Dillinja. The moment I heard the harp motif layered over that deep, repetitive low end, I was instantly hooked.
Culture Shock- I Remember
This tune marks the moment I decided to step away from being a classical pianist and fully commit to music production. It had a massive influence on me—if James ever let me remix this, or his track Visions, I’d absolutely lose my mind.
Mapps- Ataraxia ft. Josh Rubin (Secret Panda Society Remix)
This tune has a funny backstory. Back in 2014, I was completely obsessed with it—especially the vocals. Fast forward ten years, and I had completely forgotten about it. In 2024, I released Broken Heart with Josh Rubin on Bassrush. We became friends, played shows together, and even started working on a new record for my album “Bleeding” . One night while digging through old playlists, I realised Josh was the voice I had been obsessed with all those years ago. Turns out, that track was his very first release. Small world.
KNOWER- THE GOVT. KNOWS
This tune is pure fun, yet it ties perfectly into the theme of the dystopian governments we are living under. Made nine years ago, it still feels just as relevant today—the lyrics hit uncomfortably close to what’s happening with governments worldwide. What started out as a joke or meme now feels far too real, with less freedom and more control becoming the norm.
Mat Zo – Games
I once went to Puerto Rico for a show with the local promoter QVLQV, where I stayed with my LA DnB colleague, Replicant. One night we grabbed dinner at a local restaurant, and out of nowhere a guy jumped on stage, set up a keyboard, and started performing salsa. One of his tunes stuck in my head, and when I got back home, I immediately laid it down in the DAW. I’d always wanted to create my own Salsa-inspired DnB track, following in the footsteps of legends who’ve fused these styles.MAt Zo – Games and A.M.C – Brazil. “Dance with me” on Directive Album is exactly that.
Turno- What’s On Your Mind ft SJ Loq
I met Turno through our mutual friend Pat Lundy, and we finally linked up in person when he came to LA for a gig. We hit the studio at Insomniac HQ and cranked out Make It Bounce along with four or five other tracks. After an exhausting session, driving home completely knackered and unable to handle any more heavy tunes, Turno started playing his massive collection of liquid tracks. I was blown away by how many beautiful, melodic jams he had.I honestly think, as a scene, we need to create space for producers to step outside their expected sound. Musicians should be able to explore, experiment, and share their deeper, more intimate side—without the fear of losing their following.
Erika Wester- Fifteen
I met Erika Wester through Pat Lundy. Pat shared some of her demos with me, and I was blown away by the soft, melodic tone of her voice. He asked me to collaborate with her, and this track is one of the results. During one of our sessions, Erika played me an old tune of hers called I Don’t Really Like You Sober, and it inspired me so much that I wrote World Was Mine to Keep in just 20 minutes. After sitting in the vault for four years, I’m super excited to finally release it.
Serum & Inja- Lumberjackin
Funny story with this one—I asked my management to get me an acapella from Inja and even sent over a track that sounded similar to Serum & Inja – Lumberjackin as a reference. At the same time, we were also searching for an epic neuro-style female vocalist. So, we had two instrumentals ready: one playful roller for Inja, and one dramatic, melodic neuro track meant for a female singer.Two weeks later, I get a track back—and it turns out my manager accidentally sent the dramatic one to Inja. At first, I was upset, but after listening again, it completely grew on me. That track became My Feelings. I’m super excited to have worked with Inja on this one!
AC Slater- Night Rider (FT. Scruffier) (12th Plantet & AIRGLO REMIX)
This one is really close to my heart. Back in 2021, I released a collab with 12th Planet called Closer. Fast forward to Beyond 2022—I’m at the afters and find myself standing right behind AC Slater as he drops his brand-new track Night Rider. I filmed it, sent it to John with the text: “Dude, we should do a bootleg of this!” That same week, we hit the studio and cooked up a quick demo.A couple of months later, AC Slater sends us a video of Scrufizzer shelling over the demo like an absolute powerhouse. That’s when I knew—we had to finish it. We built it out, kept his improv acapella, beefed up the beat, and the rest is history. I’m beyond stoked to finally drop FAFO with 12th Planet and Pav4n.
Mikael Oganes- Presentation
Not many people know this, but before nearly a decade of being a drum & bass artist, I actually came from a classical music background. So I’ll close with a fun little throwback of me back in the day, playing classical piano.
