After discovering an unmistakable talent for the art of music at a young age, subduxtion first fell in love with the idea of music when he began learning various instruments in several bands of differing musical styles during his childhood. Backed by the idea of embracing technology as a tool for the manipulation of perspective, subduxtion has been making a name for himself. Armed with a discography of impressive releases that includes several singles, EP’s, and remixes on renowned labels like Milligrid Records (US), Zero Signal Records (JP), High-Pressure Systems (UK), and I&W Music (US). subduxtion’s ability to branch out and play with and combine a variety of sounds from percussion to deep pads to glitched-out electronics is what sets him apart from the rest.
Herbie Hancock – Rockit Herbie Hancock – Rockit (Official Video)
I vividly remember seeing the video for this song and immediately stopping what I was doing and planting myself in front of the tv. Once the video was done it was off to the record store to buy it, no hesitation! Nothing looked and sounded like this. The fact it was one of my keyboard idols who made this only added to the need to acquire it ASAP! In typical Herbie fashion the sounds he used for this track were as original as the video itself. The track also makes use of the Oberheim DMX drum machine for some cutting-edge drum sounds (at the time).
Underground Resistance – Jupiter Jazz Underground Resistance – Jupiter Jazz
What I remember most about this track is that it bridged the gap between jazz and electronic music at least in my mind. I’m a big jazz head and hearing a track like this made me realize the two art forms aren’t so far apart. Underground Resistance are simply one of the all-time great techno groups. Everything they did musically and what they stood for ideologically cannot be questioned.
Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy
Somehow they managed to combine so many different music genres yet create something wholly original. There’s this very soulful quality about the track yet it’s quite melancholy as well, an unbeatable combination.
Joy Division – Atmosphere Joy Division – Atmosphere [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
The track is called ‘Atmosphere’ and it more than lives up to the title. The hypnotic quality of this track had me listening to it on endless repeat upon first discovering it. Joy Division has always been a personal favorite of mine. Between his voice and lyrics, Ian lent Joy Division an unmistakable air of melancholy and pain. Every word he sang he meant and then some.
Ginuwine – My Pony Ginuwine – Pony
Timbaland! I’m not really sure what else to say. My personal all-time favorite producer. This track is quintessential Timbo.
Missy Elliot – Get Ur Freak On Missy Elliott – Get Ur Freak On [Official Music Video]
This is another track (similarly to Rockit) that is just as much about the visuals as the music. Had anybody previously heard anything quite like this? Dissect this track and you will find a multitude of electronic styles/genres working alongside each other. All this genre-mixing leads to some clashes that are the true spice of the track. This track defines what it means to be original.
Clipse – Grindin’ Clipse – Grindin’ (Official Video)
I had to get a track in from The Neptunes and the stripped-down nature of this track really spoke to me. This track is basically drums and vocals but oh how well it is made. The drums knock hard and vocals are just a perfect fit for the mood of the track. Pharell and Chad are big, big influences on me. Much like Timbaland and many others, they reminded me that production is its own art form and to constantly stretch oneself.
The Prodigy – Firestarter The Prodigy – Firestarter (Official Video)
Who didn’t lose their mind when they first heard this? The Prodigy were the ultimate rave group. Over the top sonically and visually. Underneath all the brash sonics was a true mastermind of production. Liam Howlett showed us that you could throw everything into a track as long as you knew what you were doing. You really had to understand how to craft a track to make the density of The Prodigy’s tracks work and not sound like a mess.
The Bug ft. Flowdan – Skeng The Bug – Skeng
What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this man? He’s a true legend! Much like The Neptunes and Timbaland, The Bug aka Kevin Martin has his own unique sound and this track exemplifies that style. It’s an unholy mix of Dancehall, Dub, and Grime is Martin at his best. This track went hard when it was released and it still goes hard to this day. When this was released it sucked you in via Flowdan’s wordplay but underneath it was Martin delivering a new sound and a new approach to dub and dancehall.
Plastikman – Contain Contain
This track’s eeriness and bass weight made a lasting impression on me. It’s minimal done right. Just enough going on to keep the track moving forward and to keep your interest. A masterpiece of hypnotic electronics.