8 Tracks: Classic Soundtracks to 90’S New York With Eric Maltz

Music

There are very few with the musical sphere that have managed to maintain the energy and drive behind their creativity for twenty odd years. Ideas begin to flicker and fade whilst inspiration can wander with time. However, Eric maltz is a producer whom seems to be entering a new chapter of his career some twenty years since he first began producing.

A trained pianist with a penchant for house and techno he found himself releasing on Levon Vincent's Novel Sound record label last year, no small feat to say the least. Since then he has continued to hone and perfect his craft and he has recently returned with a new EP for Flower Myth, a blend of well crafted techno somewhat melodically inspired yet still dark and driven.

We invited him to take us through eight tracks which he does in a splendid fashion. See below:

"There was so much incredible music happening in NYC in the 90’s. Electronic, Hip Hop, Rock n Roll, is was all there. It’s impossible to include all the great and important songs being made at the time in only 8 tracks. Rather than play historian, I decided to make a list of what I was actually listening to at the time, revisiting the music that made me who I am today."

Buy the release HERE.

LISTEN

Abducted (T Power Mix) - Dj Soulslinger

I first heard this on This Is Jungle Sky Vol. 1 when I was 14 or 15 in a friends car on the way to summer school. I still remember this dreamlike impression it made on me, the wash of percussion sent my imagination to this purple sunset-like ocean. I went to the Liquid Sky shop pretty regularly after that, to buy their records and clothes, and would get super starstruck whenever I saw Dj Souslinger there. I’ve listened to this entire compilation, and the volumes that followed, countless times. This music has left a deep impression on me.

Abducted (T Power Mix) - Dj Soulslinger

I first heard this on This Is Jungle Sky Vol. 1 when I was 14 or 15 in a friends car on the way to summer school. I still remember this dreamlike impression it made on me, the wash of percussion sent my imagination to this purple sunset-like ocean. I went to the Liquid Sky shop pretty regularly after that, to buy their records and clothes, and would get super starstruck whenever I saw Dj Souslinger there. I’ve listened to this entire compilation, and the volumes that followed, countless times. This music has left a deep impression on me.
Deee-Lite- E.S.P. (World Clique)

This group has had a huge influence on my musicality. In my opinion an incredibly important group in the history of electronic music. I also had a huge crush on Lady Miss Kier when I was in high school. Their textures and playfulness, all their songs make you want to dance. A lot of people write them off as a one hit wonder with their famous song, Groove is in the Heart, but those who know understand how heavy this group is, and how incredible their music is.
Company Flow | Funcrusher Plus | Full Album

I had a good friend who was interning at Rawkus and he would always be giving us the records they put out. This Company Flow album was incredible and raw, with ridiculous beats and complicated lyrics. This track in particular we would play super loud and on repeat, rapping along and head banging. The sitar in the background is so fresh and the drums are super aggressive.
Digable Planets - Blowout Comb (1994)

This is a tape I would flip over and over in my walkman, really with all of these tracks in this list I would recommend listening to the albums they come from. Digable Planets, like Deee-lite, may seem like one hit wonders to the mainstream (with their song Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)), but if you take the time to listen to their albums, you will find a wealth of unbelievable musicality. The JB’s synth sample on this cut is out of control and instantly brings excitement and anticipation.
Beastie Boys - Professor Booty

This is from the classic Check Your Head album. A friend got this CD for me for my birthday. I must confess at first I didn’t like it. But after repeated listenings it grew on me until The Beastie Boys became my favorite all time group, rivalled only by Deee-Lite. Professor Booty is a great cut from this record, super funky and in your face vocals.
Sonic Youth - Goo

Time for some rock and roll. Another tape that got heavy rotation in my walkman. Sonic Youth is an incredibly important rock band and a huge part of the NYC scene. This track I really loved because it blended perfectly their wall of noise guitars, Kim’s vocals, and this far out voice “Tell ‘em like it is” as she starts calling this dude out.I finally got to see them play live some years ago at a birthday party for Merce Cunningham in Brooklyn. They were incredible.
Junior M.A.F.I.A. Ft. Biggie Smalls - Player's Anthem

There was so much incredible HipHop happening in NYC in the 90s. I chose this track not only because it’s got Biggie & Lil’ Kim on it, but also because I loved it, it always put me in a good mood whenever it came on. That clave and weird little voice in there, the bass line, everything about it is instant feel good.
Heart Be Still - Deee-Lite

And we’re back to Deee-Lite. I had to put at least two of their tracks, I even contemplated making this whole feature just about them. This is a track I would start my day with. The drums, when they come in after the intro, instant party. The bass line is off the charts. Summer time is just around the corner. This is what the world needs more of, this 90s NYC outdoor summertime vibe.