8 Tracks: Reasons To Keep Moving Forward With Dan Curtin

Music

Dan Curtin’s techno pedigree goes very deep indeed. Starting out in Cleveland Ohio, he was inspired by the first wave of Techno and his productions quickly found outlets on the likes of Detroit’s 33RPM and Belgium’s Buzz Records. To this day Curtin has released countless records, always striving for individuality and forward progression, but some of his most iconic and influential releases came from his early works both on his own Metamorphic records and the seminal Peacefrog imprint. So it’s very exciting indeed that Dan will be playing an exclusive live set of his early material at Artefacts on Friday 5^th May. In honor of this we jumped at the chance to pick his brain and get 8 tracks that keep him moving forward.

Get tickets to see the live show HERE and check the Facebook event HERE

LISTEN

Jay Dee (Aka J.Dilla) Flyyyyyyy

This is probably my favorite Dilla beat if there can be such a thing, the bassline, the touches of strings, the otherworldly atmosphere, and that groove. It’s why, in my opinion, J Dilla is the best producer of all time of any type of music. I could put this on repeat for hours…I think I’ve actually done that before, in headphones, falling to sleep.

Jay Dee (Aka J.Dilla) Flyyyyyyy

This is probably my favorite Dilla beat if there can be such a thing, the bassline, the touches of strings, the otherworldly atmosphere, and that groove. It’s why, in my opinion, J Dilla is the best producer of all time of any type of music. I could put this on repeat for hours…I think I’ve actually done that before, in headphones, falling to sleep.
Ross 154 - Mayflower

This track was a huge inspiration from me. It’s my first impression of The Netherlands. I thought it was some future nation of enlightened beings from the music coming out of there at that time from labels like Eevo Lute and others. This track is far ahead of its time. Oh, it’s “old school” you say? No it’s not. Don’t just look at the form, it’s the creative content that I’m talking about. It might be wrapped in 90s techno, but what’s inside hasn’t happened yet. I think this is a notion that gets missed by many people.
Marvin Gaye - After The Dance (Instrumental)

I’d say this song is pretty much bliss. Making those synths come alive, amazing album cover too. This is the first Marvin Gaye album that I came across, I’ve occasionally played this one out believe it or not!
Carl Craig - At Les

Like so many of his tracks from around this time At Les presents a world to us that should be, but still isn’t. When I got this record I thought this was proof that we’ve been through the worst and now on a path to the future. I was wrong about that in a big way, or maybe it’s just going to take longer. Anyway, we should all strive for this.
Lenny White - Sweet Dreamer

Gorgeous in every way, in addition a downright tight groove, it’s offering up that positivity and in some way childish honesty (aka purity) that we choose not to see anymore. So see it.
Balil (Plaid) - Norte Route

Somebody once told me that this track brought tears to their eyes the first time they heard it. So I checked it and understood completely. Totally original, and one of the most emotive techno tracks ever. In my top 5 for sure.
Ronnie Foster - Mystic Brew

Do I need to say words for this? Don’t think so…no point really. Tribe Called Quest already did…
Love To The World / L.T.D.

Because we MF need it!