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Darren Emerson – Influences

 
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Darren Emerson has learnt from and been inspired by many greats – the house and techno innovator has worked with some of the finest in the business and as a result has found himself as a well respected gentleman of the machines, and with good reason. He's lining up a special 'influences' set for Memory Box's next party so we felt that it would be quite fitting to have him tell us all about some of his favourite influences.

See Darren Emerson at Memory Box on Friday 9th October at The Bussey Building – find out more here.

LISTEN
The Stylistics - People Make The World Go Round

My Mum and Dad were big soul fans and one of their bands they were into were The Stylistics. This track stands out for me as it was played a lot. Such a great tune. Amazing lyrics about real life and people and the production you cannot fault. Love the strings and flute
I’m a sucker for epic tracks that just go and go and this is one of those.

  • The Stylistics - People Make The World Go Round

    My Mum and Dad were big soul fans and one of their bands they were into were The Stylistics. This track stands out for me as it was played a lot. Such a great tune. Amazing lyrics about real life and people and the production you cannot fault. Love the strings and flute
    I’m a sucker for epic tracks that just go and go and this is one of those.

  • The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations - Rare Studio Recording Film Footage

    Another band I loved when I was a kid were the Beach Boys. I was intrigued by the wobbly sound that bloke made with a metal rod. Of course not forgetting the harmonies and the way Brian Wilson managed to take this track on a little excursion. Love it. Still sounds amazing.

  • The Harry J All Stars - "The Liquidator" (Official Audio)

    When I was about 3 years old I was lucky to be given an old record player and loads of vinyl. (All makes sense now) I couldn’t read at the time but would go by the colours and pictures of the sleeves. I remember playing Liquidator loads. I loved the ska sound. It definitely got me into reggae/dub and also the 2 tone sound at a later age. I also remember pretending that my big massive heater in my room was a keyboard and I would jump around to this track. Shhhh don’t tell anyone.

  • Gary Numan - Cars

    What do I say about this? Just a absolute monster of a track. I will never get bored listening to this. Just love it. The chords. Wow.

  • Wild Style Dvd Trailer

    This was the one. It was a cool documentary/ film. Real, raw and not polished. Great soundtrack. Grandmaster Flash and the like were a big influence. I was lucky to have 2 turntables when I was 14. That was all I done everyday. Practising the art of cutting and scratching.

  • Kraftwerk- Spacelab

    Kraftwerk. The guvners. Ahead of their time. Amazing catchy melodies. I chose this track as it’s pretty fucking cool but then I could have chosen any other one.

  • E2 E4 - Full Suite

    A true masterpiece. What a groove. The way things keep moving with the step sequencers. Love it. I bet he was chuffed once he made this. 🙂
    Had a big influence on me. Especially the hypnotic groove – non stop…

  • Depeche Mode - Violator Documentary Part 1

    Was always a big fan of Depeche Mode but when Violator came out I was blown away. I was lucky to see the live show at Wembley. Maybe one of the best shows I’ve been to. I like the way this film starts with “If you wanna use guitars , use guitars“ This was the same thing I used to say to Karl when working with Underworld. Every track on this album does it for me.

  • Serious Intention, You Don't Know (Limited Edition Special Remix) - 1984

    Definitely up there as one of my all time favourite tracks. Just perfect. Love the effects on this. Delays, pitching up the vocal. Just great. I suppose you could say one of “those” many tracks that started House.

  • Adonis, No Way Back - 1986

    I could put so many early Chicago tracks up on here,the list is endless. I went for Adonis.This is what one would call “jackin”. Thanks to Jazzy M for getting me “jackin” every Tuesday and Thursday night on LWR and also selling me endless House and Techno gems when I was a wee nipper. I haven’t really scratched the surface. 10 is not enough.