Influences – Dennis Ferrer

Music

Dennis Ferrer has constantly found himself being in the right place at the right time, whether or not this is through good fortune or due to him being able to predict the future with some kind of psychic powers is yet to be seen. He was involved as dance music has headed in an afro-centric direction and once again found himself on the cusp of the wave when the music took a tech and soul swerve. If there was ever a DJ you'd want by your side as you picked your lottery numbers, Mr Ferrer would surely be at the top of your list. Here, he tells us about his musical influences in a journey that takes in Bill Withers, Marilyn Manson and Donnie Mcclurkin.

Find Dennis on facebook here.

See Dennis Ferrer at Pacha Festival on Saturday 23rd May – more information here.

LISTEN

Doobie Brothers ~ What A Fool Believes (1979)

There is no better written opening line that I know of but this one. ”He came from somewhere back in her long ago.” As a writer that one line to me is so simple and yet so complex. It’s always intrigued me. The perfect opening to the start of a verse and a ridiculously good record. Maybe my all time favourite.

Doobie Brothers ~ What A Fool Believes (1979)

There is no better written opening line that I know of but this one. ”He came from somewhere back in her long ago.” As a writer that one line to me is so simple and yet so complex. It’s always intrigued me. The perfect opening to the start of a verse and a ridiculously good record. Maybe my all time favourite.
Bill Withers - Lovely Day (Original Version)

This song sums up everything about how good life can be when you truly find someone you get along with completely. “Just one look at you…and i know it’s gonna be…a loveleeeeeee daaaaay!” The quintessential summer song where you’re riding in your car with the windows open, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing in your face.
Howling - Howling (Âme Remix)

Another scorcher lyrically – ”On the night you let me under your sin you had me Hoooooowwwwling. I mean this is ridiculous who wrote this? It’s insanely good. I’m a huge fan of the writing just from this one song.
Krs One - Step Into A World (Raptures Delight)

For Hip Hop aficionados this is where you go to learn His-story. Lyrically Krs-one was ahead of his time.
Odyssey - Inside Out [Original 12" Version]

I’ve always said it about this record, one of my favourites lyrically and that string section: Wow! It’s timeless.
Donald Fagen - I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) (Hq)

Mr. Fagen at his best, the master of wacky chord progressions all boiled down to make sense at the end. You either love him and his Steely Dan work or you don’t. No middle ground with him. As a musician he fascinates me. Lyrically he’s off his rocker, I love him. He’s walked the narrow edge of crazy musicality and not only lived to tell about it but left an indelible mark on musical history.
Donnie Mcclurkin: We Fall Down, But We Get Up

Not being overtly religious there are just some times when a record hits so close to home it really doesn’t matter where it comes from. The lyrics to this one are so inspirational. ‘We fall down, but we get up. For a saint is just a sinner who fell down’. Everyone needs a pick me up every now and then and this used to do it in a pinch.
Marilyn Manson - Tainted Love Hd 720p (Best Quality)

Usually remixes or re-dos of old hit records fall flat on their faces. I can count the number of successful ones on one hand. This might be the absolute top one and for me a stunner. He took Tainted Love and made it his with a modern twist. This should be studied and forever remain the standard of how you make a re-do and add your own twist.