Influences: Second Storey

Music

There is often contesting ideas about the genre placement of Second Storey as a producer. His sound is far reaching drawing upon an array of diverse influences and personal experiences. Rave is something which most can agree is synonymous with his sound and perhaps this is why he has found himself to be most at home on the likes of Houndstooth and R&S Records. Based in Bristol he has observed the rise and fall of dubstep, watching as fragmented elements became alternating musical angles. Which road to travel, which direction to turn?

The tail end of this month will see him release a new LP on Houndstooth, perhaps we will just find out.

We asked Alec to cite influences below:

Pre order the release HERE.

LISTEN

Herbie Hancock - Chameleon (Full Version)

I completely freaked out when i heard this at the age of 10. That off-beat with the snare before the 2 and unforgettable twangy bass-line have really stuck with me. Not to mention Herbie absolutely ruling the synths. That whole Headhunters album is sublime and I keep returning to it. I took Dad to see Headhunters play at the jazz cafe in London recently and got us both pissed – Harvey Mason on the drums still rolling like a total beast. I learnt (or should that be tried) to play drums properly after hearing this record.

Herbie Hancock - Chameleon (Full Version)

I completely freaked out when i heard this at the age of 10. That off-beat with the snare before the 2 and unforgettable twangy bass-line have really stuck with me. Not to mention Herbie absolutely ruling the synths. That whole Headhunters album is sublime and I keep returning to it. I took Dad to see Headhunters play at the jazz cafe in London recently and got us both pissed – Harvey Mason on the drums still rolling like a total beast. I learnt (or should that be tried) to play drums properly after hearing this record.
Autechre - Montreal

Autechre are true electronic dons. Amber was the first album i bought of theirs and have bought everything since. The slowly layering rhythms and lush pads are what really standout for me on this particular beauty, but there are so many. Respect.
Remote - Protecting My Hive

The intro on this is pure gospel, i could listen to a whole track of just that to be honest. However, slamming into that hard-ass beat out of nowhere and the machine funk that ensues is perfect. For me it’s the subtle chords that come in part way through that really get me. As the official DJ, I played this at my friend’s Stef & Annalisa’s wedding for the bridal march (the wedding was at the last ever Bloc Weekend). Mad Mike Banks is a blessing to us all.
Cristian Vogel - General Arrepientase

Cristian continues to contort my cranium (future track title there). Catchiest A-Tonal Techno record ever???
Drexciya - Living On The Edge

Goes without saying but Drexciya are a massive influence on me. I’m contstantly drawing for them, it’s getting silly. Countless inspiration. How the fuck did Stinson and Donald (You Don’t Know?) smash out so much amazing music in that time (i.e. before James tragic and premature death), what with all the other projects…when i’m only on album 2 – i ask myself! Sort it out. This one from the early days…”The Quest” is such a belter.
Aphex Twin - Xmas Evet10 Thanaton3 Mix (97bpm, Pitch 0)

I first heard Syro in Amsterdam (appropriately after taking some fungal friends with dear friends) and this track is my favourite on this album. So many movements. It’s the humour, deep and sometimes dark emotion that i love in his music. I met him at Glastonbury once, following my ears to what sounded like crazy astro jungle and had in fact stumbled across his secret live set in a pagoda next to the train tracks. After he finished playing we had a really good chat/ chewed his ear off etc…he gave me some pizza and a beer. Thanks again for everything Richard.
Silicon Scally - The Silent Years

Carl Finlow is an Electro titan…(Check the back-cat and you’ll see what i mean). i’ve always loved the purity and exploration of his science fiction music. This one is particularly immersive, and the rest of the tracks on the Ep are also excellent.
Sly And The Family Stone- If You Want Me To Stay

You might know it. I hope you still love it. I do. How can you not.