What’s in the DJ’s box: Matthew Styles

What’s in the DJ’s box: Matthew Styles

19 February, 2008 | 10.48AM

• Section: Music News Topics: Berlin
• Written by: Ben Raven

Once a month, we check a Berlin resident’s record box to see what sounds are rocking the city, and this month, Matthew Styles steps up to the plate.

As the former label manager of Crosstown Rebels, Matthew Styles is one of the underground’s most well known faces.

Now a resident in Berlin, he’s finally stepped away from the trappings of label management to concentrate on his own records and DJ career, as well as starting his own label in spring. 

His two recent EPs on Horizontal and Diamonds & Pearls are a statement of intent for what promises to be a busy year for him.

A regular face at the Panorama Bar, he’s fast becoming one of Berlin’s must-see DJs, and has a record box to put any self-respecting underground house geek’s knickers in a twist.

Favourite set opener:

I really love the new project from Tobi Neumann and Onur Ozer called Sensitiva, which I think will be out soon on 100% Pure.

The track is called ‘Minimosa’, and has a lovely calming effect like fresh air, but kicks in solidly later, which provides a good base to develop a groove.

It’s a super upfront record you smugly can’t give out to anyone.

The artist albums by Dinky and Pier Bucci are shaping up very nicely, and there is some great new stuff to come from Guillaume and The Coutu Dumonts.

Killer vocal track:

Hercules and Love Affair ‘Blind’ (Frankie Knuckles Remix) [DFA].

Rob Mello put me onto this Knuckles Remix last week — and what a gem it is.

It’s not for every dance floor; the minimalists will hate it, but in the right conditions, it’s explosive and will be huge.

It will probably annoy the hell out of me in six months, as it’s definitely going to be around for a while.

Trippiest record:

Termitten ‘Why Did I Love Wife’ [Linear].

Vintage Ricardo from 2002, and a great record if the people are relaxed and in a good mood.

If not, then maybe it would/could be a disaster.

I think it has some vocals from Pink Floyd and the sounds are proper head spinners.

Bassline weapon:

Melchoir Productions ‘Black Mother’ [Perlon].

For me, Thomas [Melchoir] is one of the scene’s most consistent producers.

He’s never overstated or overrated.

I always like the lo-fi feeling of his records.

This one has an awesome sh101 style bass, making me smile every time it says hello.

The track you always get asked to play that you don’t mind playing:

This is a difficult one.

Last time I managed to fulfill requests was at a wedding two years ago, but I don’t seem to get asked so much anymore.

Get out of jail card:

Le Noir ‘Eleny’ (Radio Slave’s Panorama Garage Mix) [Fling Recordings].

When this kicks in, all the feet in the room are moving.

It’s super deep, but a record that seems to touch most people.

Matt Edwards [aka Radio Slave] doesn’t seem to put a foot wrong at the moment.

Oldie that everyone else has probably forgotten:

Penny & Rhoden ‘Beat Goes On’ [Rising High].

A chance stumbling on an old Rising High compilation reminded me of how great some of the early trance on there was in 1992, before it became Trance©.

Anyway, this is a classic piece, deep and slow by today’s standards.

You can find lots of interesting pieces by Atom Heart and Pink Elln (Tobi Freund), and all kinds of producers back then who are still making great music now.

The record that will never leave your box as long as you live:

Black Rascals ‘Blaze Theme Track’ [Sumo Records].

It really took me a long time to find this, and I carry it everywhere faithfully waiting for the rare moments when I can play it effectively.

It’s classic New Jersey house, and for me, possibly one of the deepest records ever made.

Your “one more tune” end of night finisher:

Telex ‘Raised by Snakes’ (Joseph Watt Remix).

Awesome [Giorgio] Moroder-ish disco/proto house from 1985.

The production is amazing, and the lyrics are genius.

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