Stereo Six: Simon Field Fleshes Out Six of His All-Time Favourite Tracks

One of the great gifts of electronic music is emphasized in Simon Field’s new album Panda. The Oslo, Norway, House artist just released the record on August 16th via Basement Records. What’s clear throughout the record’s nine tracks is that this is an electronic album like no other. It draws inspiration primarily from the Oslo underground scene. Field’s affection for classic Chicago House is also a noticeable influence. But Panda is undoubtedly unique, with a sound that doesn’t exactly sound like your typical Western club fare. Field has become well-regarded for his definitive blend of deep, tech vocal House. It’s made him a trendsetter within his local club scene.

Panda results from an unquantifiable amount of time spent in the studio. Field actually had 17 tracks in total recorded for the album. It wasn’t until the beginning of the summer that he started to whittle that number down. He landed on the nine tracks that flowed the best and left him feeling the happiest. While he oversaw it all, Field invited a few collaborators to contribute their talents. There are guest appearances from Delphi Drive, Blichfedlt, and others. Basement Records is his creation, a platform where he can run the show however he wants. Unrestrained by commercial trends, Panda focuses on underground House music’s raw, unaltered energy.

To help contextualize Panda, Field joins us today for a Stereo Six to run down six of his landmark songs.

“Boiling down my influences to just six records is nearly impossible, but I will highlight some tracks that I heard early on and that have been influential over a long period. Each of these tracks incorporates strong elements of the genres that I am highly influenced by: minimal tech, deep House, and tech House.

“Each of these songs has played a significant role in shaping my musical journey. They represent the diverse influences that have contributed to my sound and continue to inspire me as I explore new musical landscapes. From the lush, emotive vibes of deep House to the raw, minimalist energy of early House music, these tracks are a testament to the enduring power and versatility of electronic music.”

1. Larry Heard – “Can You Feel It” (1986, Trax)

“Also known as Mr. Fingers, Larry Heard’s ‘Can You Feel It’ is an iconic deep House track that has influenced my generation of producers. Its lush chords and emotive vibe are hallmarks of deep House, creating a dreamy soundscape that is both immersive and moving. The track’s flowing melodies and intricate layering capture the essence of what deep House is to me: a soulful, introspective journey through sound.

“I love the chords, the deep bassline. Its timeless quality has kept it relevant through the decades: warm, analog synth sounds and the meticulous attention to detail in the arrangement sets a standard that many strive to emulate. This track is a masterclass in creating a piece of music that is both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant.”

2. Green Velvet – “Flash” (1995, Yeti Records)

“While not strictly a tech House track, Green Velvet’s ‘Flash’ has been a huge influence on my music. Its techno roots combined with deep House elements create a unique blend that stands out. The track’s driving beat and hypnotic vocals make it a staple in many DJ sets, and its energy is infectious.

“‘Flash’ has an almost industrial sound, with pounding rhythms and sparse, melodies. This minimalistic approach allows each element of the track to shine, from the raw percussion to the distinctive vocal hook. For me, ‘Flash’ represents a bridge between techno and House, showing how the two genres can be fused to create something powerful and new. The track’s relentless pace and edgy vibe are a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the power of simplicity.”

Artwork for the singles Simon Field lists in this Stereo Six

3. Dubfire – “RibCage” (2017, Sci+Tec)

“‘RibCage’ is, to me, a defining minimal House track. It combines the groove of House with the precision and energy of techno, resulting in a sound that is both dynamic and deeply engaging. The track’s relentless drive and intricate production have made it a reference for me in terms of production quality and track development.

“What stands out about ‘RibCage’ is its ability to maintain a steady, hypnotic groove while constantly evolving. Dubfire’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the way each element is introduced and manipulated throughout the track, creating a sense of progression and tension that keeps listeners hooked. The track’s minimalistic approach allows for a focus on texture and atmosphere, using subtle changes in sound to build and release energy. This patience in track development is something I strive to incorporate into my own music, aiming to create a similarly immersive and evolving experience.”

4. Deep Dish – “Stay Gold” (1996, Deconstruction)

“I don’t know what came first, Everything But The Girl’s ‘Future of the Future’ or Deep Dish’s ‘Stay Gold.’ But it’s definitely the same track. It defines deep House for me with its rich, melodic layers and smooth, rolling beats. The track showcases the genre’s blend of House rhythms with deeper, more melodic elements, creating a lush, immersive soundscape that is both soothing and invigorating.

“The track showcases the best of what deep House has to offer: a perfect balance between groove and melody, where each element complements the other to create a cohesive whole. The track’s warm, analog synths and intricate percussion patterns create a sense of depth and richness that is characteristic of the genre.

“For me, ‘Stay Gold’ is a reminder of the emotional and musical potential of deep House, inspiring me to explore the depths of melody and rhythm in my own productions.”

5. Ricardo Villalobos – “Easy Lee” (2003, Playhouse)

“Another one from the minimal side of me, ‘Easy Lee.’ Villalobos’ unique approach to rhythm and space created a blueprint for the genre, and ‘Easy Lee’ is a perfect example of this. The track’s sparse, hypnotic beat and subtle, evolving melodies create a mesmerizing soundscape that draws listeners in and holds their attention.

“What makes ‘Easy Lee’ so influential is its ability to create a rich, immersive experience with minimal elements. Villalobos’ use of space and silence is masterful, allowing each sound to breathe and contribute to the overall atmosphere. The track’s unconventional structure and experimental approach to rhythm make it a standout in the genre. It has inspired countless producers to explore new possibilities within minimal House. For me, ‘Easy Lee’ is a lesson in the power of restraint and the importance of creating a strong, cohesive atmosphere in my music.”

6. Chip E. – “Time to Jack” (1985, D.J. International Records)

“‘Time to Jack’ by the legendary producer Chip E., showcases so many things about the development of House music. The track embodies the raw, minimalist style typical of early House music, characterized by its repetitive rhythm and bassline, which are hallmarks of the genre’s Chicago origins.

“The simplicity and raw energy of ‘Time to Jack’ are what make it so powerful. The track’s repetitive, driving beat and stripped-down production create a hypnotic effect that is both primal and captivating. This raw, unpolished sound captures the essence of early House music, where the focus was on creating a strong, danceable groove that could keep people moving all night long.

“For me, ‘Time to Jack’ is a reminder of the roots of House music and the importance of staying true to the core elements that make the genre so compelling. It’s a track that continues to inspire me to explore the raw, energetic side of House music in my own productions.”

Simon Field ‘Panda’ album artwork