Slew, EsDeeKid, Kettama: DJ/producer Skepsis shares the tracks that have proved influential to him of late in our new On Repeat.
A decade in, Skepsis is standing right at the centre of UK bass music’s ever-shifting direction. From South London to North America, his journey has been defined by restless energy; most recently marked by 10 Years of Skepsis, a worldwide tour that marks his evolution in full.
That same wide-angle perspective runs through Skepsis’ current listening selections. Everything from 140-riddims, progressive bassline, underground rap and throwback house, the list reads like a snapshot of modern UK dance culture.
To mark a huge year for Skepsis, he shares the tracks that have influenced him as of late for On Repeat.
Listen to his latest release…
Skepsis is On Repeat…
Slew – “NEXT MOVE”
One of the craziest beats I’ve ever heard, the way the organ sound is being used as the 808 is so creative. Slew is probably my favourite UK rapper at the moment, there’s so much good stuff coming through the underground.
EsDeeKid – “4 Raws”
If you haven’t heard of this artist or song in the past couple of months, then you’ve surely been living under a rock. Again, it’s just an ice cold beat with that UK new generation swagger.
Kettama – “It Gets Better (Forever Mix)”
Something about this track just feels so nostalgic. It brings emotions out of me that I don’t feel often. It reminds me a bit of Underworld – certified future classic.
White Pony, Flowdan, Riko Dan – “Do It Like Me“
The 140 / Dubstep sound is very popular in the dance music sphere at the moment, and this is one of the best tracks this year in my opinion. I may be biased as I know the guys, but it just summarises everything great about UK bass music.
Notion, Willow Kayne – “Waiting”
Notion has been on an absolutely historic run this past year or so, and having known him for about 10 years there’s honestly no one who deserves it more. I don’t know what he does in the studio but everything just hits like crack.
TeeDee, K Dot – “Outside”
Once you hear the opening bar in that Sheffield twang, it’s game over. Absolute belter from the bassline resurgence – love to see it.
Hedex, Jazzy, e.motion – “Can’t Decide”
Even though I don’t listen to much drum and bass outside the studio and club, I had to include one track I’ve been bumping recently. I love the combination of songwriting and impact in this one, and I’d been trying to get it off Hedex way before he released his album.
Lithe, Don Toliver – “Cannonball“
This one really interests me, it’s like a grime beat with RnB vocals – but it works so well. Would love to get the instrumental somehow still.
Pinch, Neffa-T, Trim – “Wha Happen”
This thing hits like a ton of bricks. Gully beats, bars and lyrics. Mixdown and technical side of this tune are so strong, and Neffa-T is one of the best DJs in the world.
Phats & Small, Toney Lee – “Turn Around”
Ending on a throwback, one of the most underrated classics of the 90s (if that’s even a thing). Absolute feel-good vibes, I might have to try and sample this at some point.
