John Acquaviva has been a pivotal figure in the development of Canada‘s house and techno scene since the early 90s.
In addition to co-founding influential record labels like Plus 8 Recordings and Definitive Recordings in the 1990s, alongside his long-term business partner Richie Hawtin, Acquaviva played a pivotal role in the development of Final Scratch, a technology that paved the way for the development of Rane’s Serato and Native Instruments’ Traktor. In recent years, Acquaviva has headed up Plus 8 Equity Partners, a venture capital firm dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging music technology companies.
Read More: Interview: ORIGINALS… John Acquaviva
Earlier this year, Get Physical Music acquired the Definitive Recordings catalogue, and is set to release the first Definitive Classics EP in early June, featuring music Chuck Phulasole, Jetstream, and a John Acquaviva remix of Blunted Dummies’ House For All.
Wit that in mind, 909originals asked Acquaviva to identity his all time favourite productions and remixes, as part of our #MyRecordBag feature. Over to you John!
Section 25 – Looking From a Hilltop
“For many DJs, this track was the nexus of it all in the 80’s. Industrial electro techno began here in many ways. Note the back edits in the last half – that inspired so many.”
Brian Harden – Junglelistic
“This came out in the mid 90s from Chicago and was not played by many, though I hear Zip play it all the time. It’s a really melodic, harmonic, tripped-out bomb.”
Moodymann – Shades of Jae
“This is one of my favourite chords ever out of Detroit. It’s full of soul and is an excellent house track that still rocks the crowd.”
Renato Cohen – Cosmic Man
“Another, perhaps unsung, production that has aged very well for me. A pumping but sexy boompty tune.”
Blaze feat. Palmer Brown – My Beat (Derrick Carter Disco Circus remix)
“Another classic and timeless mix about dancing and the beat from the golden age of Derrick Carter’s production time.”
Rhythm Doctor – Isotonic Chakra Pt II (The Drum Dub)
“I have been playing this for some time and it never fails. This is one of the very best techno productions from the Idjut Boys, who made some incredible productions around 20 years ago.”
Matteo DiMarr – Tronno
“Another unsung hero of a track that is always a BOMB!”
The League Unlimited Orchestra – Things That Dreams Are Made Of (Dub)
“This song has always been a track I wanted to play, and has become a big hit.”
Salt City Orchestra – The Book (Hardback Dub mix)
“This embodies techno and house and musically for me.”
Gene Farris – Move Your Body
“The embodiment of a classic, old school vibe and groove with amazing whisper vocals that take you back to the warehouse days.”
Thanks for taking part John. Definitive Classics #001 is released on 9 June on Get Physical Music. Photo by Sven Marquardt.