Dutch artist Helsloot, aka Thomas Helsloot, has releases on labels such as Get Physical, Domino Records, This Never Happened, Ritter Butzke, and Anjunadeep under his belt, not to mention Because You Move Me, the track that helped establish him as a producer following its release on Armada in 2017.
He recently unveiled his debut album, Never Tried, on Get Physical (you can download/stream it here), which features collaborations with Tinlicker, Rangleklods, Jono McCleery and others, a project he has described as a deeply personal journey.
” I tried digging as deep as I could and ignored every trend to explain it to every future me in its purest way,” he explained. “It’s a translation of the excitement but also the insecurity you feel when trying something new.”
For 909originals #MyRecordBag feature, Helsloot has compiled what he describes as his top ‘seductive electronic beats from Almere‘ – the tracks that helped shape his sound as he came of age in the Dutch city. Over to you, Helsloot!
Helsloot – Disco Maxi
“A song I can play anywhere, anytime in my sets. With this tune I can make any transition from melodic to disco or the other way around.”
Miguel Campbell – Something Special
“I remember a conversation with a friend of mine about the tempo going down in dance music. He played me the mixtape of Lee Foss – Modern Amusement 01 (I just looked it up, 13 years ago, damn). I was blown away by the sound of it. The whole tape had a certain hip hop and R&B flavour that really spoke to me. The best tune on that tape is Miguel Campbell – Something Special. That’s what got me into the label Hot Creations by Jamie Jones and Lee Foss.”
Nicolas – Renegade (Adam Ten & Mita Gami Remix)
“The tune of 2023 for me. Sometimes before a show I’m checking out new music, hoping for that one track that can take a show to another level. This is a perfect example. Check out that bassline – it’s going places no AI will ever visit… at least for another few good years. I remember hearing it first in Damian Lazarus’ Essential Mix.”
Last Men On Earth – Arrested On Vacation
“This is such a weird record. It’s actually a constant buildup towards the tropical trumpet that comes in after 4:07. Everything before will leave heads turning and full of question marks, especially when the police siren comes in, ha ha. Hipshaker level 100.”
SOMMA – Que Pasa
“A great combination between a groove, Spanish vocals and an 80’s bassline.”
Helsloot feat. Rangleklods – Beautiful Losers
“This one holds a very special place in my sets. Mostly at the end, because the vocal and the melody is very emotional. It used to be a bootleg, which I wasn’t very proud of until Rangleklods turned it into a dark, beautiful love song.”
Majid Jordan – Slip (FiNe & Sauaro Remix)
“I’ve been a fan of Majid Jordan ever since they were featuring with Drake on Hold On We’re Going Home. Great tune, great playable remix.”
Freeform Five – No More Conversations (Mylo Remix)
“One of the greatest indie dance masterpieces of all time. It’s such a freestyle trip, no four bars are the same. And honestly, have you ever heard a drop with a fade in? (2:47). Reminded me a bit of Aphex Twin’s Windowlicker.“
Love Remain – Flourish
“I dare you not to dream away while listening…”
Kevin Lyttle – Turn Me On
“A banger from my youth. Every time the DJ dropped this in the club or at someone’s house in Almere, everyone was scouting across the room for someone they could dance close with. We called it the ultimate wingman. Not super electronic, but definitely a line through my musical DNA.”
Thanks Helsloot for your selections. Photo by Robert Repko. Keep up to date with his latest releases and gigs here.
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