BK, aka DJ and producer Ben Keen, has long been associated with the raw, uncompromising side of electronic music, forging his career during the hard house era, holding a residency at the legendary Trade, and producing tracks such as Revolution, Music Is Moving, and Hoovers & Horns (the latter alongside Fergie).
Over the years, he has released on labels such as Nukleuz, Positiva, Data, Ministry of Sound, NuLife, FFRR, and Tidy, played at some of the world’s biggest clubs and festivals, and remixed the likes of Mauro Picotto, Praga Khan, Storm, Mario Piu and the legendary Tony De Vit, to name but a few.
His latest release is the two-track Nasty EP, set to land on Reinier Zonneveld’s label Filth On Acid on Friday 18 July, the title track of which is built around a sample from a well-loved rave classic. 🙂
For the latest #MyRecordBag feature, BK shares his favourite hard-hitting tracks that shaped the UK underground. As he puts it, “I’ve picked tracks that I played out, but more importantly, tracks that I went out dancing to as a raver/clubber.” Over to you, BK!
Commander Tom – Are Am Eye
“I first heard this track at Heaven in London, a club I used to go to every Friday night. The hoover sound in the middle of the track was immense, and combined with the spooky counter melody and offbeat bass, it was a huge influence on me.”
Tony De Vit – Are You All Ready
This track holds so many memories for me. Tony was a hard house pioneer at the legendary club Trade, which was also the birthplace of this sound. Over 150 BPM with a hard-as-nails kick and hoovers sampled from an old hardcore record and sped up — it’s an epic journey.”
DJ Misjah & DJ Tim – Access
“The ultimate acid banger for me. Again, I first heard this at Heaven in London. The metallic vibe on the drums, combined with that rolling bass and acid stabs — this track taught me a lot about how important sound choice is. It’s musically very simple, but every single sound choice is on point.”
The Prodigy – No Good (Start the Dance)
“I used to go to warehouse parties and big outdoor raves as a teenager and saw The Prodigy live many times at the start of their career. This was when I became hooked on music — I’d listen to their albums on repeat and bought all their vinyl. I still play this track in my sets today.”
Sunscreem – Pressure
“A bit different from the previous tracks I’ve mentioned. I used to work as a tape-op/engineer in a studio in London’s West End, and another engineer from a nearby studio gave my boss a cassette copy of the album demo with tracks and remixes from the biggest artists of the time. I listened to it over and over again. We used to hear this track out at Café de Paris and go nuts. A feel-good piano anthem.”
The Sharp Boys – Sharp Tools Vol. 3: I Need
“Another massive anthem from Trade. Tough, groovy loop-based house with amazing use of samples and arrangements that kept you locked to the dancefloor. Music made for heads-down dancing.”
Quench – Dreams
“Epic hard music with plenty of drama. This record instantly creates a vibe on the dancefloor — dark and yet uplifting all at the same time, building to an awesome riff. I’ve lost plenty of brain cells dancing to this one!”
F16 – XTC (Phase One)
“This track has everything. It’s tough and cheeky, with a great arrangement that locks you to the dancefloor. Lots of small breaks lead you down a different path at every turn. I have jaw-grinning memories of this being played at Trade, in my favourite ever venue: Turnmills. I still play an edit of this that I made.”
Tony De Vit – Don’t Stop
“A cheeky sample from Outlander’s Vamp — which is also high up on my list. This track has everything that got me into this style of music: big cheer moments, offbeat bass, epic drum breaks and killer arrangement.”
Legend B – Lost in Love
“I struggled to choose between this and Age of Love — both had a massive influence on me. One of the hardest things to do is come up with a simple, timeless riff, and this track does it so well. It’s emotive and uplifting at the same time. A true classic.”
Keep up to date with BK’s latest releases and tour dates here.
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