New York DJ and producer J Gabriel has just released a new compilation, My Soul Is… Split Series, on his Onysia imprint, a collaborative release alongside Thomas Melchior and Bruno Pronsato that combines stripped-back rhythms with subtle textures and evolving grooves.
J Gabriel, who also runs Convent Records, has previously collaborated with artists including Chez Damier, Mike Shannon, Shaun Reeves and The Scientist.
For this week’s #MyRecordBag, he shares his top minimal gems – featuring tracks by Mark Farina, Axel Boman, Mike Shannon, Letou and more.
Funky Transport – Vice
“This one always stood out to me as unique, from the arrangement to the sound design and vocal sample. Twisted, funky stuff is very much my style.”
Mike Shannon – The Box Is Open
“Such a party starter. It’s sophisticated, fun and gives me the feeling that it’s about to get lit…”
Mark Farina – Betcha Do
“People often associate Mark Farina with a different sound, so it’s cool to go back 20+ years and show some of his roots.”
Axel Boman – Cinceunta
“Sticks with me over the years. It’s quite tribal in the hypnotic riff and production aesthetic without having any overt tribal tropes. It really does it for me.”
Steve O’Sullivan – Where’s Burt? (Delano Smith Reconstruction)
“The heavyweights convene here and the results are undeniable. Such a specialty thing too, a rare formation.”
P’Taah – Dance Until We Die (Kenny Dope Beats)
“For me, it’s cool to throw in big names that contributed to the minimal style in important ways, especially if they’re known by many for something else. Great tool here. Mix it with some deep, dubby basslines and see what happens…”
Comité Central feat. Fakemannequin – Horny ’08 (Remote Remix)
“I don’t know… this is a left-field and almost sinister type of edgy cut I’ve been holding on to for many years. Dirty, sexy, dark, weird, but still delicate and sophisticated. Also, the slow unfolding influenced me a lot, a sort of patient unraveling technique that I really enjoy implementing in my own productions.”
Thomas Melchior – Liquid Moves
“Obviously a stone-cold minimal classic. It has a sort of effortless perfection and alternates between a darker and more optimistic energy when the organ riff comes in. And what an organ riff. It’s real cool when Thomas drops it himself too. Special moments.”
Vincent Casanova – Intimate
“The type of opening vibes I really adore, also for after-hours. Vincent Casanova is a master of pairing deep atmospheres with heavy grooves. This is power in simplicity, exhibit 101.”
Letou – Tomachi
“A lovely late-morning favourite. I’m always looking for these types of rare and beautiful meditative vibes.”
Thanks to J Gabriel for his selections. My Soul Is… Split Series is out now, check it out here.