Saytek shares his favourite KMS Records releases

Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records imprint celebrate three decades in the game this year, an impressive feat even for someone as decorated as Saunderson.

We caught up with KMS family member Saytek in the trail of his recent Doppelgänger EP on the label, going back through the years, Saytek lists his 10 favourite records from the KMS back catalogue.

E-DANCER – VELOCITY FUNK

As E-Dancer, Kevin Saunderson was one of my biggest influences in the 90’s and this track was always a standout in any set I heard. It’s got a very ravey vibe and would be played by DJ’s from both the House and Techno scene. Like all of my favourite records, it’s impossible to slot neatly into a genre, but always went off and probably still does when a DJ drops it in a club!

E-DANCER – WORLD OF DEEP

The B-side of ‘Velocity Funk’ – I actually prefer this track with it’s melodic vocal-esq Leadline, chords , warm bass and wonky pads married to a pounding 4 to the floor kick pattern with classic Techno percussion. I have many memories of this being dropped at places like The End in London ,well into Sunday morning and a new energy with smiles of joy appearing on the faces of clubbers who have already been dancing for hours!

REESE – JUST WANT ANOTHER CHANCE

Kevin Saunderson’s “Reese” moniker just goes to show the extent of his Influence way beyond the realms of Techno. Without the famous “Reese” Bass line, then arguably Jungle, Drum and Bass and garage would not exist and the world would be a very different place! This track demonstrates it perfectly!

E-DANCER – INTO THE FUTURE

More E-Dancer ! Kevin Saunderson’s classic baseline is met with crunchy drums and really beautiful filtered chords. Deep and melodic and full of groove perfect example of only using a few very strong elements to create a stand out track. Shut your eyes and dance!

INNER CITY – TILL WE MEET AGAIN (CARL CRAIG REMIX)

Another Detroit Legend steps in to remix Kevin Saunderson’s pop project “Inner City”, starting the track with an arpeggiated analog riff that occasionally jumps up an octave and strips back the vocals whilst showing restraint in the arrangement its not till gone 3 minutes the full kick drum is dropped and 5 minutes until the bassline drops and when it does works a treat! Finally at nearly 7 minutes a full vocal is dropped. As always Carl Craig demonstrates complete disregard for the rules and as a result the track is very refreshing!

OSSIE & TOMER – COSMIC CHARLIE

Absolutely in love with this! Its so simple but effective repetitive lead line and heavy snare drums build the track into a crescendo where high hats get heavier and rise cymbals get pitched up and down (one of my favourite tricks) until met with a clap on every beat of the kick drum. For me this the perfect modern Techno track – raw, stripped back and making the most out of just a few elements with loads of energy and that Detroit soul!

HUMANTRONIC – SOUTH WAVES

Wonderfully deep dubby Techno from this up and coming artist. Morphing echoing chords meet a classic Detroit groove creating a very atmospheric track. The B Side “Family Rules” is much deeper darker and groove led. Lovely stuff!

EDDIE HALE – ANOMALY

Really great slice of stripped back Techno from this Australian producer. I am in love with this sound, elements snaking in and out of the mix, understated but tough and deep. The track slowly unfolds with a bleepy hook and subtle Detroit chords eventually being met by a pad which becomes more dissonant as the shaker fades in and out of the mix and the kick drum is removed. Right up my street!

DANTIEZ SAUNDERSON, JOHN NORMAN – STUCK IN MY MIND (P-BEN EXTENDED REMIX)

Deep and melodic with real Detroit jazzy undertones, the vocal pitches up and down throughout the mix until met with a classic chord line ride cymbal and 909 claps. Very trippy and melodically pleasing with hints of melody that sound like Jeff Mill’s late 90’s conceptual work.

INTERCITY – GOOD LIFE (UNRELEASED) (PIG&DAN LESS IS MORE VOCAL MIX)

Banger alert! One of Inner City’s biggest hits turned into a peak time stripped back Techno record. Pig & Dan keep it simple and classic on this one using the original chords and a pounding Techno rhythm and dropping the full vocal after the break down chopping it up and toying with it for a while. A classic reworked for the modern dance floor!