Scottish DJ / Producer Van Damn’s popularity has soared since he launched his ‘All Good’ twitch channel during lockdown. He’s since released his productions on label’s such as Fatboy Slim’s Southern Fried and Jaguar’s ‘Utopia’ imprint, DJ’ed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Cultivate, SWG3 and more. As his hot new ‘Zip It EP’ drops on his own label, Good Trax, DMCWorld goes Back To Mine with Van Damn.
The XX – Angels
I’ve been a huge fan of the xx since I first heard them about 15 years ago! Proper emotional music that makes you feel something every time you listen to it. Sounds a bit pretentious but I got the album XX on 12inch and when I’m working on stuff in the studio, I always put it on and let it play through, always a huge wave inspiration to create and make music when I listen to it.
The Blaze – Territory
This was such a random find. I was honestly sitting working on design stuff with YouTube in the background and it came on randomly (w/ help from that beautiful YouTube algo) and it smacked me in the face. Obviously, another huge slice of electronic music but defo not clubby. Since hearing this song, the blaze have been on constant rotation in my house and car.
Porij – I Like That
This is a band I was shown by a close family friend of mine, who loves his tunes. They hit all the spots catchy as anything hooks and funk absolutely oozing out of every tune they put out. This is a particular favourite of mines, just doesn’t seem to get boring I notice wee bits every time I listen that I haven’t noticed before.
Robyn – Honey
I’ve been a huge fan of Robyn for years! She obviously has very close ties to dance music but when she dropped this album it was during the lockdown, and I remember listening to it nonstop. I was being super creative at that time, and it again, helps me find inspo when I’ve not really got the juices flowing. This song in particular I honestly feel like it’s full of hope and packs a huge “we’re gonna get through this” type feeling, (that might be because of the pandemic though).
Lorde – Green Light
So this song has been on rotation on my phone since it came out! Another absolutely fulla hope track! I’ve toyed with the idea of editing it for the club, but every time I go to try I just honestly feel like it’s too spot on to touch!
Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
A huge huge part of my musical influence comes from the music my mum and aunties played around me when I was younger! This is one of those songs that I’ve loved since back then! It’s funny I do classes teaching kids in high schools and primary schools how to DJ, and the number of times this track had come up from students is unbelievable. Shows the tracks still stands out today for some reason or another.
Kindness – House
Kindness’ music has been a pretty big constant for me for some time. I absolutely love their vibe. They always choose really strange sounds and don’t overcomplicate the music. Very stripped back and easy to just put the headphones on, lie back and proper get into what you’re listening too. This song had a lovely sounding piano in it too which is my Achilles heel.
Simple Minds – Theme For Great Cities
I’ve loved this song since I was a wee guy sitting in my grandad’s car listening radio but for a good few years forgot all about it, until I heard someone play the raven maize track, the real life, and I was like, “I’ve heard this before” and went on a wee hunt to find the original. Stone cold classic.
Fontaines DC – A Hero’s Death (Soulwax Remix)
Always been a huge fan of Soulwax and their adept remixing and editing skills. This one being from a band I’m already a huge fan of. Bit of a common highlight of this band is their accent. Always seem to be drawn to Irish and accents in music, probs just that Celtic connection is Scot’s and Irish folks feel.
Frank Ocean – Pyramids
It’s hard to pick a favourite frank ocean song but this is most definitely my most played. The switch up in the middle is probably one of my favourites in any song. The entire vibe change just works so well and makes the already incredible feeling of this song just so much more profound and multi-faceted.
Van Dam ‘Role Model’ is out now on Southern Fried.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3dgd5qWAA7nJ0RCXe8ewdZ?si=KXOjBB8WR6S7flAeOGw4WQ