Kyle Watson is one of South Africa’s most prominent figures in electronic dance music, having taken clubs and festivals across the globe by storm. Whether you’re in a small, sweaty club in the heart of the USA or a 15,000 strong open air festival in Brazil, you’re likely to hear a Watson record. Releases on dance music’s biggest record labels including Diplo’s ‘Higher Ground’ and Gorgon City’s ‘REALM’ imprints have helped sculpt his sound into a unique style of house music that blends the dark with the light, sweeping melody and musicality amongst the grit of a raw bassline.
Having just made the move to the UK from his native Johannesburg, Kyle has wrapped up his first handful of US shows since the beginning of the pandemic and is on a prolific run of releases that stretch over to March 2022. Now, he’s set to join the lineup at Seismic Dance Event alongside more than 50 of the most iconic acts in the underground dance scene.
To celebrate his upcoming landmark performance at Seismic Dance Event, Kyle Watson shares with us 10 of his favorite cuts ever.
01. Tim Cullen – Take This
“One of my top three tracks at the moment is this one from Tim Cullen. The chopped repeating vocals and big drums are a perfect blend and no matter where I slot it into my set, it just works.”
02. SIDEPIECE – Acrobatic (J.Worra Remix)
“I’ve really enjoyed watching Jamie grow as a producer and this track to me is one of her best yet. The energy of it works perfectly in a club or a festival.”
03. Riva Starr, Genghis Clan – I Am Brotherhood
“Absolutely deadly on a big system. The chunky thickness of this record is unmatched and really sticks out in a set.”
04. Cave Studio – Supra
“I really love the groove on this one and was pumped when we picked it up for Box Of Cats. The perfect blend of chunky grooves and house vibes!”
05. Sampson – Pull Up
“This has been a staple of my sets since I came across it from a producer on my Patreon. Keep an eye on this guy, writing really fresh stuff!”
06. Visage, Helder Simz – Ride It
“Love the drops in this record. The kick is so punchy and so well mixed in the low end that it sounds amazing on pretty much any sound system.”
07. Gorillowz, Roddy Lima – Mr. Freedom
“The groove in this record feels so natural and organic. These guys have been putting out some really good stuff, another artist to keep an eye on over the next year or two.”
08. Drinks On Me – Obama
“When I want to get things feeling happier in a set I drop this, slowed down to about 126. The stabs and vocals can keep things moving in a high energy moment or bring it down a notch if you need it to.”
09. Truth x Lies – Wanted
“Have really been enjoying what these guys have been putting out. The vocal is simple but really catchy, and the thickness of the bassline drives this forward really well.”
10. Kyle Watson – Dominoes
“I had to sneak this one in! It works great in the middle of a set to reset the energy, or as a closing track to close off the night. The big moment in the end is what really works well as a hands in the air moment.”
Check out Kyle Watson at Seismic Dance Event in Austin, Texas from November 12-14. Get your tickets here!
