Manchester DJ and producer Mason Maynard has built himself an exceptional reputation with his groove-led productions. He wasted no time at the turn of the year, hitting the ground running by being named one of Tomorrowland’s Ones To Watch in 2022. Shortly after this Mason dropped his second release on Hot Creations ‘Somethin’ For Tha Underground EP’ featuring the legendary MC talent General Levy garnering support from industry heavyweights such as Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, and Danny Howard (BBC R1) to name a few. This was swiftly followed by ‘Think About it EP’ on Saved Records along with announcing his new record imprint ‘Xscape.’ The first release entitled ‘All over U’ set the tone for Mason’s new musical direction with tastes of rhythmic Detroit-style electro, hypnotic vocals, and nods to the young producer’s NYC & Chicago house influences only further establishing his ever-growing musical palette.
Maynard’s burgeoning career so far has seen him unleash collaborations with the likes of Green Velvet, and Lee Foss as well as a massive remix of Elderbrook and Rudimental’s club smash ‘Something About You’, which saw Mason deliver a mature, drum lead house remix which was met with global adulation. Mason has vast productions on esteemed labels such as Island Records, Polydor, Ultra, Cajual, Repopulate Mars, Defected, and Relief Records as well as the notable Hot Creations release ‘McLovin EP’; which gained heavy industry support from the likes of The Martinez Brothers, Patrick Topping, Skream, Richy Ahmed, Claude VonStroke, Hot Since 82, and Carl Cox.
Now, to celebrate the drop of his latest single, ‘Just Wanna’ via Xscape, Mason Maynard selects his favorite 10 tracks:
1. Aly-Us – Follow Me
‘One of the classics and an all-time favorite on Strictly Rhythm. Play this at any party and people just start moving instinctively.’
2. DJ Sneak – Show Me The Way
‘Sneak is a legend and has many great songs, but this record for me is one of his best… The drum pattern isn’t complicated, but provides the perfect backbone for the strings and bass to carry the groove as they come in and out.’
3. Paul Johnson- Hour Glass Figure
‘I got to warm up for Paul once luckily in Chicago at a Dirtybird show. His music always spoke to me in a different way, he embodied black music and really knew how to put his different influences into a song and keep it feeling original. RIP the legend.’
4. Matthew Boone – Lady Plus
‘Love this one a full disco house vibe! The sample used is super funky and uplifting with a ton of energy in the groove then it switches up later on for a more emotional feel whilst maintaining the slamming drums.’
5. Double G – Get Loose
‘A UK Garage bomb from the early 2000s. Skippy 2-steps drums with the subby organ bass and vocal chops scattered throughout. Also has the old skool warmth that all good Garage has and was more than likely produced on some classic Akai samplers.’
6. Blake Baxter & Eddie Fowlkes – Wisdom
‘Blake is one of my favorite producers hailing from Detroit. This track, like many of his, shows the skill in sampling that only the top guys are able to do properly, and in doing so, he & Eddie fuse soul, techno, house, and more into one, effortlessly.’
7. Gypsymen – Hear The Music
‘One of Todd Terry’s many aliases he used to produce under. Signature drums set the tone for this one then the deep bassline and soulful samples come together to make this one a jam. Again very simple but oh so good.’
8. Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (DJ “S” Remix)
‘Everyone knows the original, but this remix from DJ S is less well known. A super feel-good disco jam perfect for the daytime.’
9. Korda – Move Your Body
‘Some dope Italo house from 1990. Very Balearic piano, organ chords, and soulful vocals are the perfect match for each other. The sort of track I’d play this on a sunset cruise ’round Ibiza.’
10. Voices – Voices In My Mind (Master Vox Down)
‘One of my many favorite MAW records. The MAW and India combo is really untouchable in house music, only Cajmere and Dajae would come close in my opinion. It’s Masters At Work for a reason.. everything they do together is on another planet they truly capture the spirit and essence of house music. Gold. ‘
Mason Maynard’s ‘Just Wanna’ is out now via Xscape. Purchase your copy here.
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