Cyprus-born and UK-raised DJ and producer Raphi has developed a club-focused sound drawing from ’80s influences, early-2000s house, and contemporary dance music.
Photo credit: Raphi – Official
Her catalog includes collaborations with Laidback Luke on ‘If There Is Love’ and Patrick Topping on ‘Whisper’, alongside a run of solo releases. She has also performed at Creamfields, Hï Ibiza, and Printworks.
Her latest release, ‘Giving U (Extended Mix)’, arrived through SPINNIN’ RECORDS. To mark the release, Raphi selects 10 records that continue to influence her approach to house music.
1. Federico Scavo – Bug
“The groove, the swing, those unmistakable synth stabs, it’s simple, infectious, and impossible not to move to. No matter how many times I play it, it still hits exactly the same. A forever record for me.”
2. Daft Punk – One More Time
“Daft Punk has been such a huge influence on me musically. The way they made dance music feel euphoric, timeless and completely universal is something that’s always inspired me. Let’s not forget those infectious vocal melodies too!!”
3. Mylo – Drop The Pressure
“Instantly recognisable, feel-good. It’s one of those records that doesn’t need to try too hard, just effortlessly cool.”
4. Angelo Ferreri, Pietro Over Jack – Be Nice
“Everything works perfectly together in this track. While the vocal is driving, so is the bass; it keeps the groove feeling high energy throughout. Then when the sax comes in!! Ahh, it gives me feels, just want to be in Ibiza.”
5. The Chemist – Ruff Cutz (Dennis Quin Rework)
“Those classic 90s drums and vocal samples. Raw energy that captivates you from start to finish. Endless loop that never gets boring.”
6. Junior Jack – Stupidisco
“One track I wish I made. Even if you don’t like dance music, I generally feel you wouldn’t be able to resist a toe tap lol. Just happy energy and a melody that sticks in your mind for days. Never dates.”
7. L.P Rhythm – Versatile
“A track that pays homage to the ’90s while bringing that unmistakable sound into a new generation. The synth in the drop is a standalone chanter. Also mixes so well with other tunes, so it’s like the perfect DJ track.”
8. St. David – Messages Of Love
“You’d think this track came straight from the 90s. Dusty drums, raw energy and the most soulful vocals!! A track I can truly lose myself in. Driving energy from start to finish.”
9. Ninetoes – Finder
“Such an iconic track through my childhood, that still goes off today. No vocal is needed because the steelpan melody is such a singalong by itself.”
10. Armand Van Helden – You Don’t Know Me
“The king of house music. A masterclass in simplicity. That looping disco groove, punchy drums, and unmistakable vocal give it an attitude that still owns the dancefloor today. My idea of perfection in a song.”
Raphi’s ‘Giving U (Extended Mix)’ is out now via SPINNIN’ RECORDS. Stream and download your copy here.
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