Under The Influence with Roy Davis Jr.

He’s undoubtedly a legend in the world of house music and with the world’s most popular new electronic music stars such as Rudimental and Disclosure drafting him in for remix work, it’s evident that the influence of Roy Davis Jr’s work spreads far and wide.

From playing keys for Phuture through to releasing some of the 90s finest house releases for labels like Strictly Rhythm, Guerilla, Force Inc. and more, house music runs through his DNA and he continues to release top drawer material to this day.

His new album “Destroy and Rebuild” lands soon via Mile End Records and he offered up the first taster recently in the shape of “Slide” with another house legend Robert Owens on vocals.

We managed to catch up with Roy to ask him about the tunes that influenced him when he was starting out all those years ago and that helped to shape his sound. Over to Mr Roy Davis Jr…

Under The Influence with Roy Davis Jr.

Ten City – Suspicious

This song inspired me because of the great story telling they did as songwriters, with Marshall Jefferson the king of delaying instruments to perfection, it inspired me to start my first group Umosia.

Fingers Inc – Distant Planet

Just pure rawness that got me with this one. Larry Heard, Robert Owen & Ron Wilson you can’t get any better.

Simplicity just works!

Phuture – Acid Tracks

One of the best Acid tracks ever, Timeless! After hearing this before joining the group years later was a true inspiring moment.

Phuture helped me shape my track style. Leaders of the Pack!

Marshall Jefferson – Truth Open Your Eyes

This was Chicago Afro House with wisdom that opened my eyes and mind to create the positive music that I create today, spiritually touching.

Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved

True soldier! Keeping our souls intact through music when times got hard, I would just pop on my Bob and go to that place of of peace. Knowing I’m not the only one fighting for peace & love.

Curtis Mayfield – Give Me Your Love

Soul with purpose, great courage my man Curtis gave me to stand strong and be forward & honest in my music. BBQ Music!

808 State – Pacific State

This sound help mould the way we swang our 909 drums in the Chi, monster smooth pads that made me dig playing pads and strings.

Robert Armani – Ambulance

Robert just knew what he was doing when he made this, from the South Side of Chicago to the North Side this had us Jackin & Juking! I knew that he was going to change lives when every time I saw him he was carrying that 909 in his hands even in the streets and parties.

This track inspired me to create the WILD LIFE E.P. 1 on Power Music.

St Etienne – Only Love Can Break Your Heart (MAW Remix)

Masters At Work – one of the best duos in house music ever! This remix made me want to make dubs for every track, but there is only one Masters At Work!

Still play this today.

Planet Patrol – Play At Your Own Risk

Planet Patrol set the stage for electronic funk! This vibe was important to me because it was one of my favourite tracks for the B boys when I first start playing records.

I knew once I would drop this this the streets would get down in the Alley in Chicago Heights 5th Ave. Good Memories!

Roy also recently dropped by the Boiler Room and delivered a quality set for the hipster massif, get your eyes and ears around that below: