p-rallel, Fcukers, Skin on Skin: production whizz Dom Valentino shares the tracks he had On Repeat whilst concocting his latest all-star banger “Magazine”.
Even if you’ve never heard the name Dom Valentino, you’ve definitely heard his music. He’s the beatsmith behind hits from some of London’s most definitive new wave talents, from Greentea Peng to Ragz Originale, Unknown T to Deema, works often with Wonderland favourite p-rallel, and even earned credit on Skepta’s Mercury Prize-winning opus, Konnichiwa.
Eclectic in his sonic vision and deft in his ability to sculpt a variety of genres, moods and motifs, Valentino is building out a peerless Metropolitan discography. This is epitomised by his latest single, “Magazine”, one of his most undeniable and vibrant cuts to date, enlisting a sprawling feature cast that includes Celeste — whom created the genesis of the cut by sending a voice note to Valentino — as well as an impressive rap triad of Jeshi, Fredwave and Elijah Waters.
Arriving just in time for festival szn, “Magazine” will not be leaving our speakers anytime soon. Linking up with the man himself, Wonderland get the rundown of what inspired the track in our latest On Repeat.
Listen to “Magazine”…
Dom Valentino Is On Repeat…
Metropolis – “Kornél Kovács”
This track is in here for its high energy and pretty melody combination. It hits the right spot and since I heard it I can’t shake the feeling it gives me. Melody + simple groove BANGING.
Ossie – “Dreams”
This is a huge song and the bass line in magazine was inspired by this. Big moog feeling that takes over at certain points.
Groove Armada – “Superstylin’”
This is one of those tracks that sits in my head as a blueprint for dance music in general. It’s undeniable and I try to infuse the sound system feeling of it every time I make a dance track.
Chris Stussy – “All Night Long”
Pretty synths, hard bass line and pitched vocals bring this track together in the same way as “Magazine.”
AceMo – “Myrtle Ave. Party Track”
This track is so hard hitting and rough around the edges it was the exact approach we took with the drums in “Magazine”. I love the accents on the way the 909 is programmed. Masterclass in drum machine programming
Fcukers – “Bon Bon”
This shouts on top of the beat in a way I really like. And the instrumental feels like super styling a lot.
Operating Theatre – “Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In Its Mouth”
This is another example of big moog bass under breaks but taking it way back to the origins (1986) This is one of my favourite tracks ever.
Skin On Skin – “Burn Dem Bridges”
This track is obnoxious and infectious and I feel like there’s a direct parallel between that and this song
p-rallel – “Can’t Be Me”
Making dance music with this guy and going out and playing the tracks out straight away across England is really what got me making a lot of dance music so this deserves an honourable mention.
Basement Jaxx – “Where’s Your Head”
This track sounds to me what you think British dance music should sound like. Geezer shouting over mad beats so yeah it has to go in for its high energy!
