The Pop Corporation

One of our favourite things is a notification on a new release from DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ – from swirling house, to robo-teen drama pop, to an almost Boards of Canada-esque way of creating music that feels both alien and familiar, DJSTTDJ is always worth tuning into.

The reference points in the music are both cosy and dense, so by the time you’re lost in the sauce of the music, you wonder what the hell is being played on the record deck (or should that be a Windows Media Player pop-up with Microsoft’s 3D graphics?) between producing.

Well, THEPOPCORPS asked exactly that question and we got to sit down with 10 Tracks With… curated by the brilliant DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ.

Before we get to that, you should know that there’s a new track out called ‘Throwdown’, and more music to come in the next few weeks. ‘Throwdown’ is a bit weightier compared to previous releases, but we’re very into it. A welcome addition to the dreamy pop and house that we’ve heard before.

Be sure to follow DJ Sabrina over on Bandcamp to be notified of new releases, merch drops and all that good stuff.

Click here for DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ’s Bandcamp. Of course, you can follow on Instagram and Spotify and the rest – you know what to do there. And with that, if you’ve ever wondered what goes into the soup to make a track from DJSTTDJ, let us listen to 10 songs which might give us a clue!

Squarepusher – Iambic 9 Poetry

A beautiful song from Squarepusher’s 2004 album Ultravisitor. A lovely unique drum beat, gorgeous chords, beautiful textures and a wonderful bassline. It builds up with interlacing harmonics and keeps this rolling, circular, hypnotic feel.

Very relaxing and yet thrilling at the same time.

Randy Vanwarmer – Whatever You Decide

An awesome song which starts out swinging with it’s wonderful drum beat and driving guitar riff. To me, the whole song sounds ahead of its time, much more akin to an early-mid 90s track rather than early 80s.

It has a haunting and melodic chorus, and the lyrics keep coming round and round again which adds to its hauntingly beautiful refrain.

Tina Arena – Flashback

A true masterpiece of melodic pop. One of my favourite Tina Arena songs, and one of my favourite songs of all time for that matter. It’s exciting whilst being heartbreaking at the same time. The melodies are flawless, and Tina Arena’s voice is breathtaking perfection.

The rhythms are strong and hit you hard, the drum part is perfectly arranged and executed (performed by acclaimed session musician John Robinson) and a wonderful bass line by Leland Sklar, all together make this song the goosebump-giving, back of the neck hair raising, pop beauty it is.

Groove Armada – Lightsonic

Such a classic dance track to me. Its dark and brooding, with wonderful production and arrangement, so much to listen out for. The chorus is powerful and melodic, it manages to be catchy and danceable whilst still being beautiful and melancholy.

Sting – Rushing Water

A new classic by Sting, out of a catalogue of untold amounts of great songs this more recent track adds to that collection. A close, tender vocal, driving chorus, wonderful bass line and meaningful, poetic lyrics all make this song an absolute winner.

Patrice Rushen – Anything Can Happen

A long time favourite song of mine from wonderful songwriter, pianist and singer Patrice Rushen. This one is a little known pop gem and a bit different from her more famous funk/disco based work.

I love the long, building intro which leads into the verse and gorgeous chorus. It’s catchy, full of melody and her tender performance sells this romantic track.

Joyce Cooling – Sleight Of Hand

The pecky piano and bass riffs that start this track instantly give you satisfaction and foretell just how good this song is going to be. This soon leads into Joyce Cooling’s searing, beautiful lead guitar, accompanied by synth lead.

The bass absolutely slaps throughout and the whole track has a snakey groove to it which makes you want to lean back with a cool drink and vibe out.

Van Morrison – Checkin’ It Out

It opens with an incredible interplay between guitar and Rhodes, along with hammond organ. A very soulful, rolling track with Van Morisson’s wonderful vocals. The backing track reminds me of other great 70s/early 80s artists such as Paul Simon, Stephen Bishop, and Rickie Lee Jones.

The whole album (‘Wavelength’) is a wonderful pop, soul, singer-songwriter piece but this track especially stands out.

Jeff Lorber – The Magician

This is just the kind of melancholy sweetness I gravitate to in a song and try to bring across in my own music. On the top level it seems like a happy go lucky tune, but the chords beneath are soulful and it has a sweet sadness to it which is beautiful.

The rhythms are interesting and vibrant and intertwining solo between saxophone (by Kenny G), guitar solo and Jeff Lorber’s synth is wonderfully exciting.

Kate Bush – Them Heavy People

A slightly lesser spoken of Kate Bush gem with a fantastic bass line. It’s got a bouncy guitar played throughout with an almost reggae feel. The lyrics are, as usual with Kate Bush, thought provoking whilst also providing the vehicle for a catchy melody you can sing along to.