Feature: Simos Tagias shares 10 tracks which inspired his journey into electronic music

Since first emerging nearly a decade ago, the Greek artist has continued to earn the praise of progressive music tastemakers Cid Inc, Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren. Revered imprints such as Higher States, Juicebox Music, Mango Alley, meanwhile, Proton Music, Replug and Sudbeat have all served as recent landing spots for his groovy melodic sound. This week finds Simos making his debut on Suza Records with a three-track EP 'Vortex', a release which follows his excellent 'Katla' EP for Movement Recordings to begin the year.

To celebrate the release of 'Vortex', Simos has curated a collection of ten tracks that fueled his passion for electronic music in his formative years.

1. Future Sound Of London - Papua New Guinea

I'm starting the chart with this track which I call it the “ anthem” as a lot of other old school guys like me in my generation, so inspiring, dreamy and also so easy to listen as the first track of the day or as a closing track in a party. I don’t remember where or when I heard this for a first time but I truly remember the feeling. Goosebumps!! Definitely one of the best ever!

2. Chicane feat. Bryan Adams - Don't Give Up

As a child born on 80’s I was influenced by the music of that era and i feel very fortunate for that. As a Bryan Adam’s fan I was happily surprised by this beautiful collaboration with one of my favourite at that time electronic music producers like Chicane and the result amazing as expected!

3. Tijuana - Groove is in The Air (Simon's Future Dreams Mix)

I heard this track in 2001 visiting a friend’s house and since then it’s one of my favourite tracks ever as the whole GU Los Angeles, after all you can feel the groove in the air.

4. Andy Ling - Fixation

The feeling of dancing to this track on the dance floor is indescribable, with such a great melody like this one it was so easy for Guy J few years ago to make an amazing remake and continue the legacy, all time classic!!

5. Bedrock - Heaven Scent

Once we are talking about anthems this track couldn’t be absent from my list, I remember John Digweed played that track in my city 7am and it was a blast, 2000 people were dancing and yelling, an unforgettable moment.

6. Underworld - Dark Train

What can I say about this group and what they have done to the dance music industry, pioneers. I heard it in 1996 in Northen Exposure by Sasha & Digweed ,the whole album was a journey and of course easy to love it from the first time.

7. Kate Bush - Running up that Hill (Infusion Remix)

My humble opinion this is the best remix of this track and it was made years before everyone else starting doing it and come back to the surface after the famous tv series. This tune has one of my favourite bassline and never failed to the dance floor. Even now 20 years later you can still love it as much as the original.

8. Jeff Mills - The Bells

As a teenager I did a fast pass to techno industry, the legendary Jeff Mills and his iconic tune “the bells’ its the greatest techno track of all time. I remember him played a five hour set in four decks and when he drop this track the club went nuts. Masterpiece !!

9. The Auranaut - Groove On, Dream Off

It was a time when I was very into Psy trance industry and I can say still I am, in 1996 accidentally I saw in a record shop a double cd “ Trancentral Four A Trip _To Goa” mixed by Tsuyoshi Suzuki including this track and many other. It changed my whole music theory, the track selection and the way it was mixed almost 30 years ago made it one of my top 5 albums of all time. I’m still listen to it and always ended with the same feeling of joy!

10. Pachanga Boys - Time

Last tune of my list and I don’t need words to describe it. Who does not love it or haven’t dance to this on the dance floor, it takes you to the same journey no matter who you are, from where you are or what language do you speak. Music such as this track exists to remind you despite our differences that eventually we are all one. Love and peace !!!

'Vortex' is available now via Suza Records: https://tinyurl.com/3jck7htz