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Oliver Sparks runs us through 10 tracks that influenced his new single Dance

Words by Oliver Sparks

As I write this artist-curated editorial, I thought I would share with you what I am listening to at the moment. Emotionless by Drake just finished and Takin’ It To The Streets by The Doobie Brothers is playing. Both tracks have flawless piano parts and vocals.

I want to give you an honest insight into what I listen to – past and present. Below is a ten track playlist of songs that influenced my debut single Dance and a bunch of tracks that I can not stop listening to right now. The first five influenced and the second five are influencing.

Fresh off the release of his debut single Dance, we caught up with Newcastle-based artist Oliver Sparks for a list of ten tracks that have influenced him.

JOY. – Smoke Too Much

This track is the perfect blend of organic and electronic. Harmonically, rhythmically and melodically, JOY. ticks all the boxes in Smoke Too Much. The snaps and hard-hitting pre-chorus is what really sucked me in.

Petit Biscuit – Problems ft. Lido

Lots of emotion and feel. It is undeniably pop, however, there are deep undertones in this track that hits me in the feels. The whole ‘drop out’ chorus thing intrigues me – love it.

Francis And The Lights – Friends (feat. Bon Iver)

When it only takes five seconds of the introduction to make me fully commit to the next three minutes that will do me. This is why Friends (feat. Bon Iver) by Francis And The Lights made the influenced list.

The Chainsmokers and Coldplay – Something Just Like This

I am on the edge of my seat for most of this track. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay gets a 10 for tension and release from me. Maybe it is the whole ‘banger’ thing that I was drawn to in this song.

Crystal Castles – Not In Love (feat. Robert Smith)

Simple – great song and the rave synth in the chorus.

Maggie Rogers – Light On (Winston Marshall Remix)

I could have easily put the original here but I chose Winston Marshall’s remix. There is so much in this track I can not articulate it in a few sentences. Give it a listen and you will understand why it is at number 6.

Golden Features – Woodcut (feat. Rromarin)

Mood. Mood. Mood. It is dark and a little spooky – I like it!

Solange – Losing You

Released in 2012 and it is still making me feel good. Play this on a Saturday morning and it will set up the perfect day. Who doesn’t want to write music that sets up someone’s Saturday? I do!

Jungle – Casio

Solange’s Losing You will have you ready for the day – Jungle’s Casio will get you ready for the night. This track has attitude. I am not necessarily creating music that sounds like Casio, but if I can emulate the attitude, I am okay with that.

Billie Eilish – when the party’s over

It is 2019 and it is Billie Eilish. This track is inspiring. That is all I can say for this one.

Dance is available now. Listen here.