Da Vibe Project, Gwen Guthrie, Linkwood: salute delves into the tracks influencing them ahead of their forthcoming mixtape.

Manchester-based DJ and producer salute has become synonymous with anthemic, crowd-adoring sonics that blend euphoric, celebratory house with zippy UKG and vibrant R&B. They are set to share a new mixtape next month, entitled “infinite passion”, via Atlantic Records.

We’ve just been blessed with the hazy, hooky third single from the mixtape, “lip service”. It’s a maximalist, undeniable cut with rich melodies and dazzling production, and it sees salute add another faultless house classic to their already excellent discography. But what are they listening to right now to produce such goodness? Keep scrolling to find out.

Listen to “lip service”…

salute is On Repeat…

Black Loops, Nikos Haropolous  – “7Hills”

As far as depth and sonic palette go, 7Hills has made me rethink how I construct my music. It’s such a beautiful track but it sounds huge on a good system and knocks just the right amount. Exactly what you come to expect from a producer like Black Loops.

Da Vibe Project – “Live From Da Underground”

Super classic early 2000s house music. Simply, loopy and really catchy. An exercise in doing what is necessary and cutting the fluff – exactly why this track never gets boring despite being quite long.

St David & Wildbox – “Disco Demands”

I love a filtered sample loop and this track includes a nigh on perfect one. I could get lost in that push and pull for ages, it sucks you in.

Eddie Richards – “Feel The Music”

The few elements that make up this track all sit together so perfectly. I’m so in love with that warbly synth sitting on top of the rest of the track; the drums are so crisp and groovy. I love playing this one in extended sets.

Gwen Guthrie – “Save Your Love For Me”

I listen to a lot of 80s R&B, and that influence will always be apparent in my music somehow. There’s something about this style of soul that translates into dance music so perfectly, and with this being one of my favourite songs of all time, I always reference how this one makes me feel.

Linkwood – “Secret Value”

Perfect sample, perfect drums, perfect bassline, perfect synths. It’s so softly mixed, too, with a super infectiousness that kind of stumbles over itself in a really beautiful way.

Chesus – “Special”

I love every use of that O’Jays sample, but this one has a really special place in my heart. The way it is executed here is perfect, and this track has become a staple in my sets

Pancratio – “Leave Me Alone”

I love the moody, atmospheric energy coursing through this track. The bassline is so menacing in comparison to the synth stabs and pads littered across the track; the resulting tension is so crazy. This hasn’t left the crate since I bought it.

CJ Scott & Ari Bald – “Tropicana Thunder”

A masterclass in sample flipping. Every element in this track is working overtime to deliver what I think is one of the best feeling house tunes I’ve heard in years. Probably my favourite right this minute.

Technasia – “Fusin’”

I love a simple loop that is strong enough to hold your attention for a while – 8 minutes in this case. There’s something really primal and human about music like this; it just appeals to the part of your brain that allows you to get lost in a loop and move.