The narrative of electronic music is largely shaped by Black brilliance. From disco to house and techno, extending to afrobeats and amapiano, the essence and evolution of club culture cannot exist without the contributions of Black artists. Francois X values these experiences – as a dedicated learner, he is captivated by the history and knowledge of electronic music, both past and present.
His ambitious new EP, ‘The Skin Between Us,’ is being released in two segments. The first part of the EP, featuring ‘Bone and Signal,’ ‘No More Shell,’ and ‘Silent Tension,’ is available now, while the second part is set to release in late September.
This polished reflection of his primary influences showcases production that transitions from disco delight to house freedom, fully engaged in the expansive potential of techno.
In this playlist, Francois X outlines his primary inspirations, curates tracks that ignite his creativity, and pays tribute to Black electronic innovators from the past, present, and future.
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Koffi Olomide – ‘Washington’
This song profoundly influenced my youth and sense of self. My father frequently played Koffi Olomide at home, especially during family gatherings like weddings, baptisms, and holidays. The album Effrakata was a constant in my childhood, particularly in my father's community. Although Koffi is from the Congo, his music had a significant impact in Benin and has become part of my sonic landscape.
Mr. Fingers – ‘Distant Planet’
Larry Heard is one of my favorite producers ever. This track encapsulates the emotional essence I seek in techno: it is melancholic, expansive, and deeply human. I remember playing it vividly during my residency at Concrete, right in the heart of intense techno sets. It stands out with its elegant, icy sensitivity.
Earth, Wind & Fire – ‘Fantasy’
This track has always struck me as electronic music: captivating, repetitive, and rhythmic. I often included it in sets that blended disco, house, and techno. It exemplifies the essence of Black electronic soul in its purest form.
Vory – ‘Happy Bday 2 U’
Vory possesses a voice rich with deep, raw emotion. This interlude feels like a contemporary spiritual. The tone and delivery resonate with a profound, soulful truth. It carries a gospel-like intensity, reimagined within today's context.
Double Exposure – ‘My Love Is Free’
A classic from Salsoul, this track left a lasting impression on me during my deep crate digging sessions. The dub section and rhythmic breakdown lasting almost two minutes greatly influenced my approach to techno and house.
Teule – ‘Drink On Me’ (Kerri Chandler Edit)
This Kerri Chandler edit of Teule is a deep house classic that resonates emotionally and rhythmically. The soulful vocals layered over Chandler’s raw grooves mark a turning point in the early New York house scene.
Sylvester – ‘I Need Somebody To Love Tonight’
This track, produced by Patrick Cowley, one of San Francisco's pioneering synth innovators, showcases electronic magic combined with Sylvester’s unparalleled vocal talent. It represents an experimental side of slow-tempo disco. Blackness Queer Emperor.
Charles Earland – ‘Leaving This Planet’
To me, this jazz piece embodies pure trance. The synths, likely the Bi-Phase or Prophet 5, paired with the mesmerizing piano solos, create what I see as proto-techno. It illustrates that trance can exist in jazz, and that jazz is a fundamental element of techno.
King Tubby – ‘African Roots’
The influence of dub is ubiquitous in techno and electronic music. King Tubby's mastery of space, delay, and texture opened doors for countless sonic explorations. This particular track taught me how low-end and silence could be dynamic components.
Juan Atkins – ‘Urban Tropics’
Released on Metroplex, this track is a masterpiece. It synthesizes the emotional and rhythmic base of Black American dance music. The pads and textures tell a narrative that goes far beyond the groove—they encapsulate memory and legacy.
Patrice Scott – ‘Journey To The Unknown’
A staple from Detroit, Patrice Scott creates long, immersive journeys using minimal elements. This track reflects my approach to structure in my productions: a blend of tension, release, and sonic storytelling.
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou – ‘Se Ba Ho’
Hailing from my father's homeland, Benin, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo is a cornerstone of its traditional music, and this track represents my heritage. The rhythms and harmonies are deeply ingrained in my memory.
Drake – ‘Company’ (feat. Travis Scott)
Produced by WondaGurl, this piece represents modern hip-hop with a cinematic quality. There is a notable parallel between this production style and my work in techno: dark atmospheres, layered tension, and emotional gravity without veering into typical "dark" territory.
N.Y. House’n Authority – ‘Apt. 3B’
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