Piscean are production and live performance duo formed by Michael Dodman and James Smith. The pair craft an alchemical mix of electronica, ambient pop, progressive house, classic trance progressions and 2-step. They have spent a year honing a series of tracks, signing to Ultra Records and set to launch in early 2020, with initial support so far on Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music.
The duo brings their experienced musicality and vocal performances to a festival-ready live set, with every track ready to be reconstructed live with vocals. Packing an array of keyboards, analog synthesizers and other tech, the pair’s standout live set is accompanied by a cerebral video visual show.
Piscean just released their debut single entitled ‘Clarity’ via Ultra Music. Today they select 10 tracks that influenced them to create the project.
1. Faithless – Insomnia
“Let’s start at the beginning. this seminal record was definitely a paving stone on the way to sculpt the Piscean sound. The synths, grooves, and epic vocals are all ingredients we like to use in our own music too”
2. Booka Shade – In White Rooms
“A track that basically defined when I (Huxley) got into going clubbing. The progression of this track is insane. This is something I introduced to James when we first starting working on this new project and is really a benchmark we are trying to hit”
3. Petty – Some Polyphony
“Much like in white rooms before this is a track that really defined my original clubbing years. The use of melody is definitely apparent in how we use our stabs and progressions”
4. Wookie – Scrappy
“Before Piscean, we met over our love of UKG over 20yrs ago. We were originally a DJ and an MC and the UKG sound. Such as wookies basses still help to mold our own grooves and basslines”
5. Danny Weed – Creeper
“Again linking back to our first meeting, grime has been with both of us throughout our musical journey and this is one of the originals. Maybe not as clear to hear now, but we still love the sound and try and pinch things if we can”
6. Kolsch – Grey
“I could have picked any of Kolsch’s tracks. After playing with him many times over the years I love the way his tracks focus on one major element and really use it to it’s maximum. He’s a genius”
7. Tale Of Us – North Star
“It’s pretty obvious how acts like Tale Of Us, especially this track, have influenced our sound. Dark wailing synths and lots of low melodies”
8. Ben Bohmer – After Earth
“Ben is a phenomenal producer and his use of melodies is outstanding. Anjunadeep has really championed some great acts over the last few years and Mr. Bohmer is up there with our favorite”.
9. Boris Brejcha – The Darkest Night
“Again Boris is a huge influence in our style. We think he’s a superstar and really can’t put a foot wrong”
10. Patrice Baumel – Sender
“A current track here, but just because it’s new doesn’t mean it doesn’t inspire us. Patrice is a G. This track really shows his dancefloor muscles. Heavy one”
Piscean’s ‘Gravity’ is now available on Ultra Music. Stream and buy here.
Follow Piscean: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
