Deep House records that shaped Sean Roman’s sound

Toronto’s Sean Roman has long been a quietly influential force in underground dance music. First earning global recognition through his drum & bass alias Mutt, Roman has spent the past decade refining a deeply personal take on house, one that folds in garage swing, disco warmth, and a heady sense of late-night introspection. His productions balance restraint and groove with an instinctive feel for what works on a sound system, a sensibility shaped by years behind the decks and in the studio.

That evolution reaches a new high point with Sweetboi LP, his latest release on Lately Bass Records. The album is both a reflection of his roots and a forward-facing statement, drawing from decades of club culture while remaining firmly grounded in the present. Across its seven tracks, Roman moves effortlessly between deep house, 2-step, and breakbeat, crafting a record that feels as suited to solitary listening as it does to packed dancefloors.

For this feature, Sean Roman traces the deep house records that helped shape his sound. From timeless cuts by legends like Kerri Chandler to under-the-radar gems and modern inspirations, these selections reveal the threads that run through Sweetboi LP: simplicity, groove, and an enduring love for rhythm-driven music. Each track comes with personal reflections, moments of discovery, production insights, and the kind of details only a seasoned DJ notices, offering a deeper look into the influences behind one of 2026’s most quietly essential house records.

Thomas Bangalter - Club Soda - 1998

Not sure if this counts as a deep house record but I think its deep AF…warm filtery disco vibes with a simple loop. I think this is a great set opener and a great reminder that simplicity is king sometimes. 

Also… I love the intro sound of a pop can being opened and poured…vibes…

‍Kerri Chandler - Bar A Thym - 2005

Another track that is super simple, but really effective. Most of the track’s movement is in the synth lead’s filter slowly being opened and closed. I always love Kerri Chandler’s drums, this track is no exception…when I think of “more cowbell” I think of this track…class…

Adriyano - Feel Like - 2012

The vibe and intensity of this track really speaks to me. I feel some connections between some tracks on Sweetboi and this track, deep garagey goodness with in your face drums swung just right. I feel like Adriyano is kind of slept on as a producer, but he always comes with the heat…

Abacus - Relics One (Mix Three) - 1993

I met Austin (Abacus) this year. Mark (Toronto Hustle) showed me some of his early classic works, this being one of them. He then ended up doing remixes for us on  WOLF and Ascension On Wax.

His remix of our track “Could It Be” ended up being a hit (not that I should be surprised). He just re-released this ep, and it’s a masterpiece really…

DJ Steaw - I Want - 2012

This came out on Local Talk, one of my fav labels and a label I was lucky enough to release on.

This track is a garagey banger. This is exactly what DJ Steaw is known for garagey vibes and snappy ass drums with lush chords and chopped up diva vocals. My shit…

Effgee - Your Light (Nico Lahs Remix) - 2025

Probably one of my favourite tracks last year. The newest track on the list (though it has a very vintage vibe to it). This is a unique banger and I think Nico Lah’s has really been killing it the last couple of years. Definitely a track I wish I wrote! 

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