Tunes that inspired t.na’s sound

Few artists embody the timeless intersection between dancefloor energy and deep musical introspection quite like t.na. With over two decades of experience behind the decks and in the studio, the Manchester-born, London-based artist has cultivated a sound that’s both rooted in classic minimal and tech house aesthetics yet alive with forward-thinking flair. His latest release, the Ivan EP on Ben Jones Parallel Circuit label, is a testament to that evolution: four immersive cuts built around pulsating grooves, emotive melodies, and the kind of intricate detail that rewards both the floor and the headphones.

Following on from our premiere of Ivan (Check here), to celebrate the release, we invited t.na to look back at the records that shaped his musical DNA. Spanning from 2004 through to the present day, these are the tracks that defined key moments in his journey, the records that sparked his curiosity, influenced his production mindset, and continue to resonate in his sets and studio work.

From iconic anthems that shook Ibiza terraces to deep, understated gems that informed his minimalist edge, this is a soundtrack to the years that helped form the sound of t.na and in many ways, the essence of his new Ivan EP. Take it away t.na…

‘I have selected a track from every year covering 2004 through till 2010 which was hands down the most important period in my life for music. It was the time where I really started to understand the true depth of house and techno’

Nathan Fake - The Sky Was Pink (Holden Remix) - 2004

Nothing needs to be said here, iconic. Listen, start to finish and you cannot be disappointed.

Peace Division - What Is This Sound - 2005

Tech house done correctly! Peace Division are one of the bigger influences on my sound.

Gabriel Ananda - Doppelwhipper - 2006

Heard this first at DC-10 I think the year before in 2005 either Magda or Tania Vulcano dropped it. Never seen that terrace bounce like that since. Insane!

2000 and One - Tropical Melons - 2007

There are a few from 2000 and One but this track blurs the lines between techno and house, it just depends what BPM you wanna play it out! Pure energy!

Johnny D - Orbitalife - 2008

May 2008 I arrived in Ibiza for the season, I went straight to a friend's villa and there was a guy there, just chilling, strumming a guitar, it was Johnny D. I had no idea at the time that Orbitalife was not only coming but it was gonna be the track of that Ibiza season. That memory never leaves me and his track is just poetry!

Santos - Hold Home - 2009

11 minutes of one of the best house loops every written, you think 11 minutes is enough but when its done you just want more of it.

Bas Amro - Le Huitième Arrondissement - 2010

I could have filled this entire list with deep house tracks but this one in particular never fails to make people move. Someone wants the ID every time I play this. Pure class!

‘I also want to highlight a few tracks of recent years from friends and labels that everyone should know about’

Michael James & Marshan - Ran Away - 2023

Michael James is one of the most talented producers I know and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. If you haven’t heard his music, get digging.

Prince Palmer - Pressure (Love & Dance Mix) - 2024

Bobby Donny is a label I keep coming back to. This Prince Palmer track in particular never fails. It's House with an underground edge, slaps anytime!

Colm K feat. Elaine Dowling - Basics (Marlon George Remix) - 2025

Marlon George is a class act, what I love most are his arrangements and the subtleties in his productions, he rarely conforms to norms, thanks to that we have my favorite remix of this year.