Records that shaped Decent Ride’s sound

With their new Like We Do EP landing on Fortunea Records,  Bavarian duo Decent Rides continue to refine a sound that's equal parts deep house warmth, soulful groove and stripped-back club functionality. As the minds behind Interloot Records, they've built a reputation for blending influences from hip-hop, jazz, disco and house into productions that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

To celebrate the release, we asked the pair to look back at the records that helped shape the Decent Rides sound. From Leon Vynehall's beautifully melancholic textures and Max Graef's sample-led house to early Wolf Music classics, Bicep's genre-blurring grooves and the understated elegance of Cecille Numbers, these are the releases that continue to inspire their approach in the studio and behind the decks.

Dive into their selections below, then check out Like We Do EP—a four-track journey through deep, dubby atmospheres, peak-time energy and hypnotic house grooves, available now via Fortunea Records. Take it away guys…

'Hi everyone,

We've focused on the records that have shaped us for the Decent Rides project.'

1. Leon Vynehall – Music for the Uninvited LP – 2014 

First of all, Leon Vynhall is an absolute genius. All the tracks on the album sound warm and organic, and he creates a bittersweet blend of euphoria and melancholy, perfect for both listening and the dancefloor. House of Dupree is probably the track on the album that sticks in your mind the most.

Our favorite quote from him: “Don’t quantize—life isn’t quantized.”

2. Max Graef – Bummse EP – 2013

For us, Track No. 5 is the prime example of sample-based house music. The samples are used in an extremely musical way, and even the drums sound more like they were played than programmed.   

It's fascinating how the bass here is so nicely rounded and almost blends with the kick drum, without pushing forward aggressively – Chapeau!

3. Atmosfear & KRL – Dancing in Outer Space EP - 2009

Wolf Music Recordings has had a huge influence on us to this day. We've basically been fanboys since day one. 

We just picked the WOLF001 because the “Remember Donny” remix is an absolute classic.

The dry snare, the killer soul sample, and the hi-hats that lag lightly behind - it’s all about the “less is more” principle. 

4. Bicep - Vision of Love EP – 2012

This is where Garage meets Detroit. 

Well, that kind of sound was exactly what we wanted for the dance floor. 

There's no classic drop, and the energy builds slowly over 8 minutes.

The chopped-up vocal is used as a rhythmic instrument and is very similar to Kerri’s approach, only in Bicep style - an absolute banger!

5. Jacuzzi Boys – De La Casa EP – 2010

The earlier Cecilie Numbers releases were always in our record cases. 

The title track “De La Casa” is a wonderful tune somewhere between deep house and tech house and doesn't try to be extravagant. The track builds slowly, with percussion, riffs and sounds being added and then reduced again. Of course, the short jazzy instrumental riff is the heart of the song – it instantly transports you to Latin America and won't let you go.

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