Records that shaped Julian Bainbridge’s sound

As the founder of Sounds Over Seas, Berlin-based DJ and producer Julian Bainbridge has quietly been cultivating a reputation for deep, emotive, and timeless House music. His debut LP Directions, out now via his own imprint which marks both a personal and artistic milestone: a full-circle statement from an artist who has spent the last decade building a sound rooted in feeling, groove, and exploration.

Across the nine tracks of Directions, Bainbridge channels the raw, soulful essence of classic Deep House, infusing it with jazzy warmth, minimal rhythm structures, and a global sensibility that mirrors his own eclectic influences. It’s a record that celebrates dancefloor intimacy as much as headphone introspection, a reflection of his belief that House music should move both body and soul.

To trace the origins of his sound, Julian shares with nightclubber.ro a selection of records that have inspired and shaped his musical journey, from formative Chicago and New York House staples to unexpected gems of funk, ambient, and experimental electronica. Each of these cuts carries a story, a spark, or a turning point that helped define the sonic direction he continues to follow today.

Explore Julian Bainbridge’s selections below and dive into the sounds that shaped Directions, an album that captures the heart of deep, soulful electronic music while looking forward to new horizons.

Jovonn - Don't Wanna Let U

I think this was one of the first NJ/NY House tracks I owned. I remember buying the entire Goldtones compilation from Clone back in 2014 and this track was on of the ones that stood out to me. The relentless groove, the playfulness, deepness and the way it progresses through varying moods. Jovonn’s voice has always been on of my favourite males voices in House music.

Equation - I’ll Say A Prayer 4 U

Another early 90s NY House gem. This track really drew me in when I discovered it back in the day while digging in London. The vocals are still so mesmerizing to me. Nu Groove put out so so much great stuff especially during that era and this is one that has always really stuck out to me, especially on the deep end of things. Spirituality is an essential part of House music and this track really brings out that side of the genre. 

James Brown - Turn On The Heat And Build Some Fire

When I listen to many James Brown songs, I hear a bridge to the club and dance music scene of old and of today. The groove is relentless and just pulls you in. Who doesn’t want to get down to this? When I first heard this I literally lost my mind and it has been a favourite ever since.

Master C&J feat Liz Torres - Face It (Dub It)

When I first discovered the original Chicago House sound of the 80s this was one of the tracks which had it all for me. It was more than just drums and basslines but beautiful sound textures using deep pads and arp melodies accompanied by heart wrenching vocals. Perfect for an intricate moment on the dancefloor. Although I prefer the Dub version right now, the vocal version is killer also and has a bit more bounce to it. 

Mike Dunn - Face The Nation (Clone Classic Cuts 01)

Another 80s Chicago House Anthem. I love the rebellious spirit of this track and the acid line is absolutely insane to me. Mike Dunn has so many many bangers which makes it hard to choose a favourite, but as this one rarely leaves my bag I had to go with this perpetually grooving Acid House monster. Face the Nation!

Lone - Vengeance

When this album first came out I listened to it non stop until I almost became sick of it. When I revisited it recently I understood why it had been such an inspiration to me. It was really difficult to pick a fav track from this album as they are all really amazing. I am a sucker for melodies and this album has some of the best melodies in dance music. Lone is an absolute monster and the way he intertwines and marries textures and samples together is mindblowing to me, I mean real real like! 

Brian Eno - David Byrne - Help Me Somebody

Another blast from the past. Brian Eno and David Byrne are both geniuses in their own right and their collaboration on this project doesn’t just sound great, it is really electronic and experimental for the time. Tons of sampling was displayed on this album in a way which had not really been done before them. As my productions also rely heavily on sampling, this record has always been a great inspiration to me ever since I found it at Jackson Records in Berlin some years ago.

Kuniyuki & Jimpster - Kalima's Dance (Sprinkles' Deeperama)

This DJ Sprinkles Version of Kalima’s Dance is an incredible piece of deep and rhythmically challenging music. I bought this back in the day on Decks.de and it has always been a go to selection for moodier environments and settings where the crowd has more space to breathe and embrace the full depth of this track. 

Smallpeople - Chasing The Sun

Can’t have a selection without one of Germany’s longest running House and Deep House adjacent labels. I was introduced to this song in my early playing days and just the way it starts is hopeful, blissful and deeply touching. This is a favourite for warm up sets with its strong groove and steady build. Shoutout to Smallville

CANDIDO - Dancin' And Prancin

To finish off I have one of my favourite Disco classics. All of Candido’s tracks lay a foundation for many dancefloor grooves that were to follow and especially Dancin’ and Prancin’ just gives you that early Garage House vibe. The sequencing of the song, the way it builds and those piano stabs and uplifting lyrics have been immensely inspiring to my own productions.

Listen / Buy: Directions LP on Bandcamp

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