Stuttgart -born, Berlin-based producer Özgür Yelmen (a.k.a Ninetoes) has come a long way since slamming onto the house music scene in 2013 with his track Finder – a record that became the most Shazam'd track on the island.
Since the release of that seminal smash, he ensured that his alias would be one that would stick, with a slew of releases and remixes being signed by some of the world's most esteemed labels, including Saved Records, Noir, Suara, Mobilee, This & That, Toolroom Records, Stereo Productions, and Snatch and Roush.
With his music having been pushed to the forefront of the underground dance world, his signature sound of rhythmical, jacking and groove-loaded house and techno has been heard at top-tier clubs and festivals across six continents. Of those six, in 2017 he's been in pursuit of rapturous crowds in South America and Europe. And as our interests lie with Ibiza, it's important to highlight that his affections for the island continued as he debuted for Circoloco at DC10 and joined Defected In The House at Eden with the residency returning to the island this season.
In 2017, he's also bumped up his discography count with Come Back landing on Defected Records' breakout label DFTD in May, and his Bonita EP being unleashed by Moon Harbour Recordings at the end of June.
While we got a taste for the tracks that hit the spot for him in the mix with his DJ Beatport Chart selection in April, he's given us an exclusive look at the top 10 track that inspired him. From Michael Jackson taking us to his childhood and Afrika Bambaataa undoubtedly being an influence on his hip hop DJing career, we take an eclectic spin into his music palate.
Check out his top 10 list below, and stay tuned for more Ninetoes date in Ibiza this summer.
Michael Jackson / P.Y.T
"My first record ever. My uncle bought me the vinyl as a gift for my fourth birthday, and it's one of MJ's best songs ever."
Midnight Star / Operator
"My first 12-inch Maxi Single also which was also a gift from my uncle who was DJing from 1982-1992. I still love this record and I'm listening to it a lot, even as I´m typing this."
Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force / Planet Rock
"This record for me is the ultimate B-Boy anthem. I was practicing my B-Boy skills every single day back in the mid ‘80s."
Erkin Koray / Saskin
"Erkin Koray is one of the best musicians Turkey has ever had. He is a pioneer of the ‘70s Turkish psychedelic funk movement and this track is by far my favourite one."
Sezen Akku / Sinanay
"Sezen Aksu is the most known and sophisticated artist from Turkey. She was one of my heroes in the ‘90s. I grew up with her amazing voice and her great songs."
Adventures Of Stevie V / Dirty Cash
"Maybe one of the best hip house tracks that has ever been made. I can't tell you how often I listened to this one. A classic."
Prince / I Wanna Be Your Lover
"The best track Prince ever produced in my opinion. Even when you've had the worst day, after you listen to this song the sun comes up again."
James Brown / Blues & Pants
"I always get goosebumps while I'm listening to this song. The groove, the coolness and the guitar are still so fresh and timeless."
Daft Punk / Too Long
"I can't tell you how often I've listened to this classic master piece. This is thee French house anthem for me. Amazing tune and still in my crates."
