Hot Picks: Drivetrain Shares The Tracks Driving His Detroit Sound
- Undrtone Blog
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Drivetrain, also known as Derrick Thompson, has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s underground for over three decades.
As the head of Soiree Records International, his sound has always fused raw Motor City soul with forward-thinking house and techno. From his early ’90s productions to his latest releases, he continues to shape the scene with deep, timeless grooves built for the floor and beyond.
His latest EP, Codewise, arrives digitally and on vinyl via Soiree Records International, showcasing another collection of high-class, emotive cuts rooted in Detroit’s legacy but designed for modern dancefloors.
To mark the release, Drivetrain shares the tracks currently shaping his sets and mindset. From Blaze’s timeless deep house anthem How Deep Is Your Love to Gilles Bock’s fierce Driving Force and his own relentless Destination, these picks represent the essence of his sound — soulful, powerful and unmistakably Detroit.
Tat2 - Leave Me [LDN Trax]
One of many prizes found while crate digging. I love the energy on this track. The keyboard stabs seamlessly fuse with the vocal samples.
Blaze - How Deep Is Your Love (Danny Krivit Re-Edit) [Slip ‘n’ Slide]
This one goes into the “Classics” bucket. True deepness and an absolute floor filler.
Drivetrain - Destination [Soiree Records International]
A go-to track that always gets that desired response. The intensity of the hi-hats and the syncopated voice effects keep this one moving relentlessly.
Gilles Bock - Driving Force [Tronic]
Driving is an understatement. The groove is fierce and undeniable, blending minimal bass with clean, straightforward percussion.
Jani Ho - Track 8 (DJ AGITATED edit) [Dolly]
The dominating bass line hooks me in from the start. But the captivating, intricate details are what’s fascinating about this track.
A Guy Called Gerald - Humanity (feat. Louise Rhodes) [!K7]
Music by a true master of the art. This track can be heard in my car, house or in the club. This track hits all the elements I need for proper D&B.
DJ Cent - Send Me [Soiree Records International]
Known for delivering legendary DJ sets, Cent’s production is no disappointment. The tenacious sub frequencies are sure to compel body movement.
Matt Sugar R - Bounce & Swing (Deep Mix) [Sugar Tape Recordings]
A genuine embodiment of house. A simple piano groove morphing into a short-n-sassy solo with legit spoken word on top... You can’t go wrong.
REOSC - New Beginnings [Solar Bliss Records]
A flavour that takes me back to the golden age of techno, while staying modern with a seismic kick drum wrapped in violent cymbals.
Gaston Lopez - Real Dancer [GNTLMN]
Just the right mix of deep dark house with techno overtones. The intermittent voices set off a moody atmosphere made for late night.
Drivetrain’s Codewise EP drops on 29th September via Soiree Records International, carrying the label’s tradition of quality, depth and authenticity.
Still deeply connected to the city that raised him, Derrick Thompson continues to push Detroit’s underground forward, blending classic inspiration with new energy.
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