Hot Picks: Ethan Ramos Shares 10 House Records Driving His New Solo Chapter
- Undrtone Blog
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
After years touring and producing as one half of Californian house duo SHIFTY, Ethan Ramos is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of his solo project and his own label, Unleaded Records.
Debuting the imprint with his two-track EP, 'Workaholic', Ramos introduces a sound rooted in deep grooves, emotional musicality and timeless house rhythms. From the introspective title track to the peak-time energy of 'Matter of Fact', the release sets the tone for a label built around artistic freedom, authentic club music and forward-thinking production.
Ahead of the EP's release, Ethan shares ten records that continue to inspire his DJ sets and studio work.
Chiquito – Upside Down
"This track is a perfect reminder of what initially got me into the minimal side of house. Deep, repetitive basslines with abstract, almost ethereal breakdowns that return to the endless groove to keep you moving. Banger alert."
Andrew Savich – Kick
"Perfect record to start heating things up. This record has a summer deep groove that will lock you into the moment and keep you connected to what's happening right now."
Tonend & Melbourne Drum Authority – Supreme
"This record has such a timeless feel, with heavy chords and sweeping pads. It feels nostalgic yet future-forward at the same time. Perfect for daytime sets or to really lock in a club dancefloor."
Luke Alessi – Blue Line To Monroe
"ZERO FOUR TWO FIVE. No idea what this is referring to, but the vocal is perfectly balanced with the right amount of call-and-response synths over a groovy bassline. An absolute weapon of a tune."
Max Chapman – Strung Up
"This tune is such an absolute classic. The use of organic instruments creates such a timeless feel. You can play this whenever to remind people of what house music is all about."
Supernova – Velvet Avenue
"If you want to really lighten the mood, this record will absolutely help you achieve that. The balance of melodic tones with the consistent groove of the bassline establishes such a solid groove that it's impossible not to move."
DJ Sneak & Demuir – Untouchable Funk
"Coming out almost ten years ago now, this record has stood the test of time, proving that DJ Sneak and Demuir are so in tune with what timeless house music is really all about. This is a record I love playing during the beginning of my sets to really help people loosen up and open themselves up to the groove."
Josh Butler – In The Pocket
"As the title implies, this track is very much pocketed. This record is one that you can play at any time of the day, as it has such a tight groove and really isn't doing too much. Sometimes less really is more."
Foynez – Wantcha
"The Foynez boys have been absolutely crushing it lately. This track has such a perfect balance of letting the bassline dominate while allowing synth leads to guide the listener smoothly through the breakdowns right back into the funk."
Mizaru – Telegraph
"I've been playing this record in tons of sets over the last year. This track has such a unique blend of deep and minimal elements while still keeping the swung groove as the focus. Such a great tune to play towards peak time to keep people engaged while still taking them on a journey."
The records featured here highlight the groove-first philosophy behind Ethan Ramos' solo sound. Whether drawing from deep minimal cuts, timeless house records or modern club rollers, every selection reflects the understated musicality that defines 'Workaholic' and sets the tone for the future of Unleaded Records.
