Influences: Devstar On Five UK Garage And House Records That Shaped His Sound
Devstar’s relationship with UK garage stretches back to the early 2000s, when rave tape packs offered a window into a scene he was still too young to experience firsthand. More than two decades later, those formative sounds remain central to his productions, particularly the swinging drums, warped basslines and raw club energy that have become defining elements of his work.
His latest release, ‘Lost In Space’, sees him return to Make You Move Records, the label he co-founded with Timmy P in 2020. Across ‘Wormhole’ and ‘The Way’, Devstar explores the heavier side of his sound, pairing skippy garage rhythms with snarling low-end, acid basslines and clipped vocal hooks. Remixes from Scott Diaz and Mees Mattern complete the EP, bringing their own interpretations of its bass-heavy foundations.
For this edition of Influences, Devstar looks back at five records that have helped shape his approach to production, from the unmistakable swing of classic UK garage to the tougher drums and basslines of the underground house scene. He also throws in a modern favourite that captures many of those same qualities.
Grobbie – Headshot (Samuel Deep Edit)
“Such a classic. I love the bassline’s wobbly call and squelchy response. This was certainly a style I was inspired by for ‘Wormhole’. I love how lazy the swing on the drum programming is. Super hard for DJs to mix, ha, but it gives it such an organic, human feel.”
Agent X – Turbulence
“This takes me back to getting into DJing in 2001, listening to garage tape packs, Sidewinder, Sun City, Exposure, etc., of all the events I was too young to go to at the time, but listening to how tracks like this would take the roof off. Again, two different styles of basslines that work incredibly well in a call and response.”
U Know & The Drill – Stackin Papers [Slap Funk]
“U Know The Drill (Borren) were masters of super tough, heavy drums and jungle/early dubstep-influenced basslines. UKTD drum samples have made their way into a few of my recent productions. I love their tightly rolled rim shots and use of snares.”
Tuff Jam feat. Xavier – Tumblin’ Down (Tuff Jam Marimba Mix)
“I was split between ‘Key Dub’ and ‘Tumblin’ Down’, but I love the marimba in the latter. One of my most loved duos, Tuff Jam’s production always reminds me that even drums need to have identity and uniqueness. You can tell a Tuff Jam tune immediately on hearing a bar of the intro. This takes me to Back 2 95 raves.”
Scott Garcia & Ray Hurley – Waiting (Original Dub Monsters Mix)
“Again, this pre-dates me being old enough to go out at the time, but I would have loved to have been on the scene from 1995 to 2000. Still my most loved and influential era, diverse, high quality and stacked with originality. The bassline, vocal and tough drums all hit hard. UK house and garage at its best.”
Bonus Pick: Julian Anthony – Dale Ale
“A modern classic and prime Dungeon Meat release. Brilliant use of the marimba lead with minimal processing, heavy drums, every element working effectively. Heard Kepler playing this one at Slapfunk in Brum over the summer. Took the roof off.”
Across Devstar’s selections, the connection between classic UK garage and the tougher end of contemporary underground house is unmistakable. The swinging percussion, distinctive basslines and rhythmic interplay that made those early records so influential continue to inform his productions today, while his bonus selection shows how those same principles remain relevant on modern dancefloors. It’s a combination that comes through particularly strongly on ‘Lost In Space’, where familiar garage foundations are pushed into heavier, more unpredictable territory.
