Influences: Qrion Shares Five Electronic Records That Shaped Her Sound
From the electronic rock influences of Skrillex to the hypnotic melodies of deadmau5 and the stripped-back grooves of classic house, Qrion’s musical journey has taken her through several distinct corners of electronic music. Born and raised in Sapporo, Japan, and now based in Austin, Texas, the producer has developed a sound that places emotion and melody at the centre of everything she creates.
Her productions move between delicate rhythms, soulful samples and driving melodic house, with releases on Sasha’s Last Night On Earth helping establish her presence in the international electronic music scene. Alongside recognition in Forbes Japan’s 30 Under 30, Qrion has earned support from BBC Radio 1 presenters Pete Tong and Danny Howard, as well as artists including Lane 8, Todd Edwards and Mall Grab.
Her latest release, ‘Arp Check’, arrived on Last Night On Earth on 30th October. The two-track EP explores a more club-focused side of her production, with the title track combining intricate arpeggios, hypnotic percussion and atmospheric synths. ‘Khaeng Party’ takes a different approach, bringing chopped vocals, dubbed-out bass and soulful piano into a groove rooted in classic house.
For this edition of Influences, Qrion looks back at five records that helped shape her understanding of electronic music. From the tracks that first drew her away from Japanese rock and punk to the house productions that transformed her approach to rhythm and sampling, each selection represents a different stage in her creative development.
Skrillex – With You, Friends (Long Drive) [WMG]
“Skrillex completely changed my life. In high school, I constantly listened to Japanese rock and punk music. One day, an older friend of mine who was really into Western music lent me this CD.
Skrillex’s early sound felt like a mix of electronic music and rock, and it really resonated with me. This was one of the tracks that first got me hooked on electronic music.”
deadmau5 – Strobe [Ultra]
“deadmau5 has also had a huge influence on my career. Back then, I knew nothing about synthesisers, and this track taught me how beautiful arpeggios can be and how much a pluck synth melody can transform a track.
It really opened my eyes to a whole new world of electronic music production.”
Todd Terje – Inspector Norse [Olsen Records]
“I was completely blown away by the melody the first time I heard this track. Up until then, I had only really listened to EDM, so this was my first introduction to a different side of electronic music, maybe indie dance?
At the time, I hadn’t yet realised something that seems so obvious now: electronic music doesn’t always have to be EDM.
I still remember getting goosebumps the first time I heard it. It was such an eye-opening moment for me.”
Mall Grab – Liverpool Street In The Rain [LFT001]
“After moving to the US, I started going to clubs more often. At the time, EDM was everywhere, and trap and future bass were also huge.
Then I discovered Mall Grab’s music, which led me to explore house music’s roots.
Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to make house, but this track taught me the fundamentals of classic house music: a four-on-the-floor kick, hi-hats, and that timeless groove.”
DJ Boring – Winona [Worx Ltd]
“I use a lot of sampling in my own productions, and I think that influence comes entirely from the music of the lo-fi house era.
So many tracks from that time have inspired me, but this one has always been a personal favourite.”
Qrion’s selections trace a clear progression through her musical development. Skrillex introduced her to the possibilities of electronic production, while deadmau5 demonstrated how melody and synthesis could transform a track. Todd Terje opened her ears to sounds beyond mainstream EDM, before Mall Grab and DJ Boring helped deepen her appreciation of house music’s rhythmic foundations and sampling culture.
Those influences remain present in her productions today, where expressive melodies, carefully chosen samples and understated grooves come together without sacrificing dancefloor energy. With ‘Arp Check’, Qrion continues to explore that relationship, bringing her melodic sensibilities into a more direct club setting while retaining the emotional character that defines her music.
