Music Moments

The Records That Made Me With A-Trak

In 1997, 15-year old Alain Macklovitch from Montreal became the youngest winner of the DMC World DJ Championship. Devoted to a love for hip-hop, A-Trak found himself scratching hip-hop in the turntablist rooms at electronic raves.

A-Trak nods to Daft Punk’s ‘Homework’ as a timeless choice for Heavy Rotation.

“There’s something about Daft Punk that, even though I only cared about hip-hop [back then] . . . because it was literally with the same grain as a Pete Rock beat, it was in a language I understood.”A-Trak

  • The crackle of vinyl has the power to elevate even the simplest of moments—morning coffee, a slow evening by the fire, or the gentle rhythm of snowfall outside your window. With this in mind, we’ve handpicked a collection of albums designed to complement the season, each offering a distinct kind of coziness when played through a Wrensilva.

  • Miles Davis – In a Silent Way (1969)

    Envelops listeners in a warm, hypnotic blend of ambient jazz fusion.

  • FKJ - Just Piano (2021)

    A minimalist masterpiece of gentle, improvised piano compositions that flows calmly. Ideal backdrop for slow evenings spent curled up indoors.

  • Junip - Fields (2010)

    Earthy folk melodies with dreamy, synth-infused textures, carried by José González's serene vocals.

  • Arthur Verocai – Arthur Verocai (1972)

    Lazy morning jazz out of Brazil. A legendary album that deeply influenced hip-hop sampling.

  • Bon Iver – Bon Iver (2011)

    A sonic tapestry, layered with intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation, that is both intimate and expansive, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.

  • Weyes Blood - And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow (2022)

    Creates an atmosphere of wonder with its blended genres and soothing vocals.

  • Each of these selections was chosen for its ability to transport, soothe, and enrich your winter rituals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury of slowing down.

Jason Bentley and A-Trak gearing up for an unforgettable conversation at the Listening Studio.

As the featured guest for Wrensilva’s The Records That Made Me listening event, his influences displayed on the studio shelves include hip-hop legends A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Madlib, Pete Rock, and The Diplomats. A-Trak is a DJ who does his own homework, and rigorously trained his dexterity to catch particular sounds and samples from the songs he scratches.

While spinning “Distortion To Static” by The Roots on the M1 record console, he geeks out about its crisp drum track. “That tracking snare is like KAH!” he says, excitedly gesticulating the whack of a drum. “That’s what a snare should sound like . . . It’s not just that I like the beats and the attitude, it’s all the way to how every drum sound sounds.”

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