- Words Notion Staff
Swedish duo NEIKED pick 10Trax, from Talking Heads to Britney Spears to M.I.A.
NEIKED needs little introduction – just look at their Spotify biography which states, simply, “We make music”. They’ve more than earned the simplicity of that, with huge global hits such as “Better Days” and “Sexual”.
A key aspect of their rise to fame has been their shrewd choice of collaborations, which has included the likes of SZA, EARTHGANG, Nile Rodgers, Mae Muller and much more. Their unique sensibilities have proven to be a universal compliment, and as a result, they’ve leaped to the very centre of the music industry.
Their latest link-up is the new tune “I Just Called”, created in collaboration with multi-platinum superstar Anne-Marie and American rap star Latto. It’s a thrilling team-up that seems certain to take NEIKED’s career to the next level, and it’s tearing it up on streaming services already.
To celebrate this blockbuster new release, we asked NEIKED to pick an inspirational 10Trax, and they obliged with a fascinating array of choices.
"Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
"Less is more. A classic, and just brilliant song writing from start to finish."
"This Must Be The Place" by Talking Heads
"One of the most ground breaking and experimental bands ever. Would still feel as fresh if it was dropped today. It’s just interesting to see how you really don’t need records to have standard structures to work commercially. It’s all about melodies and sound."
"Stand Up" by The Prodigy
"Just a crazy tune that never gets old. Love the production and the epic melodic payoff and the euphoria you get when the brass kicks in."
"Hey Mama" by Kanye West
"Going against the herd and trying something out from a completely different angle is not easy. Even having the confidence to try is impressive. This record is one of the best examples of that."
"Paul Revere" by Beastie Boys
"Just a wild example of how a super minimalistic production can create a trance state of mind. Daring to exaggerate simplicity without constantly adding unnecessary elements is the scariest thing. Thank to Rick Rubin and Beastie Boys for showing the way."
"Ryderz" by Hudson Mohawke
"One of the illest samples and records out there. Sometimes you can sit trying to perfect a mix forever. This is a great example of a shitty mix where the feeling still is impossible to ignore. A great reminder that perfection is not the goal or where the magic lies."
"California Gurls" by Katy Perry
"Pure pop genius."
"Animal" by Miike Snow
"One of the most brilliant bands founded by fellow Swedes Bloodshy and Avant who’s done some of the best pop records of our time."
"Paper Planes" by M.I.A.
"Another crazy example of the most brilliant samples ever. Being able to take a snippet from The Clash “Straight to Hell” and transform it into something this brilliant that still sounds like a record that was dropped yesterday is just insane."
"Toxic" by Britney Spears
"Just wild that this actually is a pop record."