Sheffield DJ/producer/Galleria Records honcho Sandy Turnbull is known for crafting underground tracks that span the entire spectrum of house music. From deep, soulful productions to straight-up Jackin’ tracks, Turnbull is a gifted mixer who knows how to get any dance floor going.
He also knows his history: In 2016 he dropped At Comisky Park, an EP featuring a sample of someone recalling an infamous event where a publicity starved Chicago radio DJ named Steve Dahl invited baseball fans attending a night double-header between the White Sox and Detroit Tigers on July 12, 1979, to bring disco albums for Disco Demolition Night. The stunt is widely regarded as the final nail in disco’s coffin that subsequently sent dance music back the underground.
This month Turnbull steps out with his brand new Night Talk series where he taps remixers to color outside the traditional Galleria sound. On the series’ first outing Turnbull once again joins forces with Toddla T collaborator singer/songwriter Mr. Bailey on the anthemic jam “Tonight.” UK duo Future Wildstyle deliver a breakbeat laden re-rub while Friday Fox’s Christian B takes the cut even deeper.
Turnbull comes at house music from so many angles, so we were curious to know about the music that informs his style. Below he discusses a few key releases that made an indelible mark on his musical psyche.
Night Talk Series One: Tonight is out now on Traxsource, with a general release on September 18.
Armand Van Helden – Ghetto House Groove (Maxi Records)
I bought a mixtape from my local club mixed by the resident DJ called Jezta. The mix had this [track] on it, and I played that section until it wore out! Soon after, on my first trip going to a proper record store, they had one last copy. I still drop it from time to time these days.
Masters At Work feat. Jocelyn Brown – Can’t Stop The Rhythm (UMM)
My first introduction to Kenny and Louie was through this record. I heard it on a mix that was from Hard Times in Leeds. Their music has been massively influential for me. Since “Can’t Stop The Rhythm” I have acquired so many other records by them together and individually.
Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Epic)
My favorite artist growing up was MJ. Off The Wall, Thriller‘ and Bad were on heavy rotation in my house. I even remember getting excited with the hype around a new video and my family tuning in watch it in a special time slot back when there was only four TV channels.
The Salsoul Orchestra feat. Loleatta Holloway – Seconds (Salsoul)
I could pick so many records from labels like Salsoul, West End and Philadelphia International Records, but this one could be my favorite. Loletta is so good on this record, but it is when the kick drum comes in that gives me goosebumps.
Blair – Life (Derrick Carter Mix) (White Label)
Derrick took a shabby pop record and created a monster remix. This and DJ Sneak’s “You Can’t Hide From Your Bud” were my early introduction to Jackin’ House.