The Prodigy, Portishead & FKA Twigs: producer and DJ NAINA tells Wonderland about the tracks that inspired her debut EP, “Survival”.
With a decade cementing her presence in disciplines such as broadcasting and DJing, it’s been a winding road for NAINA to share her debut EP. But now it’s come, and it’s worth the wait. “Survival”, out now via Hooversound, is at times full-blooded and maximalist, and other times sleek and sophisticated; the work of a producer whose knowledge and technicality spreads across medians and sonic boundaries. To delve deeper into the making of the EP, Wonderland asked NAINA to curate a list of the tracks that inspired the work.
Speaking on her selections, NAINA tells us: “With this selection I decided to pick some influences who have shaped my sound today, mixed with some new releases that I’ve been feeling.”
Listen to “Survival” here…
Check out Naina’s picks below…
Vier – “Frankfurt“
A supergroup has formed! First single from Vier…made up of Machinedrum, Thys, Holly and Salvador Breed. All their styles compliment each other really well on this. Very cool.
The Prodigy – “Charly”
One of my main influences, whether it’s with my curation, radio/DJ sets, our label Hooversound and now my own productions…these guys have been with me the entire way. I know I’m not alone on that. Hugely influential in so many ways. This song is something I revisit regularly because to me; it’s the perfect dance track. I was definitely channeling their energy in my song “Core Memories”.
Portishead – “Sour Times“
It’d feel wrong to not include something from Dummy in this list. One of my all time favourite records. Again, the emotion in this project makes me feel fuzzy.
FKA Twigs – “Girl Feels Good“
The whole album is perfection and I’m low key obsessed with this song. FKA Twigs is an inspiration in every way – with every creative thing she does, sonically, visually…she gets it.
Prayer – “Unfeel”
I love the sad boy emotional jungle. Prayer is my favourite producer who captures emotion in his sound perfectly. I adored his album from 2024 and this one’s a highlight for me. He’s definitely had a lot of influence on my sound and we’ve been in this game together supporting each other for a while
Deft & Manni Dee – “Charged”
Musicians that break genre boundaries is what I’m here for. The mix of hip hop influences in this experimental club track is very exciting moves from these two.
DJ Rashad – “Drop Juke Out“
Forever and ever an influence. Big up the Teklife crew. RIP Rashad.
Jubilee – “RIGHT TURN ON RED“
New Jubilee absolutely goes off – this track in particular I’ve been listening to lots, its beautifully chaotic.
Tim Reaper – “The Juggernaught”
No one does it like Tim. His productions, his mixing, his consistency. One of the most exciting names in jungle here in the UK.