10 Records that shaped Giorgio Menegatti & Duda Piratininga sound’

Some records become more than tracks in a DJ’s collection. They become reference points, records that shape the way an artist hears rhythm, approaches arrangement, understands groove, or simply knows when a dancefloor moment is working. For São Paulo producers Giorgio Menegatti and Duda Piratininga, those references span disco, house, breakbeat, soul, synth-pop and contemporary electronic music, reflecting two distinct musical backgrounds that meet naturally in their work.

That shared perspective comes together on Plot & Pace, their new five-track EP for Jardineira Records. Developed over more than two years, the project traces an organic creative process, balancing introspective moods, instrumental textures, evolving harmonies and more direct dancefloor energy. For Giorgio, whose musical roots run through classic disco and house, and Duda, a lifelong musician with a background in MPB and jazz, the EP is as much about the details as it is about the groove.

To mark the release, the pair have selected five records each that have played a part in shaping their musical identities, from tracks first discovered on a dancefloor to records that continue to influence the way they approach drums, bass, harmony, texture and arrangement in the studio. Across the ten selections, they reveal some of the sounds and ideas that ultimately found their way into Plot & Pace.

Giorgio:

DJ T. feat. Cari Golden – City Life (Maceo Plex Remix)

Comment: The way the arrangement keeps building and the blend of different textures fascinated me from the first time I heard it in a club over 10 years ago. Ever since then, it has remained a big inspiration and reference for me.

Round Table Knights – On Fire

Comment: I discovered this track quite a few years ago. It’s simple, but at the same time dynamic, deep and immersive — qualities I always try to bring into my own projects, and this track definitely helped shape that perspective.

The Temptations – Treat Her Like A Lady

Comment: The groove is unbeatable. The feeling this track gives me is exactly what I’m always looking for whenever I sit down to produce something new.

Alex Rai – Back in Time With You

Comment: I’ve played this track a lot over the years, and it always works in clubs when it’s time to lift the energy. On “Hit The Dancefloor,” one of the tracks from the EP, I tried to capture a similar idea — something that works as a bridge into a more energetic part of the set.

Kito Jempere – Kabwato (Cable Toy Remix) feat. Budūchi

Comment: This is such an interesting track. The drum aesthetic and the way the FX and vocals are used really caught my attention from the first listen, and I still take a lot of inspiration from it when I’m creating.

Duda

Anonymous – Groovement Edit

Comment: I heard this track at a festival and completely fell in love with it. The drums are simple yet incredibly striking at the same time, with dynamics that build an amazing progression through their ups and downs. The vocals really caught my attention because they add even more movement in a balanced way, without overshadowing the other elements.

Josh Ludlow – Push it Up!

Comment: I really like this track because it blends electronic music elements (creating a danceable atmosphere) with the 80s synth-pop scene, making it striking and eccentric.

Luuk Van Dijk – Space Is The Place

Comment: I love artists  that know how to highlight the drums and bass, but still create space at just the right moment for well-thought-out, well-crafted harmonies. The dynamics of this track’s break inspired me to explore those kinds of harmonic interventions in our EP

Gabi Fischer – Wannabe

Comment: A Brazilian track created by Gabi, an artist who came in to help finish mixing this EP, released by Jardineira as well. Giorgio and I always try to build speed in an engaging way in our music, and this arrangement really teaches you how to do that. A standout element is the synth/organ that runs throughout the track, bringing back a sense of nostalgia from major 2000s hits like “Show Me Love.” We aimed to bring a similar vibe to Piano Jam

Spritzz – Where R U (Ibiza Mix)

Comment: When a melancholy melody pairs with an upbeat, well-crafted arrangement, the result is wonderful. To me, this track represents exactly that. We sought to bring that same fusion to the synth solo on “Wild Fire.”