Conducta selects 10 jungle tracks that inspire his productions

When you hear Conducta’s producer tag over a track, it usually comes paired with a skippy two-step beat and chopped-up vocal samples in a glistening UKG production. But now, the Rinse FM resident makes a rare move from garage into jungle territory as he tackles the breakneck rhythms he’s so often inspired by, laying his identifiable tag over speedy breaks and Reese bass on his latest EP ‘Soundboy Johnny’.

Landing on Nia Archives’ Up Ya Archives imprint, ‘Soundboy Johnny’ channels Conducta’s appetite for bright, airy breakbeats as summer beckons. It’s his first foray into producing an entire jungle record, with a standout feature from Jamaican dancehall vocalist Blvk H3ro on the three-tracker’s opener, ‘Low Can U Go’.

"For too long I’ve felt pigeonholed by everything I’d done previously with Kiwi, and it’s been a continuous story since to demonstrate my growth in production. I’ve really appreciated the openness and support for all the new music since 2024," he explains. "This whole EP is a capsule of my love for breakbeats and rave music, which I can’t wait for you all to hear."

To celebrate the release of his new EP, we asked Conducta to select the 10 jungle tracks that inspire him in the studio. Check them out below, and listen to ‘Soundboy Johnny’ here.

"One of my favourite songs ever. Legendary interpolation of the great Anita Baker. Love ending sets with this, definitely overlooked in M-Beat's discography. I would love to interpolate a classic with vocals in this way and be able to breathe even more life into it."

"The Project Pat sample alone is legendary. Whenever my sister comes to one of my shows, this is our tune. Fantastic breaks, smooth chops, perfect arrangement. No notes." 

"Super producer Clipz shows off the versatility in their production throughout this tune. Mary J Blige getting soundboy treatment never sounded so smooth. Something I aim for in a lot of my tracks is the duality of blending the rough with the smooth, and in my eyes, this is a perfect example of that."

'Dubplate Mary' is a physical release only. Listen to a clip of the track from Clipz' 2023 BBC Radio One mix below.

"The synths and atmosphere on this always intro send me into a trance. What I love most about this song is the way that it controls its rise in tension through the build-ups and breakdowns. It’s something I look to always improve on in my production."

"Two individuals who I’ve been blessed to DJ alongside and draw inspiration from as DJs and producers. This tune speaks for itself. The Reese bass in this tune is used immaculately. Tim Reaper can genuinely do no wrong."

"Before Special Request and Tim Reaper's exploits, DJ Krust put his own spin on Case, Mary J Blige and Foxy Brown’s hit 'Touch Me, Tease Me'. I love how, in this version, the original is flipped effectively and the soul of the song is present. The drop then takes you on a journey, I always wanna do a little skank as soon as I hear it."

"This takes me back to being 14 or 15 and dreaming about playing dark, sweaty clubs and late-night festival tents. For me, this track perfectly merges dark melancholic melodies with an uplifting intensity from the breaks."

"Absolute classic. One thing I really hope to incorporate into my future jungle and breakbeat productions is the hip hop element. Faultless production from Zinc."

"I love when a song encapsulates nothing but good energy. One day, I hope can make a song this joyful."

"An icon and true pioneer. There were so many I could’ve chosen from, but with this tune, it’s my favourite example of bass-in-your-face. Choppy breaks and real sublow energy drive in this, so fun to mix and blend."

Conducta's new EP 'Soundboy Johnny' is out now via Up Ya Archives. Click here to check it out