Why I Love Selected Ambient Works 85–92 and How It Inspired My Music

Some albums hit you so hard they end up becoming more than just music—they shape how you see your own creativity. For me, Selected Ambient Works 85–92 by Aphex Twin is one of those albums. It’s had a huge impact on the music I make.

Released in 1992, this album is a classic in the world of electronic music. Richard D. James—better known as Aphex Twin—somehow found a perfect balance between dreamy ambient sounds and hypnotic techno beats. When I first heard tracks like “Xtal” and “Tha,” it completely changed the way I thought about music. The way he blends emotion and atmosphere with minimal elements made me realise just how powerful simplicity can be.

Album Cover for Selected Ambient Works 85–92, Listen here

In my own work, I try to tap into that same kind of emotional depth. I love building soundscapes that feel immersive—where textures and subtle rhythms kind of pull you into a unique space. Tracks like “Snow” and “Slow Motion” are directly inspired by that vibe, where the space between sounds matters just as much as the sounds themselves.

One of the biggest things I’ve taken from Aphex Twin is his fearlessness when it comes to experimentation. He’s not afraid to get weird, to break structure, to follow instinct—and that’s something I try to carry into my own process. Sometimes the most interesting stuff happens when you stop overthinking and just let the music guide you.

Listening to Selected Ambient Works 85–92 was honestly a turning point for me. It opened my ears to what electronic music could really be, and it pushed me to start carving out my own path. The album’s influence is everywhere in what I do—especially in the way I blend ambient and rhythmic elements.

To this day, that record is a constant source of inspiration. It reminds me why I started making music in the first place, and it keeps pushing me to explore and evolve. I’ll always be grateful for that.