Miami EDM/pop artist and producer Vein, otherwise known as Gavriel Rafael Aminov, counts Pitbull, Ashanti, Belinda, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Jay Sean, Leona Lewis, Red Foo (LMFAO) and Robin Thicke as clients and collaborators. He’s toured the world and been nominated for a Grammy. Now, with his new single, “I Feel It,” Vein is finally making sure his name — along with his signature sound — is synonymous with his brand of music.

We wanted to find out more about where exactly this sonic chameleon’s inspiration comes from, so we asked him for five songs that influenced his art. Here’s what Aminov said.

1. Bob Sinclar, “World Hold On”

“World Hold On” was the record that allowed me to see how big the world really was. I was a bouncer at a club called Mansion in South Beach at the time, and when Bob Sinclair played, the reaction I saw from the crowd was polarizing!

2. The Notorious B.I.G, “Hypnotize”

“Hypnotize” was the first song I ever memorized. I was able to sing the whole song acapella if I needed. It was the song that showed me how powerful catchy lyrics and melodies could be if they were created right.

3. Aerosmith, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”

This song actually got a tear out of my eye when I heard it in Armageddon with Bruce Willis. Okay, okay, maybe a couple tears. Okay, okay, maybe I was just plain crying!…It showed me how powerful music could be. With the right chords and sounds, you can literally change someone’s mood, day, or even outlook.

4. Keith Sweat, “Nobody”

I went to very urban schools growing up, and this song at the time was probably the most popular song throughout the years when it came down to trying to serenade a girl. Whether it was in a serious manner or even as a joke. This song showed me with the right catchphrase or call-and-response phrase, you can create a timeless, powerful slogan where anyone would finish off the line if you started it. I guarantee you if you were to sing out the words, “Who can love you like me,” whoever is around you is gonna jump in saying, “Nobody!

5. Uncle Luke, “I Wanna Rock”

If you’re in Miami and this song comes on, you’ll see what it does to the crowd. It puts everyone in a happy zone that brings them back to when this sound ruled the airwaves. It literally gets everyone shaking their ass – from young kids to the older generation. I keep this in mind when I make my music. I want to create a timestamp with my music.

Now that you know where Aminov’s coming from, check out Vein’s new single, “I Feel It” (Feat. Alejandro Brooks):

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About the Author

Allison Johnelle Boron

Allison lives in Los Angeles where she is a freelance music journalist, jug band enthusiast, and industry observer. She is also the editor of REBEAT magazine. Find her on Twitter.

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