Any indie/alt-rock fan whos studied liner notes over the past three decades is familiar with the name Dave Sardy. The Brooklyn-bred producer has worked with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine to LCD Soundsystem and Death From Above 1979. But as DSARDY, hes putting his name right on the cover—his upcoming solo effort, Unequal, finds him crafting moody, dystopian rock soundscapes for a rotating cast of guest vocalists that includes Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Ben Birdwell of Band of Horses, Macy Grey, Son Little, and more. On this playlist, the studio wizard reveals the eclectic artists that shaped the albums sound. "I always try to do research before making an album or track. When I work with an artist, Ill take some time and listen to music as a way of going to the library, getting excited, and finding common ground and a language to communicate with the person or band Im working with. Making my own record is no different—in a way easier and, at the same time, deeper, as I also have a lifelong relationship with songs and love of record production. This is an abridged collection of some records that inspired me in this current Unequal project. Listen loudly please."—Dave Sardy
