Emotional Insight From a Personal Perspective: A Selection
In the world of drum and bass, the track "How You Make Me Feel" by Marcus Intalex and ST Files stands as a timeless masterpiece. Originally released in 1999, this track has been widely regarded as a classic and influential release in the genre, reflecting the early flourishing period of drum and bass.
The collaboration between Marcus Intalex and ST Files was a pivotal moment in drum and bass history. They contributed to the evolution of the genre by blending intricate breakbeats with emotionally engaging melodies, setting a gold standard for what drum and bass remixes could be, especially if the original song was from a different genre.
The track became iconic for its timeless sound and has since been treasured by collectors, including notable figures in the drum and bass community who consider it among their favorite tracks ever released. Its impact is underscored by continued recognition in recent years, including features and remastered versions that highlight its enduring relevance.
The release on the respected label 31 Records helped cement its status. The label, known for housing many legendary drum and bass releases, receiving a vinyl pressing on 31 was seen as a significant honor within the scene. Collectors and DJs prize the vinyl for its quality and its connection to the genre’s roots.
One of their most notable remixes was of MJ Cole's 'Be Sincere', maintaining the track's warm and soulful elements and updating it to a D&B tempo. Another standout remix was 4hero's 'Just A Vision', a favorite at Dollis Hill, where 4hero/Reinforced's studio was based.
"How You Make Me Feel" was created with the aim of getting into Scotty's record box and became a scene-defining moment in drum & bass. The track, which features an acapella from a New York house release by Creative Force, was the antidote to the darkside and jump-up D&B rages, bringing a hypnotic rolling groove to the genre.
Doc Scott, a drum & bass producer, also appreciates "How You Make Me Feel" for its unique sound and impact on the drum & bass scene. Calibre, another drum & bass artist, considers the track as a benchmark for quality and a reminder of drum & bass's capacity for beauty in the dance.
Darren Future Cut, who was about 19 at the time, felt that hearing "How You Make Me Feel" on the radio marked the beginning of a new era of melodic, soulful drum & bass. DRS, another drum & bass artist, believes the track was the tune that the scene needed, as it reminded people that vocals can be incorporated into drum & bass tracks effectively.
In 2024, Sherif Dhaimish & Mark O'Donnell published a book titled "How You Make Me Feel: the Life & Legacy of Marcus Intalex", offering a deeper look into the life and impact of this legendary drum & bass figure.
Overall, "How You Make Me Feel" is celebrated not only for its quality and innovation at the time of production but also for its lasting influence on drum and bass music and culture over the decades since its release.
The collaboration between Marcus Intalex and ST Files extended their influence beyond drum and bass, showcasing the potential of remixing to bridge different genres, as evidenced by their work on MJ Cole's 'Be Sincere' and 4hero's 'Just A Vision'.
In the realm of literature, a tribute to Marcus Intalex's life and enduring influence was documented in the 2024 book "How You Make Me Feel: the Life & Legacy of Marcus Intalex".
