Playlist: The music that inspired 'Master of None'

Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix series, Master of None, isn’t just one of 2015’s best new shows — it boasts one of the most memorable soundtracks in years. Zach Cowie, the show’s music supervisor, shares an eclectic mix of songs that inspired the music of Master.

Aphex Twin – Cliffs                                              

We use TWO Aphex jams in season one. He’s huge for both Aziz and I. I picked a tune from 1994’s Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 to kick off this mix with a slow burn. Everyone should own this album…I file it right next to the Eno ambient series, it’s that important.

Emmanuelle Parrenin – Thibault Et L’arbre D’or

All of us at the show are major lovers of French music and we use a hearty dose of it on screen. This is a perfect moment from one of the most beautiful French records I own…all my love and support to everyone in Paris.

Durutti Column – Bordeaux

Durutti Column are one of my all time favorites and it delights me beyond belief that their prominent placement in the “Finale” episode may turn more ears towards Vini’s incomparable genius. Here’s another top pick from their 1983 LP Another Setting.

Pylon – Cool

It was SO HARD to pick the girl punk/post-punk opening and closing jams for the “Ladies & Gentlemen” episode, there are sooooooo many good songs from that realm! This 45 is another favorite, recorded in 1979.

Francis Bebey – New Track

I, like most DJs right now, caught the African synth bug pretty hard over these past few years and we salute the sound by hiding tracks from both Ata Kak and William Onyeabor in backgrounds of the show. Here’s more along those lines to keep everyone stoked and feeling good, recorded in 1982.

Todd Terje – Diamonds

We use a handful of tunes from contemporary producers that we love in the “Hot Ticket” episode. One of which is Todd Terje. It’s hard to pick a fave edit of Todd’s but this might be the one for me…I never get sick of spinning it.

Felix – Tiger Stripes (extended 12”)

Arthur Russell was a massive touchstone for us as far as musical direction for the whole season goes and we feature his tune A Little Lost in the “Mornings” episode. Arthur is a tricky guy to pin down and made A LOT of music, often under different names. Here’s one of my favorite dance 12”s he made with Nicky Siano under the Felix name in 1984.

Parvati Khan – Jimmy Jimmy Aaja

I had a blast going thru my stacks of Indian records for the “Indians On TV” and “Parents” episodes. This tune from the film Disco Dancer always destroys.

J Dilla – So Far To Go feat. Common & D’Angelo

J Dilla is one of my biggest inspirations as a record collector (and music lover). So it’s always important to me that I spread his music whenever I have the opportunity. Here’s an all time favorite Dilla production from 2006’s The Shining release featuring the great D’Angelo (D’s music appears as a background in the “Indians On TV” episode).

Fleetwood Mac – Honey Hi

I’m obsessed with Fleetwood Mac, all eras. This tune from 1979’s Tusk was floating around in my head while working on the “Mornings” episode. Didn’t quite find the right place for it, but here it is now, as a gentle note to close on.