Tom Esselle
By: Dream Chimney
The following interview was conducted on February 4, 2026
Fresh from a standout release on Rhythm Section, Tom Esselle makes a welcome return to the WOLF family. Since his 2022 Praise Bes EP, the London-based producer has been firmly establishing himself as one to watch, carving out a reputation for delivering sophisticated, high-quality club cuts that bridge the gap between deep house and the UK underground. His latest four-track collection on WOLF sees him hitting a serious stride. From the heads-down, UKG-influenced grit of ‘Livewire’ to the peak-time soulful warmth of ‘Don’t Have To,’ the EP is a masterclass in dancefloor-ready production. To celebrate the release, we invited Tom to pull back the curtain on the records that fuel his creative fire. Ranging from deep, emotive chords to undeniable grooves, these are the tracks that have shaped his sound.
Joy Orbison - Froth Sipping
When you've still got one foot in the club and the other in the living room. A couple of mates are making a detour to the offie to stock up so let's crack the last few cold ones in the fridge and make ourselves comfortable.
Ryo Kawasaki - Hawaiian Caravan
You've kicked your shoes off and found your spot on the sofa. What better than a bit of Balearic jazz fusion to soundtrack the debrief?
Tosca - Chocolate Elvis - Boozoo Bajou Soul Sufferer Version
There's a track for any occasion on Chocolate Elvis Dubs but someone's just pulled out a lump of hash so a slice of dub-adjacent electronica is just the ticket.
Nu Genea - Nuova Napoli
[insert any Nu Genea track here] The rum is flowing and we’re trying to figure out where Peter disappeared to earlier.
Wings - Arrow Right Through Me
Sorry, but this is my house and I’m not not listening to some Macca. Yes, I’d love another drink, thanks.
Patrice Rushen - You Remind Me
My favourite Patrice track? Maybe. Can we put some Kelis on next? Definitely.
Kelis - Glow
Kelis doesn’t get enough airtime IMO. This selection could easily veer exclusively into RnB but we’ll save that for another time.
dreamcastmoe - Up 2 U
I’d be hard pressed to find an artist more suited to the afters. Roll another one.
Romaal Kultan - No Time Like The Future
There’s something triumphant about this track, which makes it a fitting accompaniment to the last round of drinks.
Ananda Project - Cascades Of Colour (Kinuyuki’s Sugar Love Mix)
It’s been a great night but the sun’s coming up so it’s time for you to leave and for me to crawl into bed. See you next weekend.
Check out the latest release from Tom Esselle.