What goes into a mix when an artist is looking for inspiration for a next record? Basically, everything. It can be a flashback from childhood, a random image or a track you play over and over again.

Dutch electronic trio Noisia, who specializes in drum’n’bass, always impressed us with their knowledge of art, music history and overall ability to joggle with all sorts of creative mediums. Right before they drop their new record Outer Edges (out on digital retailers September 16), we asked Nik to create a very special playlist for us of everything we need to see/hear/experience before diving into the world they’ve created on the new album.

Angelo Badalamenti about Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks and David Lynch’s films, with their unspeakably dense moods, have been a big influence on us. This video is a beautiful insight into how they sat down to write the main theme. What’s really amazing about this video is how Badalamenti’s commentary as he plays becomes one with the music. “What do you see David…?”

'Alien' (1979) Original Trailer

Better yet, watch the whole film (the remastered Director’s Cut), after watching Blade Runner (same) as well.

Autechre - "Gantz Graf"

Synthesis between sound and image. Gold medal, 100% completion, achievement unlocked, GG WP. A standard most audiovisual content can still not hold a candle to 15 years later.

The Prodigy - "Smack My Bitch Up" (Uncensored)

Like the description says, it was only aired once on MTV's Top 100 most controversial music videos to which it came in at No. 1. The music has an obscene amount of relentless and riotous energy whilst keeping a very developed sense of rhythm and melody. Being teenagers this was the coolest shit ever, and still holds up. We also remixed it — proudest moment of our career.

The sun in HD

But with the sound off, and with the sound from this video instead. Or you could take a late night drive instead. But since the track is called "Sun," you might as well do it properly.

Aphex Twin - "Window Licker"

I really wonder if either Aphex Twin or Chris Cunningham had any idea how much of an impact this song would have globally. Even though it relies heavily on shock effects and profanity in the video (all of which I condone very much), this song, to me, is a kind of proof that people are willing to listen — and dance — to music that’s (very) different.

Meshuggah - "New Millennium Cyanide Christ"

This shows that no matter how heavy, dark and technically complex your music is, you don’t have to take yourself seriously. It also shows how heavy, dark and technically complex their music is. Their polyrhythmic riffs are mind-blowing when you’re used to 4/4 computer sequencer music.

Jon Hopkins - "Open Eye Signal"

There is a lot of lovingly crafted detail in this song, which makes it so human and alive, in contrast to a lot of dancefloor techno. Another example and great favourite is Stephan Bodzin, who would definitely have gotten a mention here if there’d be a video as symbiotic as this one.

16 Bit - "Dinosaurs"

We need more people like 16 Bit / Moodygood. So much colour. The bit at 0:40!

KOAN Sound & Asa - "Tetsuo's Redemption" (Billain Remix) Zan Lyons Video Edit

Akira (1988) is a singular film. I remember the first time I saw it. My dad fell asleep; I had chills the entire time. Billain’s ultra-futuristic sound design sickness and the excellent video edit yanks it back into the future where it belongs.