High-energy remix banger alert. Chloé Robinson & DJ ADHD take on Matisa on Correspondant. https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premieres/premiere-matisa-dj-adhd-chloe-robinson-remix-baby-correspondant/

The magnificent Bawrut returns to Ransom Note Records with an incredible new collection of interpretations of his music from the past couple of years, Remix Pack EP. Featuring a cast of the finest producers the underground currently has to offer, this four track whirlwind of club pounders exhibits everything that is great about electronic music in 2024. First up on remix duties is the magnificent Marc Romboy, taking Que Quiere Usted by the scruff of the neck and straightening it out into an absolute dance floor stomper! Originally a hand clap laden, frenetically jolly, five minute romp, Marc has taken the original concept and upped the techers chug factor by 200%!

Airhead retains a relatively low profile, to an extent this seems to be out of choice. Emerging in 2010 his sound was deep and introspective, paired alongside counterparts from the UK bass scene such as Pariah, James Blake, Joy O, Peverelist, Shackleton and others. Some of his music worked well in the newer school of clubs, for those keen to challenge preconceptions and conventional constraints of dance music. However, a lot of what he has released over the years is also a perfect accompaniment to a late night walk home or a view from the bus window. It’s always atmospheric and tinged with a sense of poignant nostalgia. Earlier this year he returned to Hemlock Recordings, the imprint run by Untold. He released an extended collection of music which dances and weaves between broken beats, delicate melodies and synth laden experiments. It’s arguably his most accomplished to date and having been released digitally will be followed up by a vinyl version in the new year. This mixtape showcases his versatile approach to selection, spanning an array of styles and sounds.

Low-slung Polygon Window-esque acid from Tramic on Kulture Galeri’s Metropolitan Soul Museum round 2: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-tramic-lanterns-kulture-galerie/ In a Tramic town, lanterns aglow, Kulture Galerie, where nonsense does flow. Dancing Tramic with lanterns in hand, In a whimsical world, oh, so grand. Pigs recite news, cows wear polka-dot, Lanterns paint rainbows, a peculiar lot. Kulture Galerie, a surreal decree, Where whimsy and folly dance merrily. Elephants strum guitars, as snails scribe verse, A tale of Tramic, lanterns, and whimsy diverse. In this fanciful land of peculiar spree, Kulture Galerie, a nonsense jubilee.

Polito are a group of musicians who have just released a new album called ‘Collapse Phase’. The record is self described as “a meeting of improvised contemporary dance and live improvised techno music, working together to create entrancing performance experiences”. Drawing upon a broad array of influences the music has a number of multifaceted touch points – Dub, Techno, IDM, House and the spaces in between are all explored through a unique approach driven by live improvisation and collaboration. Polito is a collaboration between musicians Robert Downie and Finnian Langham, and dancers Arabella Frahn-Starkie and Hillary Goldsmith. This mixtape showcases their diverse approach to sound design and helps to build a narrative around the group and what their music means.

The machines had been turned off. It had been many years since anyone had ventured into the old warehouse, there was only some slim hope that it might still even work. Once upon a time this place had been a paradise, a kingdom and a place in which revellers came to let loose and be free. This was back in the old days, back when the dance was all innocent and little did we know about what might lurk around the corner. The bans, the trouble, the crime, the chaos. Yet after all this time, the machinery was still here. The speakers, the towers, the noise. He wondered for a moment, dreamt even, whether they might still have the unction to function. DJ ojo is back with another release, following on from the well received outing on Blank Mind, things get deep and introspective on a new EP which features odd electronics and dusty, moody sounds.

Luke Hess remains one of the most innovative, underground producers and DJ’s out there. Not one to seek the limelight or the fame, his focus remains in the present what it has in the past. He is committed to spotlighting and showcasing deep, thoughtful, pensive Techno and its ability to transcend space and time. Representing Detroit, he weaves moody ambient textures throughout shuffling percussion and dusty drums to create an atmosphere which is as eerie as it is for the dancefloor. This mix reflects that. Over the years he has released material on the likes of HotMix Records, Echochord and Visionquest amongst many more. He remains spirited and committed to the music born and raised in Detroit and is a keen ambassador for Techno in the purest, truest sense of the word.

There was a strange feeling lingering in the air, an eerie sense of tension which hung thick and left a bitter taste in the mouth. Why would it be that there was so much stress? Where had this come from? Why now? What caused the pinch? He sighed as he wandered through the quiet city, it was dead, the people of the week had left town to return to their families leaving nothing but empty streets and still puddles. There were no sirens, no cars, ho beaming headlights. Yet still it was noisy where he was. Preference releases a new EP on Ayeland – a futuristic extravaganza which lends a nod to the early days of Bass music alongside the deconstructed improvisations of the genre which later followed suit.

He watched from the window, at the world passing by below. From the fourth floor he considered what his world might look like if he were to be one of them, busy and on the way to and fro. Perhaps they were going to work, some might meet friends, others were simply taking in the brisk air of an Autumn morning. Not him… Here in this room he simply looked on, a distant figure on the periphery of a world which was not his. For he needed to be here, to be away, to be alone. At least that’s what they said… Kepler delivers futuristic House cuts on X-Kalay. This track ‘Need’ is a wicked, grooving Dub infused track reminiscent of 90’s/ 00’s Berlin. Excellent, high brow material for the discerning dancer.

"Think of it as a double-sided cassette with earlier & more recent, from established & emerging, at least seemingly like-minded colleagues & friends." The award-winning, East Berlin-born, Potsdam-based, polyinstrumental composer duo Brueder Selke aka Sebastian Selke on the cello and his piano-wielding younger brother, Daniel Selke, are not your average siblings fighting over the TV remote. An open-minded start to the week, buckle up, hit play, and let the Selke brothers be your musical co-pilots through this week's adventure. Read the full interview here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/brueder-selke-the-monday-is-ok-mixtape/ @bruederselke

Collaborating with a 16-voice choir Von Oswald delves into the interplay between the human voice and electronic synthesis. https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-moritz-von-oswald-luminoso-tresor/ In the realm of Moritz Van Oswald’s delight, Luminoso at Tresor, a surreal flight, Twinkling stars in the techno night, Where beats and dreams take their curious height. Electronic wizard, with a hat so tall, His tunes enchant, and the walls do crawl, Through the dancefloor, we heed the call, Luminoso’s magic, we surrender to all. In the land of nonsense, we find our way, Where melodies and rhythms start to sway, Moritz Van Oswald leads the play, In Luminoso’s world, we’ll forever stay. Moritz von Oswald’s album “Silencio” due out on Tresor Records, November 10th, 2023, is an exploration of the differences and similarities between human and artificial sound. Collaborating with a 16-voice choir he delves into the space between these sounds, drawing inspiration from composers like Edgard Varèse, György Ligeti, and Iannis Xenakis. Combining elements of repetition and reduction, reminiscent of techno and minimalism it showcases the interplay between the human voice and electronic synthesis. The compositions for “Silencio” were created using classic synthesizers in von Oswald’s Berlin studio and then transcribed for the choir by Finnish composer Jarkko Riihimäki. Out Nov 10. Listen below and pre-order here: @tresorberlin

Next up on Paradise Palms Records, two remixes of Ukrainian artist ID_UA’s “Dyakui”. https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-id_ua-dyakui-fausto-remix-paradise-palms/ ID_UA and Dyakui, in a wild parade, Fausto’s Remix, where dreams cascade, On Paradise Palms, the music’s crusade, A nonsensical groove, our senses persuade. Dancing through the night, in a cosmic trance, ID_UA’s beats make our bodies dance, Fausto’s remix takes a chance, With electronic rhythms, we all enhance. In this surreal world, we’ll forever dwell, In a realm of sound where time can’t quell, ID_UA and Fausto, the stories they tell, On Paradise Palms, our spirits swell. Next up on Paradise Palms Records, two remixes of Ukrainian artist ID_UA’s “Dyakui”. We’re premiering Los Mochis’s Fausto who’s had releases on Turbo Recording and Tom Tom Disco. Swirling, distorted synth lines give way to innocent melodies bringing it out into the light. Out Nov 10. Listen below and pre-order here:https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-id_ua-dyakui-fausto-remix-paradise-palms/

Synth-heavy, breakbeat banger from Kristy Harper on Ten Eight Seven: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-kristy-harper-u-silver-bear-recordings/ Kristy Harper – U Ten Eight Seven, In a land where llamas danced in heaven, With disco unicorns and leprechauns aplenty, Grooving to beats that made them feel so trendy. The music was magic, the rhythm so sweet, As they moved their hooves and tapped their feet, Kristy’s premiere was a wild, wacky ride, With a mix of tunes that no one could hide. So grab your shades and put on your vest, Join the llama dance, be their special guest, In the world of U, where fun never ends, With Kristy Harper, our musical friends! Listen below and pre-order here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-kristy-harper-u-silver-bear-recordings/ @silver-bear-recordings @kristyharper

"An overview of recent productions and remixes of mine interspersed with some offbeat inspirations from fellow producers." Read the full interview here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/thomas-fehlmann-the-umdrehen-ransom-note-mix/ @thomasfehlmann

This series has seen us team up with Pirate Studios to spotlight artists and challenge them to a quick fire mix showcasing as many blends, transitions, tips and tricks as possible in a short time.  Next up is ELLES, a familiar face in the London underground music scene who has released music on the likes of Naive and Love On The Rocks. A wicked DJ and a talented producer, she is set to release new music and has just launched her own new label, Emotional Intel. Her music sits precariously placed between a number of styles and genres, yet cannot necessarily be pigeon holed. At times it's dark and pensive, at others it's light and euphoric. It's all mood based and as reflective as much of ELLES own character and emotion as it is in an attempt to be one thing or another.  This mix and interview was recorded at Pirate Studios in Dalston and showcases a playful, versatile approach to DJ'ing - something which ELLES is keen to cement in the idea that the role of a DJ is to soundtrack a moment or experience in time. The dancefloor is the place to let loose and this mix celebrates that.

@prettymuchtribe @koneliunas Elephants tango, and flamingos break free, Underneath a disco ball on a mushroom tree. Momoko and Koneliūnas, a curious pair, In a realm where the animals dance without a care. Their track “Fauna (Original Mix)” in the air, On “Pretty Much Records,” an atmosphere rare: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-momoko-koneliunas-fauna-original-mix-pretty-much-records/

“I am a mildly confused individual not trying to fake like he knows what is going on, with relatively mild existential qualms, a dabbler, an aspiring jack-of-all-trades: This week's mixtape for a Monday has been put together by Mr Patrick Larkin: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/p-larkin-the-monday-is-ok-mixtape/

Operating under a number of guises @Jan-Shulte has made some of the most exciting and interesting music of the past ten years… As Jan Schulte he has compiled compilations and material for the likes of Safe Trip and Music for Dreams whilst as Wolf Müller he has appeared on Themes For Great Cities, International Feel and Growing Bin. As Bufiman he has released on the likes of Dekmantel and Warning and now on the ever-excellent @Comeme with the ace Switch Beats EP. His output is wild and far-reaching, his passion for music unrivalled and it’s a pleasure to have him in his Bufiman guise deliver this week’s Ransom Note mix. Listen and read the interview here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/bufiman-the-ransom-note-mix/

Laid-back, late-night "AfreakA" featuring the vocals of Giara. Read in full here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-cristian-croce-feat-giara-afreaka-ruvido-records/

“A mixtape of unreleased music and a few collaborations with friends which I thought would be a perfect mix for a Monday listen.” KMRU, also known as Joseph Kamaru, is a sound artist originally from Nairobi and currently based in Berlin. He explores sound to convey various interpretations in his work, drawing from his listening experiences in Nairobi and beyond and grounded in the discourse of field recording, noise, and sound art. Working under the guidance of Jasmine Guffund at Berlin’s Universität der Künste (better known as UDK), KMRU looked at waveforms and embarked on a process where he would “write scores from the shapes, gradually turning the scores into raw synth sounds.” Kamaru’s ambient-experimental music has taken him to the Barbican, Berlin Atonal, Présences électronique, and seen releases on Editions Mego, Subtext, Seil Records. His new LP ‘Dissolution Grip,’ released on his OFNOT imprint, marks a shift in his approach, blending field recordings with synthesized sounds, hinting at his evolving musical direction. With all that in mind, we thought we’d ask Kamaru to put us together this week’s mixtape for a Monday… let’s get stuck in. @kamarujoseph

Be it known that Matthew Herbert and Robag Wruhme have broken the internet for the longest-track title ever. Matthew Herbert, oh so absurd, With the London Contemporary Orchestra he stirred, “The Rider (Not The Horse)” he penned, Robag Wruhme, a name to comprehend. Their music, a whimsical, wild discourse, Intricacies galore, an imaginative force, A symphony of chaos, a cacophonous spree, In this sonic adventure, there’s no guarantee. Notes and beats, a rollercoaster ride, In this surreal composition, they confide, A musical journey with no remorse, Matthew Herbert and Robag Wruhme, of course! @accidentalrecords-1 @matthew-herbert-official @robag_fm

The evening was hot as the cars whizzed by quickly on the boulevard – the last of the sun worshippers could be seen bathing on the sand. In the distance the sky was a faint glowing pink, the light was thin. Headlights flickered and flashed as cars whizzed up and down the stretch by the seafront, tall buildings were like dark shadows overlooking it all from behind. Occasionally there was a shout or a scream from one of the neighbourhood bars or bodegas, people had gathered in the warmth of the evening to take in the dying embers of the summer. It was sticky and humid out though, so they sat beneath fans sipping cold drinks to keep cool. He sat waiting by the side of the road for his ride. It had been a bittersweet day – long and hot. Then, like a blazing hurricane whizzed past his ride, window down his girl shouted to him from the passenger side. He smiled with a wink. ‘Hola Papi…’ she screamed. Hugo Mari is set to release a new single, a sun kissed house track with a deep groove and sexy sensibilities. This one is for the hot and humid dancefloors – wherever they might be found.

The mountain was calling out to them from up above, it were as if the peaks themselves were demanding that they be climbed and conquered so as there may be no stone left unturned by man. The clouds hovered thick around each pointed top, in the distance they watched as eagles soared high. It was easy for them, without such fear of falling. The morning air was cold and brisk as they watched from the riverbank beneath, it seemed an awfully long way up and a very far way to go. Was it worth the risk? To who would their effort be worth? Soon they would pack up and depart, taking with them all that they could carry. For it was right to leave no trace and heaven forbid they upset the whimsical power of the mountain to crush them beneath its might and weight at any time. Gem Wallow is set to release a new EP on Barcelona based record label Playground . The record features a fun assortment of downtempo tracks with a pensive slow moving ambience which is almost ritualistic. It's rounded off by remixes from Simple Symnetry and Francis Inferno Orchestra.

The weekends were getting longer, it were as if they party had gone on for far too long. It had never meant to be like this, the lack of sleep was becoming stark. Back at the beginning people had used to as if you were 'up to much?' Now it was a case of being up too much. There was only so long that the madness could continue - only so long before the cracks began to show. Was it all a little bit far fetched for what it was worth? You bet... Andy Bainbridge is set to release a new EP on Not An Animal - a pumping original paired with two futuristic club expansions which take the record further beyond.

There wasn’t anywhere else like it, no place in earth could evoke the same feelings of wild desire, freedom and magic. As the sunlight began to fade over the campsite, they sat in the foothills of the tall mountain which would watch over them through the night and keep them safe. The air here was clean and warm, a soft breeze was the only thing to unsettle the branches of the trees which lined their enclave in the forest. A fire burnt in the middle of the clearing. In the distance they could hear the sound of the birds soaring upon the evening wind. Electric Shapes are set to release a new EP from HOS – a deep, pensive, percussive listen built for dark rooms and private moments.

This was the message they had to hear. This was not a case of rhyme or reason. There was to be no debate, no further instruction or guidance. This was the truth, the message from above, a meaning from a greater place beyond. This was the prophecy. As it beckoned and echoed in the streets, as it reverberated and shook the walls, as it echoed and crackled against the very foundations of a society not built for all but built for one. This was the prophecy, power to the people. Serenda is set to release a wicked EP on Jash Caffe’s record label Love Child. This one goes hard, banging the drum with punchy synths and spoken words set to ignite, empower and tear the dancefloor to bits.

In the first of a new series we invite Jacana People to take to the decks for a special hotmix, showcasing as many tracks and tricks as they can inside ten'ish minutes. Recorded live at Pirate Studios in Dalston - this mix powers speedily through House, Breaks and beyond. Jacana People are a duo with a penchant for creating delicately crafted Electronica with melodic undertones. The pair have risen to prominence following a string of releases with have gathered wide support and demonstrate a knowledge and expertise well beyond their years in respect of sound design. The pair begun working together in the studio and have since evolved into DJ'ing thereafter. This mix spotlights some of their creative influences and tastes in a short space of time.

To come ‘Full Circle’ is to travel the path and arrive back at the point you think you left from. Full Circle, also known as Alexis Le-Tan (Wonders Ovze World) and Joakim (Tigersushi, Crowdspacer), a long term project with close friends Le-Tan and Joakim music project and “concept band born from loving ears that want to re-process our electronic past.” They’ve delivered some amazing edits of obscure Goa tracks and remixed the likes of Die Orangen, 10Lec6, and Tapan and released on Good Morning Tapes and Vladimir Ivkovic’s Offen. “To complete a journey is to learn and to slow down and re-imagine is to enrich – Full Circle hears the hedonistic sound of the 90’s in a light that reflects a different space for our current time and beyond. Always bridging the gap between the past and present: they are and continue to go Full Circle.” You got that? Good… then let’s get our ears round their first recorded mix action and dig into their minds a bit more. Listen and read the interview below: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/shine-a-light-on-mix-full-circle-alexis-le-tan-joakim/ @alexisletan @joakimbouaziz

Announcing their debut for Insult To Injury Records, Manchester based newcomer, Lapalace, has furnished the good ship ITI with three ambitious, epic cuts of divergent dance destroyers that touch on Ambient, Jungle and everything in between! Lily Mumby, the creative brain box behind the project, has a no limits approach to her sound palette, with a range of inspiration from William Basinski, to Autechre and Lorn. Backed up by a break-tastic remix from the mighty Thugwidow, Lapalace’s Ephemera EP is a tour de force debut that will have disc jockeys rejoicing, the world over. Titular piece Ephemera kicks things off with a trademark Lapalace soundscape, blending both field recordings from the natural world and synthesised sounds, all mixed with a touch of nostalgic 90s keyboard work. The climatic drop manages to be both beautiful and aggressively caustic simultaneously, as hazy, evocative chords meet a thoroughly pugnacious drum breakbeat! Tired Eyes slows the pace a little, immersing the listener in an audio bath of retro, cavernous strings that create a celestial soundscape of truly divine proportions. Constance continues on the downtempo tip, fading into view with its arpeggios darting up and down, underpinned by a frightfully hefty bass line. This tranquil beginning transpires to be a red herring, however, as the drums kick in hallway through and transform the ambience into a full throttle, no nonsense, breakbeat behemoth! ITI Records are very excited to have Thugwidow on remix duties, as we’ve been a fan of his music for some time. He does’t disappoint here either, as he ‘breaks’ Ephemera into tiny pieces and rebuilds it in his own image. Make no mistake, this is a dance floor demolisher of the highest pedigree! As the name suggests, the original mix of Ephemera is a rather brief affair, so Lapalace has worked their magic and concocted an Extended 12” Mix for all you lovely club DJ’s. Taking the elements from the original and adding a few extra, this lengthier version lets the music breathe, taking it’s time as it effortlessly glides along, before slapping us around the chops with that final break. To which we can only say, Amen Brother!

21 years on from its original release - and after years of being out of print - The Bees' Mercury Music Prize nominated debut LP "Sunshine Hit Me" is getting a re-release and a remaster. Drawing from various musical spheres including Jamaican roots and Brazilian Tropicalia it was a timeless mixtape that echoed the 1960s and 1970s. Released originally by Wall of Sound's sublabel We Love You in 2002, the album was recorded and produced in a home garden studio - aka The Shed - on the Isle of Wight.  This reissue includes with six bonus tracks, including the unreleased "Seeds." Read the interview in full here: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/the-bees-the-monday-is-ok-mix/ @the-bees-official

There were a number of memories of which he felt to be missing, one day he hoped that they might return. There were faces and shadows which he could not recall, places he was sure he had been but could not place and moments in time he was not sure had been his. He wanted to believe and know them all, as if he'd known them to be true and real all along. He wanted to feel the way in which they'd felt - that rush of whimsical nostalgic energy which left him longing to go back. It seemed as though it was at the very edge of his fingertips - just out of reach. Out there in the great beyond. Perhaps he was pure lost... Helium Robots return with new music - a welcome treat. Following previous outings on the likes of Dissident and Running Back they now steady their sights on a new record on Unsure.

Alan Strani, in a tux so fancy, Danced the Apocalypso, feeling so chancy… With I:Cube Remix, the rhythm did enhance, see, In Bordello A Parigi, where dreams run free. He twirled and he swirled, his moves so bizarre, Apocalypso madness, like a shooting star, I:Cube’s beats, like a wild electric guitar, In Bordello A Parigi, where no rules are. The night went on, a surreal cabaret, Alan Strani’s dance, a wild display, Apocalypso and I:Cube’s sway, In Bordello A Parigi, where we all stray. Alan Strani returns to Bordello with a remix package of his album title track ‘Apocalypso’ featuring I:Cube – which we’re premiering here + Lauer, In Flagranti and himself on remix duties. @bordelloaparigi

Birmingham-based artist Emily Jones, also known as Echo Juliet, releases her debut mini-album “Abandon Reality” on October 27th through her label, Invisible IDs. ________________________________________________________________________ Invisible IDs, a mystery to decode, Echo Juliet, with a Red Sun she rode, Through the cosmos, where the music flowed, A whimsical journey, down a creative road. Invisible IDs, their secrets well-kept, Echo Juliet, never ceased to be adept, With beats and rhythms, she happily leapt, In a world of sound, where dreams were swept. Red Sun painted skies in hues so bold, Echo Juliet’s melodies, a story to be told, Invisible IDs’ magic, a treasure to behold, A surreal symphony, in this tale of old. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Raised in Essex, Jones she transitioned from her classical training into the world of the electronic. A journey, marked by self-doubt, led her to DJing and music production. “Abandon Reality” reflects her escape from societal issues, with tracks like “Red Sun” inspired by her childhood and concerns about climate change. @echoojuliet @invisible-ids

Next up is a DJ with truly unique and innovative music taste – this mix is a testament to that fact demonstrating a broad array of interests and perspectives. This one is not a traditional presentation of ‘club music’ (whatever that means) by any stretch. What it is is a journey through deep, pensive, haunting, stranger sounds. It’s kaleidoscopic in its approach, tapping in to a mood as much as anything else. The tracklist which was sent and accompanies the selection is incredibly far reaching and demonstrates a vast wealth of knowledge as dj peanut soundtracks nearly two hours of music. Originally from Glasgow but presently based in London dj peanut has cut her teeth in both cities, establishing connections through parties and friends. This is exactly what the ‘shine a light on’ series has always been a representation of – showcasing those unique dj’s who really don’t give a f*ck and continue to focus on pushing things forward and doing their own thing.

Lunatic Music’s second release is the debut from London-based Tokyo-born producer DJ Himitsu ( @user-796730172 ) DJ Himitsu played a tune so absurd, “Acid Three” on repeat, oh my word! Lunatic Music took us on a ride, Beats and rhythms dancing side by side. The moon joined in with a laugh so bright, Stars grooved along, oh what a sight! Himitsu scratched vinyl in the cosmic sea, A nonsensical jam for you and me. We’re premiering the percussive acid of “Three Acid,”. The EP also features a remix from Dexter Gregg under his Solid State guise. @kevandmick

https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-vell-floating-mists-warm-vistas/ Bangkok-based artist @musicvell releases debut EP “Floating Mists, Warm Vistas,” on the @boiledwonderlandrecords banner. In a vell of floating mists so fine, Warm vistas danced in a twisty line. Boiled Wonderland records played a tune, Singing a song to the glowing moon. Mists giggled and twirled with glee, Vistas whispered secrets to the sea. Boiled Wonderland laughed along, Records skipped, oh what a song! Through the vell, a whimsical flight, Floating dreams took their height. Warm vistas hugged the sky so tight, Boiled Wonderland spun day to night. Records danced on the starry floor, A nonsense rhyme forevermore. In this world where imagination exists, Vell, vistas, records – a dreamer’s tryst! An expansive sonic journey of an EP, we’re premiering the title track; “Floating Mists, Warm Vistas,” packed full of skipping drum breaks, rolling basslines and bubbling synths. The full EP’s out on September 22nd, 2023.

Mélopée Records unveil “Presente Ausente,” an Italo/Dark Disco collaboration by Silicodisco & Alex Aguayo. Silicodisco and Alex Aguayo, Danced in a Cabina A Marte glow. With beats so wild in the Original Mix, They joined the party in a rhythmic fix. Melopee Records set the scene, Where grooves and melodies careened. In a world of sounds so sweet and neat, They danced to the rhythm of the street. So let the Silicodisco lights ignite, With Alex Aguayo, a musical flight. Cabina A Marte, they ventured afar, In the Melopee realm, where wonders are. Mélopée Records unveil “Presente Ausente,” an Italo/Dark Disco collaboration by Silicodisco & Alex Aguayo. The EP features two originals and re-versions by Armonics’ and Marching Machines’. We’re premiering the original of Cabina A Marte.

https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-rampue-inside-a-tribe-called-kotori/ In the realm of Rampue, where unicorns prance, Lies a tribe so wild, it's like a mad dance, "Inside [A Tribe Called Kotori]" they chant, In a bubblebath trance, they love to enhance. With feathered hats and shoes that squeak, They slide on rainbows, oh so unique, In a bubbly river, they giggle and speak, Their nonsense language, oh so chic. Rampue's skies are made of lemonade, Marshmallow clouds provide the shade, In a bubblebath trance, they wade, Laughing at pineapples in a serenade. Squirrels play trumpets, birds play the drums, As they dance with pineapples, their silliness hums, The moon joins in, doing twirls and sums, All lost in the trance, where absurdity strums. So if you're looking for a whimsical chance, To escape reality and join in the dance, Find Rampue's tribe in their bubblebath trance, With Kotori's spirit, let your nonsense advance! Rampue's Bubblebath Trance is the A Tribe Called Kotori label's first foray into long players.  Venturing into extended musical narratives they invite Berlin-based producer Rampue who examines electronica, abstraction, and "Balearic-infused progressive-house" no less. Rich textures and intricacies form a "lushly textured promenade in sound." We're premiering Inside.

Earlier this month Public Possession teased the upcoming release of a second album from Nice Girl - a producer with whom they have worked closely in recent years and supported through the release of records. Taking the jump and releasing albums as an artist is no small feat - it's a leap of faith and one which demonstrates ambition and drive towards a musical future. Public Possession is the perfect home for the record, playful music deserves a playful home. Ahead of the release we asked Nice Girl to deliver a mix which reflects her present headspace and drive as an artist. The result is a wild ride which demonstrates her prowess as a DJ as much as it does anything else. We reckon that you'll enjoy this one, we certainly did.

There was a deep rumble - the sound of machines. It was what inspired him - the loud noises and the reverberating echo of progress as the noise grew and grew in a great harmonious cacophony. Some said that one day machines would rule us all, little did they know about the wild ambition of mad scientists and anarchists who would use them to unleash unruly madness. However, the machines could be just as peaceful if they were allowed to be. Just because something roars does not mean that it has to bite. Forthcoming on Compost Records, a compilation which spotlights and showcases the best of a newish generation of krautrock featuring producers and musicians such as I:Cube, Fred und Luna, Abrão and many more. This track from Halwa takes our pick of the bunch. https://compostrecords.bandcamp.com/album/future-sounds-of-kraut-vol-1-compiled-by-fred-und-luna

Diving into the depths, @martin-noise, the Argentine DJ/Producer now based in Barcelona, intricately weaves introspective downtempo to pulsating rhythms influenced by new wave and the "primal energy of the jungle". As a co-founder of Playground Records - a DJ collective from Buenos Aires - he's transitioned from playing in rock and punk bands and now holds down residences at La Terrrazza, Razzmatazz and Freedonia. Read the full interview on the link above: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/martin-noise-the-shine-a-light-on-mix/

Featuring Kenyan producer KMRU, the lead single taken from a new EP explores dreamlike states and the blurred lines between reality and the subconscious. https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premiere-bolt-ruin-skevr-ft-kmru-infinite-machine/ BOLT RUIN’s beats start to swoon. “Skevr” they cry, a magical tune, With KMRU’s touch, it’ll make you croon. Infinite Machine, the stage is set, A premiere that you won’t forget. Groovy rhythms, a sonic bet, Dancing souls, the night they’ll get. BOLT RUIN and KMRU unite, In a sound journey, taking flight. Through the stars and endless night, Their music guides with pure delight. So gather ’round and let’s begin, With beats and melodies that spin. A nonsense rhyme, let’s dive in, To the world where their music’s akin. Belgian producer BOLT RUIN releases his EP “False Awakening Loops” on September 22, 2023. The EP, his second on the Infinite Machine label, delves into his experiences with parasomnia, crafting an unsettling ambient soundscape. We’re premiering the lead single “Skevr” featuring Kenyan producer KMRU, the EP exploring dreamlike states and the blurred lines between reality and the subconscious. Blending cinematic soundscapes, distorted field recordings, and industrial rhythms the release will be available on cassette, Bandcamp, and digital platforms.

Ploy makes mad music – a lot of his music sounds mad. It shouldn’t necessarily make sense but it does. The term discombobulated comes to mind at times but in the very best way. No, seriously we mean that as a compliment. For many years Ploy has been one of the most interesting producers in underground Electronic music having released records with the likes of Hessle Audio, Hemlock, Timedance and L.I.E.S. No two have sounded the same and each of them have drawn upon a musical influence or five as Ploy attempts to piece together his own flavour of dance. As an artist he has continued to evolve – creating his own world in which to release the music that feels right to him. Ploy’s own record label, Deaf Test, has been integral in the evolution of his sound. Acting as a platform in which to experiment and explore new sounds and concepts. One challenge of his career thus far has been working out a way to connect the dots between his own musical tastes, productions and outlook towards club culture. However, as of late his focus has been rooted in the wonkier undercurrents of UK Bass music and its intersection with Tech House. A new record on Timedance forthcoming cements this idea. We invited Ploy to record a mix and the result… Well, you are in for a treat as we gain an insight into some of the music which makes Ploy tick on the dancefloor.

In a world in which there is so much music it can be difficult to know whose perspective and opinion to trust. Often those with the most public profile and reputation receive the most recognition. However, behind the scenes there is a whole array of folk who picked them and so on and so forth… Villella has been involved in the underground music sphere for many years – as a leading curator behind Truants and as a DJ in his own right. Having been exposed to a broad array of sounds and styles across well over ten years in Dance music it is interesting to see what has stuck not only in the mind but in the record collection of a DJ who has seen a hell of a lot come and go. This mix has been a little while coming – something Villella apologised for upon delivery. However, all things considered, we were glad for his respective patience as the result is well worth the wait. This mixtape features two hours of music spanning an eclectic array of sounds. It’s a real mix from start to end – a journey through sound done proper which really feels considered and put together in a way which few DJ’s tend to these days.

The flickering, the flashing of the lights. They disorientated everything and left little to the imagination to grasp onto in this realm. Where were they? How had they got here? It were as if the world had no clear shape… In the dark corners of the room everything was fluid, no beginning and no end. For all they knew they were in some limitless multiverse no longer bound by time or the rigid constructs which had held them all back. The music played more loudly as they progressed further and further into the depths of the experience. It was hard to imagine that they might ever find a way back now. Perhaps it was all for the best… Kassian are on an absolute roll. Big release after big release the duo seem to have a perfect understanding of what works best in the clubs at present. Next upon on Faux Poly comes a collection of remixes from friends who have been invited to reimagine their material. The track we have picked to feature is an energetic, frenetic cut which bounces and swings with palpable tension, a remix from Gina Breeze.

It's always interesting to learn about the musical insight and influences of a radio host or dj who doesn't travel the road most followed. Thea HD, has for many years, worked behind the scenes, drawing inspiration from music in the widest sense. A regular radio show on NTS has offered Thea an opportunity to showcase a variety of interests and perspectives on sound - fusing the likes of Soul, Folk, Ambient, Jazz and everything in between into a listening experience which somehow makes sense, cementing a musical identity and a story.  This year also marked the launch of a new label - a side project designed to offer a new outlet for musical expression. Thea emailed us earlier this summer to tell us about Odda Recordings - an imprint described as being focussed on "design, landscape and unearthing new sounds". With this in mind we weren't sure what to expect from this mixtape. However, what has arrived is pleasantly delightful and perhaps represents the very best of a music collection and a personal journey which feels well rounded and whole. There are delicate Ambient textures, percussive grooves and deep, whimsical sounds which make for a perfect atmospheric midweek listen.

In the land of @ParadisePalms, where nonsense reigned supreme, a soul named @GeorgeT embarked on a peculiar escapade. While frolicking among the fronds, he chanced upon a crumpled love letter. Its ink, a rainbow of hues, danced across the page like butterflies dance across the sky. It professed adoration for a walrus named Wanda, with promises of whisker-filled wonders. And oh, the audacity! A desire to pirouette with a kangaroo named Kip, bouncing through bountiful meadows. Bewildered, George T scratched his head, wondering if sanity had escaped the palm trees. He embarked on a quest, scouring the paradise for these whimsical creatures. Alas, Wanda's tusks were tucked away, and Kip hopped into hiding. But fear not, for George T discovered a truth profound. The love letter, a playful ploy, was but a lark in rhyme, a whimsical trickster's jest. With a chuckle and a nod, George T bid adieu to the palm-filled paradise, leaving behind the absurdity and the love letter's charm. Edinburgh-based producer George T releases his latest single, "Love Letter," through Paradise Palms Records. A fusion of left-field and dub influences George's music blurs the lines between the electronic and the experimental. Out shortly through Paradise Palms Records - pre-order here.

babyschön is the musical moniker of Safi Bugel. Based in London, having spent a spell in Leeds and moving to the big smoke, she has built a reputation for her eclectic taste and approach to music. She’s also worked tirelessly as a journalist in a number of guises – helping to document grassroots musical communities and uplifting creatives with astute commentary and deep understanding. From a musical perspective – her interests are broad taking on influences from Post Punk, Synthwave, EBM, Italo, New Wave and beyond. Radio has always been an important influence on Safi’s musical trajectory as well. She’s hosted shows on community-led stations NARR (which she co-founded) and Sable Radio. Now she focusses her attention toward DJ’ing more firmly. This mix cements that intent and we believe you’ll be seeing a lot more of babyschön in the coming spell.

Berlin can be a little crowded – that’s why it’s always exciting to see a DJ move through the ranks and cement their place amidst the melting pot. ābnamā has been building a reputation – playing at parties around the city, some well known and others for those in the know. Appearances at the likes of Buttons, Cocktail d’Amore and Body Language have helped to cement an identity as a fierce, fast paced selector with a unique style. It was at Body Language that this mix was recorded, a wild two hours of vinyl only madness which we can only imagine blew the roof off. ābnamā is also involved in the running of queer party DUMP and formerly Climax. Originally from Tehran and now based in the German capital – we anticipate that you might be seeing a lot more from ābnamā over the coming years and judging by this mixtape… if you do you better dress to sweat.

In the realm of extraordinary lives, there existed a person named Elysia. Blessed with an inexplicable longevity, Elysia defied the boundaries of time, living for nine centuries. Yet as the years marched on, an insidious anxiety crept into their soul. Witnessing the cyclical nature of existence, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the inevitability of loss weighed heavily on Elysia's heart. The burden of accumulated memories grew overwhelming, eclipsing the joy of longevity. With each passing day, Elysia longed for the simplicity of mortal existence, where moments were fleeting but cherished. Their extraordinary longevity proved to be a paradox, a testament that even immortality cannot shield one from the ravages of anxiety. Maps (aka James Chapman) has worked his magic on ‘Methuselah’, the latest single from the Liverpool trio Seagoth. Chapman, who records for legendary imprint Mute, has delivered a stunning and emotional remix of the original New Age-inflected indie-rock track. Layers of euphoric synths are set alongside epic drums, while snatches of Georgia Ochoa's powerful vocal sing out as the track builds and builds into a resolutely optimistic and melancholic electronic symphony that fans of Maps will know and love. "I am a big fan of Seagoth so I was delighted to be asked to remix 'Methuselah',” says James. “It is a beautifully melodic and mysterious track, and I was instantly drawn to how the original song felt like a constant 'push', until the uplifting resolution in the outro. I took this as inspiration for where I went with my remix. I wanted to keep this sense of a journey, which then resolves into a huge and uplifting feeling of joy. Georgia's vocals are so deeply emotional and enigmatic, and they really are the heart of the remix. I really enjoyed working on this!" The Maps remix is available digitally in all the usual places, including Bytes Bandcamp

Prague based ambient-electronic artist dné recently released his second album, Basic Living, via Platoon. The album delved into what is the essence of embracing the simplicity of life, exploring the ups and downs of dating, the experience of living with chronic health conditions, and the peculiar world of capturing café plants for social media. Basic Living stood in stark contrast to art centred around the world’s end, climate anxiety or political discourse, opting instead to depict the often overlooked aspects of our everyday existence. Holý, the creative force behind dné, talks of his desire for disabled individuals to be portrayed as complex individuals with rich emotions, rather than solely focusing on their ability to overcome obstacles. Sonically, Basic Living exhibits a more vibrant and diverse palette compared to dné’s debut album, blending field recordings, lo-fi aesthetics, ethereal synth pads, classical instruments, and traces of Midwest emo-inspired guitars. An experimental playground for dné of sample manipulation, arpeggiated melodies, pop vocals and pure guitar tracks, Basic Living arrived seven years after his award-winning debut album, solidifying Holý’s growth as a composer for film and TV series. We asked Holy to set our Monday straight… INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/mixes/dne-the-monday-is-ok-mix/ TRACKLIST HERE: tracklist Richard Strauss – Zwei Gesänge, Op. 34, 1 Oliver Coates – Caregiver Pt. 4 (Spirit) Richard Wagner – Tristan und Isolde (Prelude to Act III) Paul Desmond – Soon Maurice Ravel – Rhapsodie Espagnole (Prelude a la Nuit) Gustaf Ljunngren & Skúli Sverisson – Vi Overlever Maria w Horn – Fall of O’Dea Miles Davis Quintet – It Never Entered My Mind Alva Noto – Xerrox Kirlian Modest Mussorgsky – Il Vecchio Castello Branko Mataja – Sreo Sam Te Arvo Pärt – Summa John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman – Lush Life Tidiane Thiam – Minuit Daniel Lanois – My First Love Boxhead Ensemble – Homage To The Tren Brothers Colin Vallon – Sisyphe

Justin Robertson’s new Deadstock 33s EP takes in dub to motorik chuggers via the dark basement club. We’re premiering the lead skank of Sticky Web of Happy Spiders. Deep in the heart of the forest, Justin Robertson’s record played a mysterious melody that echoed through the ancient trees. The Deadstock 33 beat was magical vibration coursed through the forest floor, summoning a swarm of happy spiders. These mystical arachnids weaved a glistening sticky web, spun with strands of pure joy. As the music intensified, the spiders danced on the strands, their tiny bodies pulsating with rhythm. The web stretched higher and higher, forming a bridge that led to a hidden realm. Curious adventurers crossed the bridge, stepping into a world where dreams came alive and music held the power to unlock unimaginable wonders. Justin Robertson’s new Deadstock 33s EP takes in dub to motorik chuggers via the dark basement club. We’re premiering the lead skank of Sticky Web of Happy Spiders.

The room was dark as they entered cautiously – it had been so very long since someone had entered the space, let alone someone like him. It were as if the shadows of long lost dancers were still swaying back and forth beneath the disco ball which shimmered up above. There was dust everywhere, murky corners that had been untouched for decades. \ He wondered whether the music might still even work in a place like this? Would it sound the same? Who still danced these days anyways? As he approached the booth at the forefront of the hall he began to tickle with excitement at the thought of it all. The lights, the people, the music, the past. It was time to breathe again… Jun Kamoda has worked hard, releasing music which has since gone on to be supported and played by the likes of Ben UFO, Eclair Fifi and Tim Sweeney to name a few. His music is raw in places, capturing the true energy and origins of House music in a unique way. This latest EP is perhaps his most accomplished to date…

The lights were but a blur from the window as they roared down the M1 in the pissing rain. Horns blared and the occasional squeal of brakes was all that could be heard over the pounding from the car stereo. Everything inside the motor was banging and rumbling beneath the strain as they drove onwards into the darkness as fast as they could. They'd probably never get away with it - at least they'd tried. What was it? A stolen motor careering up the highway in the dead of night on a Tuesday? Of course it was, a Ford Escort to say the least, hitting 145 with the most brutal pedal to the metal in the glow of the orange floodlights. In the distance they could hear the sirens coming, it would all be over soon, up in flames in the back end of nowhere as they ran into the darkness. Papa Nugs is set to self release a new EP which can only be described as being 'no holds barred'. We are talking hair raising dancefloor pumpers reminiscent of old Techno raves, Dance Mania bangers and all of that other good stuff which happened in between.

First single Que Quiere Usted from @bawrut 's new EP RAQS is streaming here with mesmerising clap patterns augmented by Bawrut’s trademark sparse, bouncy, synth lines. https://ransom-note-records.lnk.to/RaqsEP Deep in the realm of Elador, an ancient tome lay hidden within the Whispering Forest. Legends spoke of its power to unlock forbidden secrets. The brave sorcerer, Bawrut, embarked on a treacherous quest to find it. Guided by ethereal whispers, he deciphered the cryptic runes and uttered the incantation, “Que Quiere Usted ,Ransom Note.” In a blinding flash, the book materialised before him. Its pages whispered forgotten spells, offering unimaginable power. Bawrut’s heart raced with anticipation as he absorbed its knowledge. With newfound mastery, he weaved spells that wove tapestries of light and shadow, forever changing the fate of Elador. The mighty Bawrut returns to @RansomNoteRecords with his incredible new record, Raqs EP. The follow-up to his debut album, In The Middle, our Man In Madrid discharges four weapons-grade club monsters. “Raqs means dance or dancing in Arabic. The need for dance in our society and its act of liberation is the focus of this new EP, where I explore a beloved place like the Mediterranean sea, mixing Arabic voices and Latin American rhythms, stabs, trance and flamenco.” First single Que Quiere Usted is streaming here, entering the fray with mesmerising clap patterns that grow and evolve throughout the track, augmented by Bawrut’s trademark sparse, bouncy, synth lines.

On Versions, Queralt and Smith’s four tracks have been reimagined by Nandele, Flug 8, GLOK (Steve’s RIDE bandmate Andy Bell) and Nina Walsh, kindred spirits and treasured members of the extended Bytes/Ransom Note family. And so I walk along the beach, turning my back on a world that’s stopped making sense, and the feeling that maybe sense is the first thing to go; before our civilisation falls, it will stumble through a long delirium, like an old man with Alzheimer’s, before it finally grinds to a halt … I’m trying to turn my back on all that, before me the great unknown, the poetry of the magnificent blue distance … to gaze out at the blue and open myself up to that which is beyond us, to let the blue beyond wash all that away like pebbles in its foam … Bytes is proud to announce Sun Moon Town Versions, a companion piece to last year’s EP, on which Steve Queralt, bass player of pioneering shoegazers RIDE, joined forces with the writer and film-maker MIchael Smith for a stunning four-track EP featuring Steve’s music and Michael’s spoken-word musings. On Versions, the four tracks have been reimagined by Nandele, Flug 8, GLOK (Steve’s RIDE bandmate Andy Bell) and Nina Walsh, kindred spirits and treasured members of the extended Bytes/Ransom Note family. Premiering here is the GLOK remix, continuing Andy’s hot streak under his electronic alter-ego, which has seen him deliver stunning remixes for Dot Allison, Maps and A Place to Bury Strangers. For his rework of ‘Chaldean Oracle’, Andy eschews Michael’s vocal almost entirely, transforming the track into a Detroit dub-techno monster that has echoes of Bandulu and Carl Craig in its shimmering melodies, eerie distortion and pounding drums. As well as these four new remixes, due to popular demand the release also features instrumental versions of the original tracks, with fans keen to hear Steve’s exceptional electronic soundscapes in isolation. It’s out on July 21, available digitally and a limited edition cassette, only available from Bytes Bandcamp. More Info: https://www.theransomnote.com/music/premieres/premiere-steve-queralt-michael-smith-chaldean-oracle-glok-remix-bytes/

Vancouver artist Kristen Roos' Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II celebrates algorithmic Music Making In a realm where magic and technology intertwined, Kristen Roos was a renowned adventurer. Armed with her trusty sword and enchanted armour, she set out on a quest to conquer the treacherous world of Diablo I. Little did she know, her journey would transcend the boundaries of the virtual realm. As she battled demons and explored labyrinthine dungeons, whispers of her exploits reached the ears of We Are Busy Bodies, a secret guild of mystical beings. Impressed by her valour, they summoned her to their hidden sanctuary. There, they bestowed upon Kristen ancient scrolls and enchanted melodies, enhancing her skills and infusing her weapons with arcane power. With her newfound abilities, she became a legendary warrior, feared by demons and revered by her fellow adventurers. Kristen Roos, the champion of Diablo I, now stood as a beacon of hope, protecting the realm from the forces of darkness. Her name would forever be etched in the annals of tales of that time, a symbol of courage and determination. Kristen Roos' The album pays homage to the early era of algorithmic music making, inspired by vintage software. Roos stumbled upon Laurie Spiegel's 'Music Mouse' on a Commodore Amiga floppy disk, a groundbreaking MIDI sequencer from 1985. Intrigued by its simplicity, Roos delved further into this 'first wave' of music software development. Vol II of Universal Synthesizer Interface focuses on two personal favourites: 'Music Mouse' and Frank Balde's 'Diablo.' The album showcases the interaction between repeating loops, forming vast tapestries of sound. Roos spent over a year studying, experimenting, and collaborating with software creators to craft this musical journey. The album's released on We Are Busy Bodies.. Order/Buy/Stream Etc Etc here: https://kristenrooswabb.bandcamp.com/album/universal-synthesizer-interface-vol-ii

The first in a new series spotlighting the musical community based around Pirate Studios. Emma Lou is an eclectic DJ who weaves an intricate web of RnB, Hip Hop, Downtempo and beyond - a perfect accompaniment to a Monday afternoon. Emma Lou does things a little bit differently - seeking to cement herself as a DJ who is capable of meandering between styles and sounds rooted in her own influences growing up - blurring the lines between the new and the old. Focussing on Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and RnB her selections often create a certain ambience, one best enjoyed in dimly lit clubs or during quiet moments of personal reflection as you lose yourself in some old RnB B-Side from the late 90's or a forgotten sample from long back. A relatively fresh faced DJ on the scene she has begun to build a presence for herself with guest appearances on the likes of Rinse FM and Reprezent Radio.  She has most recently taken up a residency at Pirate Studios, utilising the opportunity to define her sound in more focus and build upon her musical repertoire.  This is the first mix in a new series which will spotlight artists from within the Pirate Studios community - Emma Lou makes a splendid start, with deep moving cuts which highlight her broad knowledge and eclectic taste.

Finally, the big day arrived. Adrenaline coursed through Amy's veins as she stepped onto the course, her Whippet at her side. With synchronised precision, they flawlessly manoeuvred through the obstacles, leaving the audience in awe. As they crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. Amy's heart swelled with pride as she hugged her faithful companion. They had done it—they had conquered the competition. To celebrate their remarkable achievement, Amy treated her Whippet to a well-deserved milkshake. As they sat together, basking in the glow of their triumph, their bond grew even stronger, solidifying their partnership forever. Amy Dabbs & Athlete Whippet - Into You’ EP is out now on Aus Music  Order/Buy/Stream Etc Etc here: https://aus.lnk.to/IntoYouEP

Self-released pumper from Kristy Harper on her Sanctified Dreams imprint… Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a brave and kind-hearted young woman named Kristy Harper. She possessed a magical gift: the ability to bring hope and strength to those around her. Her mission was to “Get The Girls” of the kingdom, who were trapped in a cycle of fear and self-doubt. Kristy embarked on a perilous quest, guided by a mystical map. Along the way, she encountered enchanted forests, mountains, and mythical creatures. With her unwavering determination, she faced each challenge head-on, drawing on her inner courage. As Kristy ventured deeper into the magical realm, she discovered an ancient artefact, the Crystal of Empowerment. Its radiant energy resonated with her purpose. Using the crystal, she awakened the dormant powers within them, unleashing a wave of confidence and resilience. The kingdom transformed as they embraced their newfound abilities. They radiated with magical energy, using their unique talents to bring harmony and prosperity. The once-diminished spirits of the land were uplifted, and a sense of unity spread like wildfire. Kristy Harper’s name became legendary, spoken in hushed tones by grateful villagers. She had fulfilled her noble quest, forever altering the destiny of them and the realm. Together, they forged a future where dreams flourished, fears were conquered, and the magic within every girl was celebrated. And so, the tale of Kristy Harper and her quest to “Get The Girls” echoed through generations, a testament to the transformative power of belief and empowerment in a fantastical world. This self-released pumper from Kristy Harper is out on her Sanctified Dreams very shortly. Check bandcamp for pre-orders etc etc. Listen below:

Time seemed to move at a snails pace, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the clock. Today was different from the others: nobody had called, there were no messages in his inbox, barely a soul in the office. Maybe he'd missed something, a memo or a calendar invite... or maybe he should see it as a blessing in disguise; an opportunity to spend time with his imagination and forget that work even existed.. For their third release, Brussel imprint Undo Seat Belts welcome the Parisian chartered accountant by day, and music maker by night, Frédérique Sueur.  Le Temps Mutile Les Talons is the name of this blissful and offbeat collection of nine tracks that finds itself lingering in the spaces between new wave, experimental, synth-pop, minimal synth and ambient. Its lo-fi bedroom quality and DIY touch imbues it with a feeling that's both comforting and disconcerting: a must listen.

R.A.M. back in action for May's drive time slot on Netil Radio, featuring a special microphone appearance from Timothy Clerkin.

Tel Aviv-based producer, vocalist and live performer May Lavie joins the Human Endeavour Records family for its fourth release, ‘Are You Having A Good Day?’ The four tracks are a window into May’s mind-expanding world, which she creates through hypnotic, textural loops and spoken samples dug up from all corners of the Internet. She pairs passages of text from scientists, social activists and films that raise questions of human nature, with her intoxicating vocals and a cosmic concoction of indie dance, synth-wave and electronica. ’The Poem’ picks things up next. Eerie and hypnotic, a dizzying vocal passage is layered over a bewitching, echoing synth line, moody pads and May’s gliding voice. Buy: bit.ly/HE004MayLavie

She stared at the screen, her eye sight waning from its harsh glare. Attempting to tear herself away had been an impossible task, she couldn't switch off her thoughts, they continued to race at warp speed giving her no respite at all. She'd tried putting them down on paper, even toyed with the idea of sealing them in a letter and posting it through his door, but the fear of rejection was too much. How had she got herself in this deep? She'd only met him just a few weeks prior, how had she become completely and utterly hooked... Barkley Bandon is creeping out of the shadows once again, this time for his sophomore EP Heaven Was A Failure. The illusive London-based producer first popped up on our radar through his Bandcamp self-releases, then again when his debut EP Always Gonna Wait For You landed in our inbox last year. On this brand new release for South London party-turned-label Scenic Route, he explores themes of desire and intimacy through his sleazy, stripped back cocktail of tripped out rhythms, infectious pop melodies and hypnotic bass grooves.

Zaltsman knows a thing or two about what sets off the dance floor. Whether it's behind the decks, in the studio or as a curator, the London-based artist has a knack for getting bodies moving.  His own productions for the likes of Dansu Discs, Silver Bear and Cross Country are characterised by crisp percussion and infectious rhythms, plus he's a real dab hand at flipping a classic for the club. Over the last few years his music has been getting props left, right and centre, becoming a staple in the sets of DJs like Midland, Ben UFO and Moxie, and we imagine it'll be no different for his next release, You Fly, So Do We. The EP inaugurates the brand new label arm of his long running party series Emergency Room. Since 2017 they've been throwing events across London, Bristol and Brighton, inviting artists like Overmono, Call Super, Leon Vynehall and Eliza Rose to join them. He takes care of this week's Shine A Light On mix with a blend of shuffling, percussive, rhythmic delights that would set the off the dance.

They couldn't see anything through the thick fog, could barely make out their own feet trudging through the boggy grass. It didn't bode well, what should have been an easy journey had turned into a treacherous mission across unknown terrain; they still had a long road ahead of them. Darkness was looming on the horizon, and soon their vision would become even more impaired, was it worth them battling through the obstacles despite their better judgment?  Jokios Kultūros is part of the Electric Shapes family, he's been a constant throughout the Lithuanian imprint's journey. After a string of EPs and track contributions over the last few years, he's finally releasing his first long player into the world, the aptly titled ALL IS ONE. It amasses all the different styles and influences that have motivated his productions, from breakbeat, house and DnB to ambient, trance and downtempo, and a taste for Japanese-inspired melodies and video game elements.

On their new single for Tropopause Records, musical collective Kalabash look at how man-made objects can provide us with new and strange views of the world. Sonically the track plays with texture and mood, drawing influence from UK techno and experimental club sounds, underpinned by touches of smooth RnB. In Kalabash's own words - "it’s our view of how a machine might interpret electronic music today" - which naturally extends to the visual accompaniment to the release. In the spirit of collaboration, a central component of Kalabash's work, the collective have teamed up with film director Matt Hass for a short film that riffs off the theme of re-contextualising everyday objects and subverts the idea of non-human entities perceptions towards humanity.

"Chaotic cohesion" is how LORA describes her sound. And that's something we love here at R$N HQ. Borderless electronic selections, a few twists and turns, hands in the air moments... Catch one of the London-based DJ and promoter's sets and you'll get plenty of that. LORA's pathway into DJing came via her residency for longstanding hip hop night Livin' Proof, which led her to promote her own parties. For a few years she helmed Grapefruit and Nice One, two parties that gave her autonomy on sound and curation, and welcomed artists like Violet, LSDXOXO, Afrodeutsche and Shygirl. This experience as both a curator and resident, as well as her monthly residency on Balamii Radio in South London, has played a part in her broad approach to selection, which can see her moving from warm, deep grooves to classic old school house, shuffling UKG and euphoric breaks. Ahead of her launching her brand new party Floorjam, which will see her bringing the likes of Raji Rags and Arianne V to Peckham's Carpet Shop, she treats us to a mix of dusty house cuts and rolling vocal grooves with a few classic cuts thrown in for good measure.

The machinery came to a clattering halt, the sheer sound of it forcing the entire building to judder and shake. The factory had seen better days; the brickwork was crumbling away, the smell of dust and oil hung thick in the air and clung to your clothes. It was a wonder it still operated as it did, that it even opened on a daily basis or that it managed to retain enough staff to keeping things ticking over. Slowly but surely its purpose was becoming defunct, but it would cling on to life for as long as humanly possible... Cyphon Recordings next signing have made a name for themselves under a number of different aliases. The Tijuana-based brother duo have had deep house outings as Soul of Hex and a debut as Mano De Fuego on Underground Resistance, but with this brand new project, Cyborg Nerve, their focus is firmly on electro. Balancing crystallised intergalactic cuts and raw, machine funk grooves, the EP is a triumphant introduction to the newest musical string to the Vicario Musique Recordings bow.

Lewis G. Burton has played an integral role in spotlighting the new wave of trans+, non-binary and femme identifying artists in London and beyond. Through their infamous techno party and art platform Inferno, which has been running since 2015, they've championed DJs, producers and performers who are bubbling up in London's queer scene, and in turn have created a forward-thinking and inclusive space for self-expression in the capital. As a DJ, producer and performer themselves, Lewis takes a no holds barred approach, rattling through hard, furious and infectious sonics that'll have you dripping with sweat. On top of their musical endeavours, Lewis is a staunch activist for trans+, intersex and non-binary rights, which sees them helping to organise protests and marches at London Trans+ Pride every year - the next of which will take place 8th July (go and march!!). Off the back of Inferno's programming at ICA's 75th birthday (the home of many of their parties), Lewis brings the energy for their Ransom Note mix, and wastes no time blowing away any residual cobwebs from the weekend. Strap yourself in.

"An apartment building, floors, songs. In the stairwell, a meeting: sound artist, radio interference manipulator and musician-producer-arranger. The bass escapes from the cellar and vibrates along the corridors. A door opens, oscillations swirl, clash, and blur the tracks. A voice rises. Concrete architecture. Bodies armed for expression. In the distance, the echo of a rave party." H.L.M (Haute Lévitation Mutée), the project of Guillaume Laidain & Andrew Claristidge, are next up on artist duo, agency and label Milk Me's release schedule. Titled 'Grenoble', the single is a homage in name to the Southwestern city where H.L.M. met and is coincidentally also the home of one of the release remixers, French electro luminary The Hacker. He's joined on remix duties by an equally strong French cast of Arnaud Rebotini and Pablo Bozzi, who together put their own spins on the moody, chugging EBM of the original, which is laced with hypnotic spoken word and haunting synth lines.

How long had it been since she felt the sun on her face; since she felt the sand between her toes and the fresh sea air clearing her sinuses? Too long than she cared to remember... She could literally taste the freedom on the tip of her tongue, the liberation slowly cascading over her - it was a feeling she never thought she'd have again, but now here she was, looking out to sea with a renewed sense of existence. Who knows what twists and turns lay ahead, what obstacles might be just around the corner... She really couldn't wait to find out. Optimo Music's Digital Dancefloor series returns with its 49th instalment, this time welcoming Trule boss Al Wootton for a two-tracker that's certified to cause destruction on the dancefloor. Having featured Al's music under his Deadboy alias back in the day on their “Dark Was The Night” mix CD, Optimo now bring him on board for two chuggy, dubbed out disco tracks that both unfold over the course of nine minutes. Laid down live in takes and using hardware synths and external processing, he explores a host of different genres that he's always held dear from post-punk and psychedelia to proto house and dub.

These were the stories that he told himself, tall tales from long ago which had got lost in the spaces in between. It had been a while since he’d last let himself think about such history and nostalgia for it was buried deep in the recesses of his mind. His memory palace was a place visited once in a blue moon for the magic which lived behind those thick castle walls was sometimes best to be left alone. Lying amidst the tall grass he watched as the clouds moved slowly by overhead, he’d allowed himself this one afternoon to daydream upon what might of been in another life. He opened the heavy gates and let his memories of a wilder, better time come rushing in. He closed his eyes and nodded off… Priori continues to develop and grow as a producer, moving toward deep, pensive textures and atmospheres on a new EP for Midgar Records. The Pareidolia EP is comprised of four tracks of intelligent Techno which teases and intrigues – this is a record which will sound good on dark nights and in smokey rooms.

For March's instalment of The Dispatch, Rosie Ama was joined by Johnny Xie and Global Warming Records boss Malcolm for two hours of good tunes, vibes and sound effects.

"Any moment can crash your emotional state of mind. You are looking for help. You can’t find it with-inside of you. A Diamond shines twice a day. The night can be day and vice versa. "We love you, no doubt. Our friends love you too. Do you love yourself? A Zebra is not a unicorn but is still unique. Who are you to tell us We can’t do it?" ava. label boss and Robert Johnson affiliate Damiano von Erckert is landing on the aforementioned club's in-house label, two years after his Space, Diversity, No Limits 12". This time he's sharing a full long player, Euphoric Spirits, which transports us straight onto the dance floor and, as its name suggests, it's full of eyes-closed euphoria. Taking cues from the roots of Chicago and Detroit he shares a batch of emotive house, rave and electro cuts that take you out of your head and into your body.

Her huge bay window felt like a porthole to the entire world. From here she could see everything; the towering skyscrapers that seemed to stretch beyond the clouds, the trees in shades of green, white and pink rustling in the soft afternoon breeze, and in the distance, the sea and the mountains promising an escape from the urban jungle. She watched the people go about their days - watched them argue and make up, greet and bid each other goodbye, stumble and fall, race and disappear - How funny that one window gave a view of so much life.... After a long and chaotic journey to completion, Invisible Inc have finally released Secret Circuit's double LP, Green Mirror, into the world. Almost two years in the making, the album sees the return of the project of LA native and audiovisual artist Edward Ruscha V following two EPs on the imprint in 2016 and 2018. Known for his music under several different bands, projects, guises and collaborations over the years, he's a dab hand at meandering in all kinds of directions, but on this release he focuses on balancing emotion and experimentalism, creating a collection of 21 pieces that bounce between the cosmic, the ambient, the otherworldly and the off-kilter. This is music for the open minded.

Gag Reflex's moniker is an apt embodiment of her musical output. It's propulsive; pushing you forward then pulling you back, dragging you under then spitting you out. It's down to the intriguing spread of influences that fuel the US-born, Berlin-based producer and DJ's work. While there's nods to percussive noughties techno, classic rave and early UK dubstep in there, you'll hear echoes of her formative love of punk bands like Crass and The KLF bubbling underneath the surface too. As a DJ she's made quite the name for herself in the US, holding residencies in Portland and San Francisco, as well as her former home of Seattle, where she ran transfeminist club night BLOOM: a space to inspire connection, catharsis and experimentation within the local scene and beyond. The connections that she's made have led to releases on international labels like Scuffed Recordings, Violet's naivety sub-label and, most recently, on the former's newly minted sister label Angel with her Lush EP, which drops on 21st April. In the lead up to the release she takes the controls of this week's Shine A Light On mix with a blend of murky, percussive and weighty sonics for the heads down and the hands up crew...

The water was a deep radiant blue, from time to time small bubbles would rise from the ocean floor up the surface where an occasional flicker or glimmer of light would illuminate the lagoon as the clouds came and went before the sun. Diving deeper and deeper into the abyss, it were as if he was exploring some sort of mythical aquarian dream - a planet nestled beneath what he knew existed and floated up on the surface. There was no sound down here but very occasional he'd become aware of a change of pressure, a heavy weight and a light release as he moved slowly through the murky blue beyond. All he could do was keep swimming... Third Place are set to release a new EP from Later Version, a beautiful assortment of fluid tracks which draw influence from a sense of weightlessness and ambient textures. Later Version is made up of Oakland-based artists Dan Letson and Jerod S. Rivera.

Music is the vehicle for Nathan Dawidowicz to tell a story. But not just their story... they're inviting you to fashion your own narrative; to draw your own conclusion. Nathan's personal tale has been a vibrant one. The son of a Polish-Lithuanian mother and Cameroonian father, they moved to Jerusalem at the age of six from their birthplace of Milan. Whilst growing up in a Jewish ultra-orthadox community, they dreamed of moving away to become a musician and fashion designer, which became a reality when they moved back to Italy and broke the constraints of the religious environment they'd been raised in.  Fashion became their academic pursuit but music was ever-present, a sonic remedy that brought them life. It had been a constant, from their childhood years spent playing piano to the influence of their father who spent time as a DJ during the 80s and 90s in Milan. Soon enough sound became a way of exploring the art of story-telling and this journey took them to their now home of Berlin.  Here they connected with Luspoderosa, a label based between Zurich and Berlin that isn't afraid to colour outside the lines. This platform would become the home for Nathan's debut solo album Sanctuary of Ideas - a deeply personal, psychedelic and cosmic dive into their memories, journey, reflections and heritage. Off the back of the release we invited Nathan to open up their sonic world to us even more with a mix of hypnotic and atmospheric new wave, Italo, acid and deep rhythmic excursions. Don your pyjamas and your fluffy slippers and sink into it...

The lights flooded the room lighting up the sea of gleeful faces from the front to the back. The party had been going all day and all night, and the energy had never let up, even for a moment. Bodies swarmed the dance floor, moving in unison to the pulsing beats seeping out of the speakers in each corner. Time seemed to stand still inside here, there was nothing but them and the music, the outside world no longer mattered... Following his debut outing on Jennifer Cardini’s Correspondent, Adonis family member Nyra returns to Canoe Records for the label's first EP in two years. Made up of two tracks, the release draws inspiration from the Sheffield-born producer's formative clubbing experiences in his home city and a love of the early Belgian rave sound. Self-described as “intergaleatic future sounds”, it's full of euphoria with ravey synths, energetic rhythms and soaring piano melodies that transport you back to the heydays of the 90s.

The room was crowded with bodies, all hoping to outlast one another in what felt like an eternal waiting game. Everyone had been told the prize would be worth it in the end but they could only take their word for it. Impatience was getting the better of them, they'd been sat twiddling their thumbs for hours and hours now. Time seemed to crawl along at a snails pace; they had to keep reminding themselves that it was a marathon, not a sprint.  Paul Blackford has been releasing music for two decades, and you can tell, his slick electro and machine funk creations are deftly produced, characterised by a meeting of modern and classic influences. His next release comes via N-Gynn and Mike Gill's Superlux imprint, which has previously been home to music from Thoma Bulwer, Dawl, Desert Sound Colony and more, and has a serendipitous story behind it. Mike and Paul connected after a video was posted on the former playing one of his tunes, and in response Paul sent his entire catalogue to Mike by way of thanks for the support. So the conversation about an EP on the label begun and Weekend Warrior is the result, which showcases his classic fusion of future-facing electronics and classic Detroit-flavoured electro.

The thought of him made her blood boil, her fists clench and her brow sweat. What had begun as shock had soon been replaced by sadness and swiftly that had contorted itself into anger. The person she'd known all these years wasn't really who she thought he was, and now she couldn't even bear to look at him, it were as though he had become a stranger. He'd been exiled from her home, from her life, from her inner circle, but there was a mountain to climb when it came to exiling him from her mind. After racking up appearances on Me Me Me and Riotvan, among others, German-born, Brooklyn-based producer Tony Y Not crash lands on Live At Robert Johnson with a stellar debut. She's already built a distinct sound through her previous releases which orbits around metallic synth lines, pulsing dynamic rhythms and dark moody atmospheres, all of which come together on her new three-tracker. Titled Your Exile In My Mind, the EP takes cues from techno, euro disco, acid, Italo and wave, and is without a doubt made with a dark dance floor in mind.

Today marks what would have been the Guv'nor's 60th birthday. As a little nod to the late great Andrew Weatherall we've re-sharing an old mix of his alongside Sean Johnston, recorded in the lead up to Electric Elephant 11 years ago, which was only previously available on Mixcloud. This came just a year into the duo's journey as ALFOS and their now infamous project which Andrew described as “an oasis of slowness in a world of increasing velocity”. A solid slice of oompty boompty music to see you into the weekend. Stick it on and raise a glass to the chairman!

Phuong – Dan has been a resident at Hamburg’s Golden Pudel club for nearly two decades – it has become a space synonymous with off piste and leftfield dance music acting as a home for exploratory DJ’s to broaden the expectations of dancers. Phuong – Dan has been a pivotal part of the evolution of the club, hosting his party Gatto Musculoso since 2006. As a DJ his sound is diverse, drawing upon a wild array of influences and nuances as he seeks to create abstract experiences through music. Working on a project by project basis, with a particular focus on artistic integrity, Phuong – Dan has become one of the most interesting artists working in this space. As the founder of dispari, a multi disciplinary record label and platform he has released music and works by the likes of Gavsborg, Cloud Management, Anatolian Weapons, Hector Zazou, Laurie Anderson, Florian Bräunlich and Sven-Åke Johansson. This mixtape is a wild trip, spanning a variety of sounds.

Esa is a producer, musician and DJ who has never been one to sit still. He is always working on something exciting and seems to draw strength from collaboration and the creativity of others as much as he does himself. Over the years he has released music on the likes of Highlife, Local Talk, Dekmantel, Bronswood, Endless Flight and many more – his sound evolving based upon his external influences and discoveries of late. Based in London, he is incredibly well travelled and has worked alongside a number of musicians and bands, seeking to broaden his musical horizons and draw upon the roots of the sound and cultures which have informed his tastes. As a DJ Esa is well versed, honing his craft on dancefloors in Glasgow where he held his first residency at the infamous Subculture. It is here that this mixtape was recorded, his return to the party earlier this year was a triumphant tour de force showcasing just how far Esa has come as an artist. This mixtape spans a wide variety of styles and sounds but most importantly is destined to keep you moving and dancing throughout. Sometimes live sets don’t make much sense out of context, yet in this case there is something special captured in the sound which makes you feel like you are right down the front banging that old Sub Club booth.

Perhaps one of the most wondrous facets of music culture in the UK comes in the form of grassroots, diy promoters and dj's who strive to broaden the eclecticism and experiences of people in their town. Based in Aberdeeen, Nina Stanger is a dj from Scotland who recently sent us an email following what some might deem as a fortunate, unfortunate experience if that makes any sort of sense. You never know who might turn up, hit the club, or the opportunities which might unfold as such... Earlier this year footage emerged from a party in Aberdeen in which British politician Michael Gove was seen wildin' out to electro and jungle - he was alone yet found his way into the murky, smoke filled club in which Nina Stanger was playing a carefully crafted set of electronic and bass inspired sounds. Soon after this she dropped us an email, explaining that she was gutted by the oblivious, unremarkable press coverage of the incident and was keen to be known for something more than accompanying the late night escapades of a rich Tory. We liked her style. She sent us the mixtape from the night itself and we were blown away by her selections. A keen digger, a radio regular on Edinburgh station EH-FM and a talented dj we offered her the opportunity to record a mix and demonstrate what she's all about. The result is an hour of cleverly orchestrated music which would work wonders in the club.

Next up is a prominent producer and dj who has made a name for herself in London following her move to the city in 2016. Giulia Tess has released music on the likes of Fever AM, Future Bounce and More Time Records. However, most recently she announced a new EP on Scarlet Tiger, the record label run by Ross From Friend’s. The record itself is a leftfield exploration of experimental electronics which features elements of Techno, UK inspired bass sounds and abstract soundscapes. It's a hypnotic, strange release which is as fitting for late night moments all alone as it is on discerning dancefloors. Originally from Italy, Giulia has established herself as a fierce and fearless dj having appeared on BBC Radio 1xtra, BBC Asian Network, NTS and most regularly on her own Threads radio show. We invited her to record a mixtape which reflects where she's at as an artist in the present, she doesn't hold back.

Based in Vancouver, Venetta is fiercely independent and has become a crucial figure as far as social and political change goes within music culture in the city. As an underground artist, she is the co founder of NuZi Collective, a platform focused on uplifting and representing black & brown women, trans women & gender non-conforming individuals in the local music scene. A keen activist for change she has worked tirelessly to reclaim the black & brown roots of electronic dance music, creating black political spaces as a source of empowerment. This mix packs a fiery and ferocious punch as she weaves and meanders between techno, electro and bass inspired sounds. Trapped out hooks feature aplenty and this is a hell of a rollercoaster ride through the repetoire of a DJ at the very top of her game. You have been warned...

It's always a joy when we get sent a mix out of the blue by someone we've never heard of which rip roars through the office. TI-DJ, A Nigerian producer and DJ from North London, hit us up with a nice email explaining his love and passion for jungle and drum n bass - we then spent some time digging through his archives and were cheerfully impressed with what we discovered amidst the material. This mix then hit our inboxes last week, a collaboration between him and a friend WDubs. It doesn't dissapoint as it meanders through bass frequencies, UK inspired sounds and wild breaks. This is what it's all about and we reckon that you and yours are gonna' love this one.

For over fifteen years Steve Moore has worked to create expansive, synthesizer driven music which challenges the limitations and preconceptions of the machinery itself and the sounds created. He has released numerous records on the likes of L.I.E.S, Mexican Summer, Future Times and Be With Records. Many of these releases have explored variable themes, some have included club ready material whilst others have been strictly focussed on ambience and experimental styles. It is not the case that Steve Moore is a jack of all trades, more so that he produces and creates the music which he wants, when he wants. Where and how it is received is beyond his actualisation, if it makes people dance then great, if it doesn't then that's great too. Most recently he has released new material on Kompakt, the longstanding German label founded by Wolfgang Voigt, Michael Mayer and Jürgen Paape. It might be described as 'techno' but in reality it's as much a cinematic, synth driven, ethereal collection of music which might sound as perfect on a dark and lonely late night drive as it would in any nightclub. In keeping with this theme, we asked Steve to create a mix which reflects his love of ambience, soundtracks and tonality. He does so with delicate precision, showcasing music by the likes of Dopplereffekt, Steve Miller Band, Ennio Morricone and more. There's even an unofficial Steve Moore version of Al Stewart's 'Year of the Cat'.

Over the past few months we have been focussing our attention on some of Glasgow's most influential local DJ's - we wanted to spotlight some of those who have worked hard behind the scenes to form residencies and develop their own pathways. Quail + AISHA are two residents at Animal Farm, a long running Glaswegian institution which has become widely known for its forward thinking approach to techno. As a party series Animal Farm has played host to the likes of Surgeon, Regis, Blawan, Anthony Parasole and Marcel Dettmann. However, these big names have often been shrouded and deemed secondary to the supremely talented local DJ's who have breathed life into this party for many years. Animal Farm has become a place to channel the harder, darker fringes of experimental dance and electronic music and this is perhaps more so the case than ever before as this mix from Quail and AISHA demonstrates. Forget Monday, this one is all about the Friday night. The pair will appear this summer at Riverside Festival and are sure as hell to blow the roof off.

Next up is a man who needs little introduction, one of the foremost figures in Garage and perhaps the greatest of them all? We'll let you be the judge of that. Todd Edwards has been releasing music for almost thirty years, he remains one of the definitive pioneers of the genre which first emerged in the UK during the mid 90's. His influence has been profound and there was a period of time in which major artists would demand a remix from Todd to certify their release. He's Grammy award winning after all. Anyway, this mix was delivered off the back of a release for Defected in which Todd released 140 tracks of original material, remixes and edits. Some unheard and an unreleased previously. This seemed like as good an opportunity as ever to ask him to return to the wheels of steel to showcase why he is still just as influential and important to UKG as ever before. You are in the presence of a legend.

Earlier this year Artefakt released a new album via Delsin, a striking collection of pensive electronics and techno which was designed as much to humble the independent listener as it was to intrigue on the dancefloor. The Berlin based pair have become well known and acclaimed for their unique take on techno, often channeling deep ethereal soundscapes and melody atop rugged drums and percussion. Over the years they have released material via the likes of Sungate, Konstrukt and Semantica Records. It is however Delsin where they appear to have made themselves most at home, releasing material which sits between worlds and defies the notion that techno might need to be rigid 4/4 focussed club music. We've featuured the pair several times previously. However, this is the first time that they have recorded a mix for the website, a special occassion given the scarcity of these sets.

Emerging from Paris, Tatyana Jane is a dj with a reputation on the rise. With regular appearances on Rinse France she has become well known for her eclectic yet fun focussed take on dance and electronic music fusing elements of house, funk, soul, amapiano, rap, r'n'b and beyond. Growing up in a Cameroonian family full of musicians and music lovers, Tatyana was exposed to a wide range of sound and dance from an early age. In the present day she is working to craft her own niche sound, working in the studio to produce music which represents her own sensibilities and creative personality. With numerous releases and remixes in the pipeline we're expecting it to be only a matter of time before she becomes big news. She steps up with over an hour of dancefloor focussed pressure - dig in.

Based in Washington DC, Jackson Ryland is a producer who's been around for a hot minute. His latest record has just dropped on Step Recordings, a well established imprint run by Catz N' Dogz. However, he has been making music for many years before this having released material on the likes of 1432 R and Cahoots Records. His sound is pretty versatile, drawing upon influence from the age of Italian Dream House and beyond - melody is important, as is spaciousness and ambience. All of his music makes sure to take the above into consideration and whilst his latest material for Step Recordings is arguably his most heavy hitting to date, it is still just as listenable from the perspective of an individual. In a recent interview for The Washington Post jackson reflected on the nature of his approach to music - it's far more than just material for the dance: "I want the music to complement something that’s already in your head and brighten that idea for you.” We invited him to record a mix for us and he does so in fine style, this one comes with high recommendation.

Now, next up is a DJ who has become a bit of a local legend amidst the underbelly of Glasgow's dance and electronic music community. For many years Bonzai Bonner has worked tirelessly to champion the sound of High NRG and Italo in Glasgow via the spectacularly successful party series Shoot Your Shot. The party has become a widely loved event and has brought a breath of fresh air and fun to the occasionally overly techno focussed stronghold. This summer she will play as part of the line up at Glasgow's Riverside Festival, a celebration of leftfield electronic music in the city. Her approach to dance music is energetic, fluid and dynamic and you never know quite what your gonna' get from one of her sets. They are often rave focussed and euphoric yet draw upon influences of new wave, disco and beyond. A pivotal figure within the LGBTQ+ community, Bonzai Bonner is a proper champion and we are delighted to be able to showcase her eclectic approach as a DJ in this wild, fun filled Friday mix.

Here's something just a little bit special... Ahead of Riverside Festival in Glasgow this coming September we have been blessed with a series of mixes from some of the best and most influential dj's in the city. There is no better place to start really than with Slam, the dj duo extraordinaire who have contributed a lifetime to techno. The pair remain two of the most prominent dj's on the circuit and over the years have established a fierce reputation for their approach to the genre. Their own record label Soma, which they founded alongside Dave Clarke and Glenn Gibbons, has released some of the most crucial music from within the realm of techno and has been a home to musicians like The Black Dog, Surgeon, Deepchord, Daft Punk, Gene Farris, Schatrax, Silicone Soul and many, many more. Longstanding residents at the infamous night Pressure the pair have worked alongside some of the biggest and best in the business. However there are stories to be told about their roots as promoters of the Atlantis and their own 'Slam' parties in Glasgow in the 90's. As producers the pair continue to push boundaries, releasing music with great consistency, continually managing to reinvent and approach the studio in the pursuit of something new. This is a special mix, Slam a special pair. Strap in...

Electro is within the very DNA of dance and electronic music itself, it emerged from that which came before, the likes of Kraftwerk and 80's hip hop remain as influential on the genre of the present as they were at the start. Plant43 is a producer who has dedicated much of his life in the pursuit of understanding and progression within the genre. Her has released music on the likes of Ai Records, Shipwrec, Semantica, Central Processing Unit and Frustrated Funk amongst others. His sound has evolved over many years, moving with the times yet never far from the music he first fell in love with. During the late nineties Plant43, real name Emile Facey, promoted parties in London showcasing both the best in up and coming and stalwart electro, connecting producers and dj's alike. This mix comes alongside the release of a new record on his own Plant43 label, an imprint which he founded in 2020 to release his own material.

Earlier this year it was announced that French, Argentinian multi-disciplinary artist Yoann Pisterman would release a new tape via London based record label Bytes. The tape is titled "Water Groove" and is his debut album and follows on from prior experiments. It's described by the lavel as follows: "An impressionistic sound journey into waves, frequencies and electronic resonance. Yoann employs loops and repetitive patterns, interwoven between drones and melodic elements, to create magical, transportative music with echoes of the classic Japanese ambient and New Age music of the Eighties and the trippy Kosmische of 1970s Germany." Yoann Pisterman draws upon influences from far and wide, as a painter he tends to reflect on architectural structures, the natural world and beyond. All of these things make up his creative identity and the result is a beautiful collage of ethereal inspirations and environmental realisations.

Got that Friday feeling yet? If you ain't you will soon... This is a special mix recorded by one of the most important figures in the UK jungle scene at present, Tim Reaper is flying the flag high for the genre. pushing new boundaries with his exceptional approach to sound design and a nod to the legacy which has gone before him. Over the past ten years Tim has grafted, releasing a sprawling array of music on respected labels such as Skeleton Recordings, Dark Age Recordings, Omni and more. Earlier this year he released a new EP on Lobster Theremin, a record label which never fails to capture the imagination, releasing left of centre electronics across the spectrum of dance music. The EP showcases Tim Reaper's modern approach to jungle and D&B in the present and features collaborations with Massachusetts breakccore producer Devnull. Anyway, we invited him to record a mix for us and what he has delivered is a whirlwind exploration through wicked breaks, euphoric soundscapes and beyond.

Earlier this year we brought you the news of an innovative new collaboration which pairs two producers with unique perspectives on sound design and music. Prequel Tapes is best known for his noisy, disjointed approach to techno and the rougher drone inspired fringes of electronica and IDM. He has released music on the likes of Mannequin and R'COUP'D. Meanwhile, dBridge remains one of the most innovative figures in UK bass music culture having released cutting edge downtempo, jungle and drum 'n' bass over many decades for the likes of Creative Source, Exit Records and Metalheadz. Now the two have collaborated on a new EP for Midnight Shift, a record label which continues to connect generations of well versed music heads through its consistent release of high quality techno, bass and the weirder, heavier fringes of dance music. This new EP pairs two unique, creative minds. The result is a mutant hybrid showcasing the importance of collaboration and innovation. Following the release we asked kindly whether the pair might be up for recording a mix together, an alternative insight into their own collections and musical tapestry. The result is an old school mixtape, reel to reel vibes with integrity at its core.

Surpises are good, surprises are interesting, surprises are what keeps things exciting. It's always nice to receive an email from a musician or an artist who offers something different. Vonpsyche is a self described "hip-hop producer and obscure underground rapper". However, this mix couldn't be further from this, across many years he has dabbled in downtempo electronica and has since channeled new energy into a project in which to focus these creative ambitions. Based in the West Siberian Plain he channels elements of abstract ambient alongside house and techno into poignantly crafted soundscapes and musical wanderings. This mix is perhaps a suitable representation of that - a subtle affair which captures a certain energy and emotion, a mix built as much for thought and self reflection as it is the dance. There is a delicate precision and a unique understanding in the mixing and in the track selection, we hope that you appreciate and hear this in the same way that we do.

Manchester remains one of the most crucially vibrant cities in dance and electronic music in the UK. However, it's influence on funk, soul, R&B and beyond remains as prominent and integral as ever. The roots if you will. One DJ who has uniquely intertwined both branches of music is Tarzsa, she has become one of our own personal favourite DJ's over the past year, her regular NTS show has guided us through many a hazy afternoon with her delicate selections made up of Jazz, Hip Hop and the associated spaces in between. This weekend she will join us for a special daytime party at Ducie Street Warehouse, an opportunity to hear her showcase her well versed knowledge of music and curation. We invited her to record this mix wwhich she describes as being made up of "lots of electronic soul and soulful house layered with jazz grooves." We can dig it.

Earlier this year marked the release of a new EP by a producer who has made a remarkable transformation in respect of sound design and creative process. When chatting with Joe, who operates under the guise of Remotif, he describes himself as having realised his process and the type of music that he wants to make. It's always inspiring to observe the evolution of a musician and in his case this year seems as though it may very well be definitive in his progression as an artist. Based in Bristol Remotif has released music on the likes of air miles and his own Familiar Strangers label. 2021 is set to be busy for the up and coming producer with a number of crucial releases lined up in the coming months. As a DJ he draws for an eclectic selection of house, techno and beyond. He pays particular focus to textures and melody, using it to often guide the narrative of his sets, telling a story through sound. This mix showcases Remotif at his very best as he meanders between genres into a climax with a big Friday night feeling.

Based in South London, Kit Grill is a producer, label boss and radio host on NTS. Since 2013 he has run his own imprint, Primary Colours, which has acted as an outlet for his own music and that of a few friends. He tends to create material which sits somewhere between the fringes of balearic, ambient, krautrock and downtempo. It nods to pioneers of the infamous 'fourth age' but remains very much rooted in the present and future of electronic music. His radio show also acts as an outlet in which to showcase music which has inspired and influenced him - the material featured is often broad, eclectic and highly listenable. This mix shares a close likeness.

Moonilena was introduced to us by Andrew at Huntleys & Palmers who rather interestingly told us a story about how he was in fact introduced to Moonilena. "I met Moonilena in Stockholm a few years ago. Pedrodollar told me that she plays weird music and we'd get along - and he was completely correct." This in itself was a fabulous introduction and automatically caught our attention, alongside how good her latest ep on the sub label Belters was. The Swedish producer and DJ is one to watch and looks set to release some wonderful music and that much is clear by her impeccable taste which is on display in this short, sweet mix.

Bristol has been a home to many a creative and musician, it's played a pivotal role in the emergence of many artists whom have influenced and shaped electronic music. Twinsen in based in the city and has spent hime honings his craft, mostly self releasing experimental leftfield material which has done well to have caught the attention of labels and counterparts. However, his most recent outing, an EP on All Centre is arguably his most notable music to date. A more club come anti club affair which see's him experiment with electronic textures and sounds. It's introspective and odd, an EP reminiscent of early works by STL or the sludgier side of Joey Anderson's back catalogue. It's good stuff. We invited Twinsen to show us around his musical collection and heritage as part of the Monday is Okay series, he does so in good form.

It's hot in Portugal, the electronic music scene is as lively as it's ever been with a whole new wave of producers, musicians and dj's pushing futuristic sounds which draw upon elements of local musical heritage and culture as well as house, techno and bass music. Silvestre is perhaps one of the best known names to emerge in recent years, he's become a key figure in the progression of hybrid sounds emerging from Lisbon and has released music on the likes of Diskotopia, Meda Fury and Secretsundaze. He also runs Padre Himalaya, a record label upon which he himself has appeared alongside friends and producers from further afield. When Silvestre asked us if he could record this mix we couldn't say no, he's one of the most exciting new talents to come around for a while and his music is hot property.

This one is a little bit special - Orlando Voorn remains one of the most significant producers and dj's of a generation having released a sprawling catalogue of material across almost thirty years. In the 90's his focus was placed on techno and purpose built club tracks, this is perhaps what he is best known for. However, in between this there have been explorations into IDM, House and beyond with endless monikers fulfilling his creative aspirations. The Living Room, Format, Fix, Baruka and The Nighttripper are but to name a very few. Orlando Voorn played a pivotal role in the emergence of Detroit techno in Holland - he pioneered a sound which evolved in the underground communities of the US and helped bring it to life overseas. Collaborations with the likes of Blake Baxter and Juan Atkins cemented this further. In the present he remains an unsung hero of the underground, still furiously releasing music at a relentless pace. His latest outing is on Kompakt and showcases his longstanding relationship with old school electro and Detroit techno in fine form. We invited him to record a mix for the site, it's blistering and fast paced straight from the off - you have been warned.

Next up in the series is a mix from an up and coming producer and dj who operates beneath the guise of Witch Trials. A mysterious figure with a penchant for dark, futuristic sounds which touch upon elements of UK bass, techno and ambient. Omar is the founder behind record label Myryrs and an artist we anticipate to be hotly tipped for this year, with a new EP due for release late next month via the imprint. This mix places emphasis on dark, foreboding textures and would likely destroy sound systems all over the UK if the circumstances presently permitted. Seriously, this one goes in.

Matthew Tavares is the founding member of perhaps one of the most definitive, cutting edge bands in funk, soul and jazz of the moment. Instrumental group BADBADNOTGOOD have been influential in a new wave of musicians and artists who blur the lines between hip hip and the old school sentiments of 70's and 80's music. They have become a household name playing festivals and venues worldwide to critical acclaim. As a musician in his own right, Matthew has also released music independently and alongside alternative collaborators. He has formed a close friendship and relationship with Brighton based imprint and record label Mr Bongo which makes perfect sense. Here he has contributed to compilations and released material alongside the likes of Leland Whitty. Rather unsurprisingly he has impeccable taste. We asked him to record this mix showcasing some of his own personal musical influences and points of reference. The result see's him include music by the likes of Odyssey, Richard Hawley, Art Ensemble of Chicago and more.

And here we are, closing out the year with a mix from a relative newcomer whose music has travelled well this year. A Psychic Yes is a producer with whom some will be familiar and others not - with releases on the likes of Tech Startup, Kalahari Oyster Cult and Schloss his sound is uniquely individual. It draws upon a wide collection of influences and moods, pairing elements of IDM with playful UK bass, techno and beyond. Each of his releases are woven as a wonderful tapestry of odd glitches, melodic flutters, strange percussion and experimental electronics. This mix is a representation of his sound and shows us a glimpse of what's to come in the near future for what is a very promising artist.

Seeing out 2020 is a dj from Mexico, Paurro is a rising talent, a selector who blends heritage alongside cutting edge electronics in a way which is abstract and unique. Paulina Rodriguez represents some of the most intelligent, cutting edge dance and electronic music to emerge from Mexico and her carefully orchestrated sets span a breadth of styles and sound which touch upon music native to the country and sounds from far beyond. Her sets are always fun, wild and enthusiastic. They have a fiery Latin energy and the pulse of techno often drives the experience forwards with relentless pace and flare. We expect to be seeing a lot more of her in the new year and as such felt she was the perfect candidate to see out our 'shine a light' on series this year.

Musclecars are infamous New York City party purveyors - two dj's and producers with an exuberant reputation and excellent taste.  Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield have been running parties for many years and in 2018 launched 'Coloring Lessons'. The party has brought a lease of life to New York's dance community and has become a stalwart of house, techno, disco and beyond. It is described by the pair as follows: "While the party and sound is not genre specific, it is heavily focused around house, disco, jazz, and soul, embracing the musical elements of black and brown ancestors." Now they are about to release a new compilation celebrating the series, they have invited the likes of Levon Vincent, Beta Librae, Kai Alice and many more to join them on the inaugural release on the label.  We invited them to show us what they're all about with a mix ready and set to go.

Maurits Verwoerd is a producer and dj based in Amsterdam, in recent years he has released music beneath the guise of Nachtbraker, a carefully assorted catalogue of house, breaks and general oddball club music. His label has become prominent and his music has found its way into the bags of a broad array of dj's worldwide - it does not sit politely within one such sub domain of electronic music but leaps forth boldly into all. Across the years he has released music via the likes of Heist, Dirt Crew, Quartet Series and more. There is a sense of fun and personality at the core of his music and he brings this energy to life when dj'ing himself, as you are about to find out. This mix was recorded recently and reflects a humble, present state of mind which twists and turns as it skips between breaks, garage, house and beyond.

Earlier this year a new project emerged from Amsterdam made up of a pair of familiar producers operating beneath a new guise. Darcey Electronics is made up of Darling and Tracey, two stellar musicians in their own right who have each released music in various capacities over many years. Collectively they have released music on the likes of Aus, Safe Trip, Dial, Intergraded, Off Minor and Voyage Direct. They both live and breathe music and operate amidst a collective of inspiring Amsterdam producers who have established their own take on dance and electronic music - channeling influences from house, techno, ambient and IDM. It is the latter two genres which perhaps best informed the pairs first release under the collaborative moniker. Released on Pleasant Life earlier in 2020 the EP was well received and widely supported, showcasing abstract experimentation and playful melodic flurries which based upon the set below seems to be a hallmark of their taste and style.

Anthony Hart doesn't f*ck about, for many years he has worked tirelessly producing music under various namesakes, perhaps most prominently as Basic Rhythm where he released music on the likes of Sneaker Social Club, Arcola and Planet Mu. It is Planet Mu with whom he holds a close relationship, the record label has been pivotal in the development of British electronic music, meandering between the origins of rave and soundsystem culture through to the present modernisms of grime, footwork and beyond. East Man is a relatively new moniker for Anthony, he began to release music under the guise in 2018, using the new alias to collaborate with MC's and work amidst London's ever growing grime scene - all the while drawing upon influences from dancehall, jungle and techno. He is politically outspoken and deeply rooted in the communities which help breathe life and inspiration into this musical scene. He knows about the importance and value in speaking the truth and his music lends itself to storytelling and the opportunity to challenge societal pressures and norms. This year he released a new album on Planet Mu, "Prole Art Threat", a record which perhaps represents his sound and voice best.

Here's something a little bit different this Wednesday, an eclectic mixtape from two exiled twenty-few-year-olds from Santo Domingo. Mauro and Gonzalo produce music as Error Subcutáneo, channeling elements of electronic influence alongside jazz and percussion infused sound design. Their sound sits somewhere between the midst of downtempo and draws upon balearic influences, albeit with an abstract, experimental approach.  Earlier this year they released a beat tape which caught our attention and in all honesty deserves wider acclaim. Finely tuned, grainy experiments which meanders between hip hop and the odd.  We invited them to record this mix and in all honesty weren't entirely sure what we might get. To be honest, that is what makes the project so exciting. This is a mix made up of entirely original material from the pair, a real treat.

Through his musical pursuits Rotterdam-based DJ and producer Najel Monteiro is exploring the African rhythms that soundtracked his youth, but approached through a contemporary electronic lens. Whilst these influences are present in much of Monteiro's music, like his inspirations that came before him - principally Detroit techno pioneers Jeff Mills and Robert Hood - his mission is to use his music as a vehicle to “challenge the status-quo”, channeling this into authentic and forward-thinking electronics. With several releases under his belt, landing on the likes of DNA REC, Forte Techno, Induxtriall, Motech Records and most recently on Carista’s Modern Intimacy compilation, we expect it won’t be long before we’re hearing a lot more of Monteiro’s name. Ahead of the release of Modern Intimacy, we invited him to take care of this week's Shine A Light On mix. So lock in and get yourself aquainted...

In February of this year photographer and producer Daniel Herrmann and his partner, singer-songwriter Kristina Kristofferson, released their first collaborative outing on our cassette offshoot Bytes. The album was a beautiful collection of long, meditative and atmospheric soundscapes made during a winter spent at one of their homes in the Taunus forest, on the outskirts of Frankfurt. Individually they've both had their fair share of musical accolades; Daniel as Flug 8, who has been a regular on Ransom Note Records for the last few years, and Kristina as Mono Girl, who formerly composed music for Nintendo. Stimulated by an introduction from a friend to Börft Records, the pair have created a mix in homage to the Swedish label, recorded in their woodland home...

This has been a busy year for a relatively new producer, Eden Burns. He first appeared on our radar with the release of a balearic come club crossover EP on Public Possession, the record label come shop come fashion parlour extravaganza. Since then he has been busy having been invited to remix music on Optimo and then in his return to Public Possession not once but twice with new music. Eden Burns has broad taste, this much is clear in his diverse approach to music and the elements by which he manipulates. You might be as likely to find yourself lost amidst a drawn out ambient saga as an oddball club jam and you never know quite what you are going to get. That's what makes it exciting. Next month he will release a new EP via the label, AGAIN! He works fast. This time it's a club driven affair on a new EP called "Big Beat Manifesto Vol. I“. In keeping with this we asked him to record a mixtape of his own big beats and he does so in unique style.

Jean Marc Virard is a creative by nature, under the guise of 4THSEX he has previously worked predominantly in the fashion industry, having launched the brand in Summer 2018 at the critically acclaimed high-fashion retail store Departamento Los Angeles.  However, behind the scenes he has also been a prominent and proactive member of the Timetable Records crew hosting a monthly radio program on NTS Radio alongside the likes of Nosaj Thing, D.Tiberio, Holodec and Gerry Read. More recently he has entered the realm of production himself and is set to release a full body of music on the label in the coming months, two LP's to be precise.  Earlier in the year we were greeted with an insight into his own musical perspective, a two track EP was released via Timetable which demonstrated his creative prowess - blurring the lines between elements of house, techno and hip hop. It was a distinguished and powerful statement of intent which was reminiscent of heady warehouse parties and nostalgic days of rave which he described as follows: "One night we were talking about what it was like to go to parties as teenagers. How every aspect is exciting and kind of dangerous, especially for a kid. The House & Techno scenes in France & Chicago were at their peak in the late 80s / early 90s and we were lucky to see what we did. Next thing you know I started to patch on my Eurorack modular systems, programmed some 909 and tracked some emotional strings. When I opened the mic Rob [English] told a story about taking a bus to the Legendary Muzic Box in 1989'" We since invited Jean Marc Virard to record a mix and it is a blistering showcase of his own music, reference points and is uniquely riveting throughout. This one comes with high recommendations.

The roots of house music stem from Chicago, whilst some may argue and contest such a statement it's hard to deny the influence that the city has upon the genre, even some forty odd years later. New York also has a place in the heart of house, a city born upon breaks and disco culture before being re-imagined by the likes of Larry Levan who interacted and with music by the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Jesse Saunders, Ron Hardy and Larry Heard. Dj Spen grew up in Baltimore, watching on with keen interest he observed the lineage between the cities, the pioneers and the sounds. In the eighties he was a hip hop dj, appearing regularly on the radio. It was only later that he would evolve his sound and begin to piece together his own musical narrative which lead to him being more prolifically involved in house music. Over the years he has released music most prominently via Basement Boys Records and Black Vinyl Records. It is at this point in his career in which we focus, a time when house music was alive, evolutionary and perhaps its most dynamic. We invited Dj Spen to record a mix, an ode to the sound of Chicago upon which he was raised and hasn't left since.

Run by Willis Anne and based out of Berlin, LAN is a record label which channels the underground ethos of electronic and experimental music culture in a humble, unpretentious manner. It has acted as an outlet for an extensive array of musicians to channel unique, abstract sounds - sometimes these are club focussed yet often they are built as much with a pensive, reflective listener in mind.  This mix is a testament to the hard work and commitment Willis Anne has invested in the label and showcases a plethora of music due for release or featured on LAN thus far. It's an exciting representation of his own ethos and approach towards music and creativity.

A few months back we were sent an album via Huntleys & Palmers, a record label with which we have worked closely over the years. It was by an artist called System Olympia who upon digging we discovered had previously released music via Slow Motion Records and was a regular on NTS. However, nothing prepared us for the supreme quality of the record and to be honest it caught us completely off guard. Titled "Delta Of Venus" the album features ten tracks which move slowly and provocatively, some built for the dance floor and others simply for a dark room and late night funk. Elements of Lo-Fi and nods to the P-Funk era creep throughout in what is an alluring, sexy affair. The record has already received widespread support and airplay, it's of little surprise given how well rounded and addictive it is. System Olympia is an artist who has very much made a statement and we are humbled and delighted to be able to feature her as part of our mix series.

This month marks the release of a new LP by Filipino musician Vex Ruffin, it's his third full length outing on the renowned imprint Stones Throw, a record label which requires no introduction. Vex grew up split between California’s Inland Empire and Alabang, Manila in the Philippines. His music is very much a reflection of that and draws upon influences from funk, soul and hip hop alongside Filipino culture. Family, nostalgia and the personal connections he's made along the way all inform his own creative process and the music that he makes is humble, warm and honest. He himself described his latest album as follows: “At my age, you start to reflect. I’m going back to my roots, channeling that time, mixing nostalgia with how I am right now.” This mixtape is as much of a reflection on that as the album is as Vex showcases a collection of Filipino music and records over the course of an hour. Funk, soul and delicate disco play out across a mix which is truly unique.

South Africa is alive and kickin', a fresh faced wave of musicians and artists are helping to pioneer a shift in dynamic releasing music reflective of their experiences, identities and culture. It's wild and the rulebook has well and truly been scrapped, hell yeah.  Mx Blouse is one of these artists, their music has captured the imagination of a new generation applying a limitless ethos to the notion of style and genre. Sitting somewhere between house, vogue, funk, hip hop, r'n'b and afrobeats the music is a resilient soundtrack to underground Johannesburg and represents what is a very exciting new chapter the country's musical legacy. Whilst not a dj by nature, Mx Blouse has done a rather spectacular job of piecing together a mix which represents their sense of self, tastes and club lead experiences. It comes highly recommended.

Operating out of Melbourne, here is a group who have been showcasing jazz and diy experimentalism in a whole new light. The four piece group have been making waves amidst funk, soul and jazz communities the world over and most recently released a nine track album via longstanding UK based imprint Mr Bongo, a label which has become an authority in the sound. "All News Is Good News" was released in July and was met with critical acclaim, it was well received and showcased the instrumental capabilities of a group very much on the rise. We invited them to piece together a mixtape, they do so in fine style.

Based in New York, Amelia Holt is a disc jockey and a collector with sophisticated taste. The way in which she pieces together a narrative through music is fascinating and this has perhaps been best showcased through a selection of mixtapes that's she's released online for the likes of Mitamine Lab and Knowing Something amongst others. Her taste is far reaching and having spent time behind the counter of a record shop in New York she has amassed a wealth of knowledge. Recently Amelia launched a residency on Public Records' online radio and streaming platform Public Access on which she invites dj's to curate audiovisual material. It's a testimony to her own taste and her notion of curation. There's a lot more to come from her but we'll let her tell you all about that for herself.

Running a record label is no simple feat, it requires dedication, investment and commitment. Many have tried and failed whilst others simply dream of the notion. Multiplex is a label which has been in operation for twenty five years, a remarkable achievement for what began as a passion project in Denmark all those years ago. Founded in 1995 the label went on a hiatus of sorts and was then reborn in 2017 following an absence, it has been responsible for the release of music by the likes of Orlando Voorn, Morgan Geist and John Tejada. More recently the label has released music by Cai Bojsen-Møller, Wilma, Ultra and Luca Lozano. An imprint reborn yet still very much clinging on to the underground sensibilities which launched and birthed the label in its own right. It is a true testament to the commitment and perseverance of Kong and Daniel Karrill.

Not one to shout too loud or make a scene, Eric Cloutier is a resilient disc jockey and producer who perhaps represents techno and its truth in the most humanistic and humble of senses. For many years he has worked tirelessly perfecting his craft and for anyone who has witnessed him dj, they will know that the intricacy, dedication and commitment is meticulous.  His sets are free roaming, fast paced and wild. They are designed to encourage as much provocative thought as they are to move the feet and sound best played loudly beneath the cloak of darkness. This special mix which he has recorded for us is no exception to that. A pensive, beat juggling affair which blurs the lines between techno, IDM and dub. It's a real treat and we are humbled and delighted to be able to feature him as part of our Ransom Note mix series.

Scandinavia is home to a remarkable collection of dj's and producers who have crafted a fun filled take on dance and club music across decades. As the co-founder of Karlovak Records and the label boss behind Velvet Pony, Art Alfie has been a crucial figure in the evolution of the leftfield house and techno community in both his native Stockholm and beyond. His sound has been well received and championed by a way of chance taking promoters and dj's who have warmed to his creative experimentation and playful take on the genre. Over the years he has released numerous EP's via the likes of Toy Tonics, Howl Records and many more. He has also collaborated prominently alongside close friend Mr Tophat and the pair have released a splendid array of music through Junk Yard Connections, Bass Culture Records and beyond. In 2017 Art Alfie released his debut album via the acclaimed Studio Barnhus label and ever since has been experimenting with the leanings and evolution of that record since. We invited him to record a mix for Ransom Note and we weren't quite sure what we were going to get. That's part of the excitement Art Alfie brings to the forefront and why we are delighted to welcome him to the series.

Ceri is a producer and disc jockey who has made a name for herself through hard work and graft. She hasn't taken the simple route as any former resident of infamous London party Jaded will tell you. Nine hour sets in the small, odd hours of the day allowed her to hone her skills and amass a reputation as an intricate and well versed selector.  She knows how to read the room. In 2017 she launched her label, Find Your Own Records. The name seems like little coincidence for a dj who has worked tirelessly to carve a niche for herself with releases on the label having gone on to be supported by the likes of Ben UFO, K-Hand, Ryan Elliot, Move D and more.  Ceri's own musical taste is broad, at time susprising and as delightful on the dancefloor as it is in the headphones. We are delighted to be able to feature her as part of our mix series.

Timothée Victorri is a French producer and dj based in Seoul, South Korea. He has been gathering attention for a string of intelligently crafted house and techno focussed EP's, released on his own label S.O.N.S. For six years he has worked tirelessly, self releasing music which has delighted and enticed dancefloors across the world. He has received applause and recognition from a great number of outlets including dj's, magazines and buyers. His records now fetch high prices on Discogs and yet at the same time he isn't a man who lends himself to hype, notoriety, fortune or fame. We are very lucky to be able to feature him as part of our mix series.

There's a lot to be said for those who work behind the counter, those who sell records and carry an encyclopedic knowledge of music without necessarily shouting about it to all far flung corners of the world. Often they are the most sincere, most knowledgeable and most dependable of all having offered countless recommendations to customers and buyers for little reward but for their sheer love of music. Dj Skimask is an alias of Patrick Henderson, a London based collector and occasional disc jockey who works behind the counter at one of the most loved second hand record stores in the UK. Reckless Records still proudly waves a flag as one of the most reputable record dealers in the country and has been built upon the dependability, curation and assistance of friends and staff. As a collector and a DJ, Patrick's own taste is impeccable, spanning a breadth of wild electronics, experimental soundscapes and beyond. We asked him to record a mix which represents a portion of his collection and he delivers in fine style.

Now here is a special treat for you on a fine lockdown Friday. Dank Matter is a DJ from Glasgow with whom many will be familiar with, whether they know it or not. For years Ian has worked tirelessly behind the scenes of electronic music curating record labels, hosting raves, managing venues and basically putting his heart and soul into making people dance in one way or another. As a DJ he draws for an exquisite assortment of high energy italo, disco, house and techno which has both enticed and uplifted dancefloors the whole world over. Technically on point and one of the city's best in the booth this is a mix showcasing the vast and varied sound of crossover electronic music, all underpinned by a fun filled groove which has kept both Glasgow and the world moving for a long, long time.

This one has been in the pipeline for quite some time. Florian Kupfer is a producer and dj with whom we have kept tracks on for years, his releases are essential and his own take on the industrial fringes of leftfield dance and electronic music has made him one of the most intriguing figures in the genre. Mysterious and illusive, he tends to let the music do the talking and hasn't bought into the bulls**t which can accompany what can be at times a ludicrous charade. His releases have appeared on the likes of LIES, Technicolour, WT Records, Russian Torrent Versions, Obsolete Future and many more. The music itself has always been abstract, rough, rugged and experimental. At times it has carried club focussed potential, yet not the big rooms and grand stages. For Florian it has always been about diy culture, dark smoked out basements and the accompanying counter culture. Real grit, real stress, real personality - music created as rough as the circumstantial day to day existence of us all.

The French electronic music scene is ever changing, it never tends to stand still for too long. However, there are several key faces and figures who make it rather special in the sense that they continue to do their thing, unphased, unchanged over time. From this they have forged fully fledged careers, often with a special sense of expertise in style and genre. Molly is perhaps one of the defining pioneers of this era of French musicians. As the founder of Récit de Voyage she has championed a wave of new producers who have taken things deeper than before, focussing on dense moody soundscapes and the tightly tuned fundamentals of dance music. Some call it minimal, some call it micro house, some call it tech house. In all honesty that doesn't matter, what it does do is captivate dancefloors through powerful, emotionally provocative energy which allows dancers to lose themselves in a transient, heads down state which is simply stunning to experience and observe. Molly has herself released music via the likes of Giegling, Groovement, RDV Music and Aku. She is one of the tightest dj's around and we are delighted to be able to feature her as part of this series.

For many years now Beats in Space has been one of the most definitive radio shows in leftfield dance and electronic music, it has acted as an outlet for an endless array of producers and dj's to showcase their talent behind the decks and has helped spread their reach internationally. It has of course been pioneered by host Tim Sweeney via WNYU and remains one of the most crucial platforms within the circle. Beats In Space has since been transformed into a prominent record label which has been responsible for the release of a large catalogue of material including features from Andras, Gonno, Tornado Wallace, Mount Liberation Unlimited, Powder and many, many more. The radio show has since evolved into a full bodied musical venture of which Tim should be most proud. It's no small feat. We got chatting to Tim a little while back who offered to record us a mix of label focussed material. Some upcoming, some new, some old It's all in there, as raw and exciting as ever. We are delighted to be able to showcase Beats In Space in such a capacity.

Earlier this month it was announced that Sepehr would be releasing his debut album via Josh Cheon's renowned label Dark Entries. That in itself provides a very telling introduction as to how excited we are to bring you this mix. Based in San Francisco he is an eclectic, forward thinking producer who weaves and wanders between acid, techno, house and all out psychedelia. The city has educated him well, teaching him the rights and wrongs and he has evolved into a musical powerhouse along the way. Previous appearances have seen him release music via EON, Legwork and Trippy Ass Technologies. He has also previously released on Dark Entries in the form of the "Body Mechanics" EP. A moody acid driven affair which worked wonders in the club. His new album sees him pay homage to his Iranian heritage, channeling the sounds and ideas prevalent on 70's records and their spirit. He reinvents the music for a new age.

The DIY ethos of the North has long been written about and described with great wonder. Glasgow remains a key city in the evolution of electronic music and is widely regarded as being a hotbed for up and coming talent - be this in the form of producers, dj's, diggers or bands. We Should Hang Out More are a prominent duo who operate in Glasgow, running widely praised parties and delighting dancefloors with vigour and energy. They have their fingers in many pies, those of you who know will be well aware of their late night endeavours and efforts to make the nightlife scene in Scotland as prominent and prolific as it can be. A noble venture and one which demonstrates commitment. As dj's they are fast paced, lively and fun focussed. This mix is as upbeat and happy go lucky as you might find.

Now here's a fun treat designed to spice up your Friday, Ludwig A.F. Röhrscheid is a producer and DJ with a wonderful care free approach to electronic music. He makes incredibly tasteful tracks, often with a distinctive personality which can be hard to find in an overly saturated market. There are nods to prominent 90's influences dotted throughout his music and they're usually always playful. So far he has released music most prominently through his own EXO Recordings label, however he has also appeared on Unknown To The Unknown. Ludwig is one of the only people known to have played ATB's 'Til I Come' during a Boiler Room session and for that we very much salute him. Who knows what the hell this mix holds in store but we bet it's bloody brilliant.

Originating from Glasgow, Becky Marshall was raised on an eclectic mixture of avant garde electronics and techno which was rooted in parties and culture across the city at the time. Some refer to it as some sort of 'golden age' whilst others simply reflect on the good times and the musical legacy it left behind. To this day there are "classic" mixtapes which float amidst circles in the city, tales of mixes and sets from parties long ago - memories from the likes of Club 69 in Paisley, Pure in Edinburgh and vintage university radio recordings. All of the above has helped formulate an eclectic breadth of musical knowledge, one which is perhaps best showcased through Ribeka's collaborative monthly radio show alongside Sofay on NTS. She often focusses on the darker fringes of electronic music - exploring the far flung reaches of dub, krautrock, wave, techno and beyond. Ribeka has also played a prominent figure amidst the wider musical community in Glasgow, as a respected DJ she has hosted parties, held down residencies and been a source of musical education in a city which is ever changing. We are delighted to be able to pull her away from a hectic day job to record a mix.

So, here we are... Kicking off the new year with a mix from perhaps one of the most important German producers and DJ's of the last twenty years. Soulphiction has been a stalwart of electronic music having released definitive material on the likes of Perlon, Pampa and Playhouse amongst others. He is also the co-founder of Philpot, a record label which he launched in the year 2000 alongside his friend Blacktrane. Michel Baumann grew up in a time by which the dj was king and crate digging was essential, as such he has always drawn upon influences from the golden age of boogie, hip hop, soul and funk. Much of his own music draws upon a deep rooted love and respect for that which came before, it's partly why his own resulting take on deep house is as special and unique as it is. Last year saw perhaps the best representation of his own musical identity through the release of a new album, a three part LP for Local Talk, which allowed him to showcase the breadth of his own progression through sound. Not one to often record mixes, we are delighted and humbled to be able to feature a mix from a much loved talent.

Now let's close the year out in style... Marco Passarani is one of the best loved Italian producers and DJ's, he has released a wealth of material across decades and is regarded as an influential figure in house, disco and techno circles far and wide. His music has appeared on labels such as Offen Music, Running Back, Peacefrog, Numbers and many more. This is only his solo material, not to mention the wealth of music he has created as one half of the fun loving duo Tiger & Woods. Marco's latest release is for the recently launched Italian label Unrelatable but there's talk of a big year and grand plans ahead for the celebrated producer. We saw no better way than to have him sign off our year in style with a fun mix of jackin' house and wandering arpeggios. Lock and load.

Massimiliano Pagliara is a longstanding figurehead amidst Berlin electronic music culture. He has worked tirelessly across many years to establish himself as one of the most innovative figures in house and techno having been a resident at Panorama Bar for a significant period of time. As a producer he has released music on the likes of Live at Robert Johnson, Meakusma, Ostgut Ton, Cocktail d'Amore and more. He has also recently launched his own record label in the form of Funnuvojere Records, an imprint which has risen in prominence and looks set to blossom and grow across the coming years with a hell of a lot of releases lurking just around the corner. We invited him to talk about it and deliver a mix which he does so in fine form.

Helsinki is a music scene which has grown in prominence and might over the years, Lauri Soini is a hugely active figure in the local community operating as a member of the team behind Flow festival and as a booker at reputable club Kaiku. He has also been a driving force behind the more eclectic party scene in the city for a long time and tells a tall tale of loft parties in towerblocks belonging to the Northern city. From a musical perspective he is well versed, having dabbled in absolutely all sorts over a lifetime spent in dance and creative spaces. In the present he finds himself more attached to funk, soul, disco, boogie and Italo - the type of music which sounds great on a well built soundsystem and best accompanied by friends in the midst of the after hours. We invited Lauri to record a mix which he does with good vibes aplenty and a nice interview to follow suit.

Yuri Boselie has been an integral figure in the Dutch electronic music scene for many years. Based in Amsterdam he has worked tirelessly holding down residencies at the likes of Club 11 and Trouw for many years and he now rules the roost at the infamous De School. He is closely affiliated with both the Dekmantel crew and Rush Hour and has crafted a unique take on dance and club focussed music by taking risks and playing whatever, whenever. You never know quite whar your going to get from one of his sets and over the years he has blown the roof off of clubs with curveball selections across the realm of house, techno, garage, hip hop and all the spaces in between. As a producer he has worked with a number of labels and has released music both independently and collaboratively with the likes of Breach and Tom Trago. This Wednesday will also see him announce the launch of a brand new label. All of the above is tied up with a regular show on Red Light radio which acts as an outlet for his own experimentation and love of music. On the 27th of December he will join a heavy hitting line up at XOYO as part of the Dekmantel Soundystem residency where he will play alongside Antal, Orpheu The Wizard and Interstellar Funk We invited him to record a mix which he does in fine spirit.

Rounding off a busy week we have a showcase in hard hitting electronics and the experimental from one of our favourite producers of the moment, Koehler. Originating from Bristol but now based in Italy he has released an impressive array of material for the likes of Whities, ESP Institute, Berceuse Heroique, Skude, Die Orakel and many more. His take on dance music is perhaps more abstract than most, utilising rough and ready soundscapes and layering the strange above driving percussion which has a profound and punchy impact on the dancefloor. It's powerful stuff. He is influenced by circumstance and there is a conceptual undercurrent which runs deep through his musical lineage. One that we love. We invited Daniel to record a mix for the site and he didn't hold back. Trust us.

Cold air hangs thick in the early days of December, winter is here and we have a soundtrack to accompany the tone. Calibre is regarded as one of the most innovative and prolific producers within electronic music, over the years he has become a definitive figure in Drum & Bass, having elevated the genre in a way in which is celebrated and adored. Originating from Belfast he has recorded music which has tugged at the heartstrings, encouraging a new chain of thought associated with the sound. Albums like "Musique Concrete" and "Second Sun" remain some of the most crucial and important pieces of work to emerge from the Northern Irish producer and he is widely considered to be one of the most significant electronic artists of the past twenty years. At the tail end of last week Dominick Martin released a new album through his own imprint, Signature Records. It showcases a change of pace for the producer as he focusses on ambient textures and the poignancy of life. It was recorded across a four year period following the passing of a close friend and as such a sombre, humble sense of honest self expression runs throughout. Titled "Planet Hearth" the album was written in Valentia on Ireland's west coast. It's a beautiful record which highlights his own approach to music and offers an insight into the soul of a musician who has contributed so much. We are hugely honoured to be able to present a mix from Calibre which showcases ambient music, past and present.

Based in Glasgow, Nightwave is the musical guise of Maya Medvesek - a singular producer, dj and artist with a great deal of energy and drive. For many years she has worked tirelessly establishing herself as one of the most forward thinking dj's in the city and as such has gone on to international praise and acclaim. Her own musical output has been featured by a number of record labels which include the likes of A-Trak's Fools Gold, Dext Recordings, Musar, Unknown To The Unknown and Neutralizer. She has also worked alongside a number of hugely influential women on two EP's which have been released in line with International Women's Day. In the booth Maya draws for the heat, often playing broadly across a collection of genres and styles. However, her love for all things Dance Mania and the affiliated have not gone amiss and when those records leave the bag things go bang. Trust us.

Last month London-based Frenchman Franz Kirmann returned to his analog hardware roots for his Madrapour LP on our Ransom Note cassette sub-label BYTES. A departure from the digital sound collages of his last album Elysian Park for Denovali Records back in 2016, Franz continues his sonic exploration of the haunting and the cinematic, something he also practises in his electronic/post-classical project Piano Interrupted with composter Tom Hodge. In his own words "like a Monday this mix is a bit all over the place"; a mishmash of experimental and downtempo musings to kick off your week...

São Paulo is arguably one of the most forward-thinking cities in Brasil when it comes to underground music and night life culture. Warehouse parties like Carlos Capslock's have been going for almost a decade, while smaller spots like listening bar Caracol are catering to intimate and discerning crowds. DJ and producer Davis is firmly embedded in the music scene there, running his reputable ODD party series which brings together both local names and international artists including the likes of Courtesy, Daniel Avery, Funkineven and Legowelt. In May he added a label arm, ODDiscos, which has just marked its second release with an EP from local producer and ODD resident Vermelho, backed up with blinding remixes from Tolouse Low Trax, Sphynx and Khidja. We invited him to take control of this week's Wednesday Alternative mix which he gladly accepted. Recorded in the city's aforementioned cosy spot Caracol, the mix is a segment of a set he played in the warm up for Lena Willikens...

London-based DJ and graphic designer Liv Ayers is a core member of collective and platform Rhythm Sister. Started three years ago and helmed by her pal Jessica, the collective seek to provide a safe and supportive space for women, non-binary and female-indentifying to learn to DJ through workshops and open deck sessions. On top of this Liv, Jess, and fellow members Hemlin and Eliza Rose, host regular parties and a monthly residency on Peckham's Balamii Radio. Inevitably, as someone teaching and supporting other people to DJ, Liv is a dab hand behind the decks but this is matched by her diverse and wide musical palette that sees her seamlessly float from Turkish funk and percussive rhythms to euphoric trance and crisp breaks...

Not only is Stockholm home to the interactive Abba museum and the resilient Greta Thunberg, it's also the home of the next guest in ELSE club's mix series, DJ Clea. For the past decade she's steadily built her reputation as one of the finest DJs in the city becoming known for navigating both the floaty and the euphoric corners of house and breaks. A few years ago she turned her attention to producing, releasing her first record last year on Unknown to the Unknown sub-label Hot Haus Recs. She followed this up with another EP for Study Records that, like her debut, explored the sounds and influences that reign supreme in her sets. @djclea

Stem is the new guise of London-based DJ and radio host Jenny Cheng. Sonically her DJ sets and radio shows move through deep bass explorations and crisp shuffling rhythms that feel distinctly fresh and distinctly UK. These energetic selections have seen her grace the airwaves of stations like NTS, Noods and Rinse as well as holding down a residency, Sublime Portals, last year on East London's Netil Radio. Having recently moved in a new direction with her DJ name, we thought what better time to introduce the world to the sounds of Stem... @stem

DJ Neewt is behind some of the most exciting happenings in Offenbach, a city on the river Main outside Frankfurt. The DJ, producer and label head is a regular at Robert Johnson, one of the world's most respected clubs, and runs his own OK SPIRIT label, which launched earlier this year with an EP from Bear Bones, Lay Low. As DJ Neewt his own releases may be few but he has a knack for crafting crisp breaks and progressive house, highlighted on his EPs for YAPPIN, the label he co-runs with fellow producer and local DJ Slyngshot. He gets us prepped and ready for the weekend with crunchy breaks and euphoric house in his aptly named psychedelic journey mix...

If there's one thing you need to know before listening to this mix then it's this: Lerosa does not f**k about. The Italian producer and disc jockey remains an unrivalled force amidst outsider electronics and doesn't buy into hype or false pretenses. Based in Dublin he has steadily released music prominently for over ten years and has appeared on the likes of Uzuri, Ostgut Ton and Idle Hands amongst many more. His sound is always rough and ready, drawing for the experimental and abstract whilst challenging the preconceptions and social constructs of house and electronic music at every possibility available. A keen hardware enthusiast he has a workrate which is hard to rival and this much is clear through the sheer volume of music that he has released in what is a relatively short period of time. His most recent album was released via Acid Test, a sub label of Los Angeles based record label Absurd Recordings. The "Bucket Of Eggs" LP is perhaps Leopold's finest work to date, showcasing an eclectic, thoughtful approach to music that is at times chaotic and coarse. It channels his humour and persona with intrigue and leaves the listener wanting more and more. We invited him to record a mix for the site, a contribution which is long overdue.

Natalia Maus commissions music videos for labels like Domino, R&S Records, Island and Greco Roman, as well as working in sync, pitching music for TV, film and ads. Her new project Volumes, matches artists with novels, asking them to respond to the words musically via a mixtape or through original compositions. Aside from her regular 9-5 work she's also a really really good DJ with great taste to boot, something we had already caught wind of when we welcomed her for a guest mix on our R$N radio show earlier this year. Suitably impressed by her eclectic selections, we decided to get her on board for a mix of squelchy electronics. A perfect soundtrack for your pre drinks this weekend...

Musicians Brian Allen Simon (aka Anenon) and Chantal Chadwick are the minds behind Pétra, a Los Angeles collective merging electronics and acoustic instrumentation. Their name, meaning "stone, rock", is inspired by a chance encounter with a photo by Daniel Boudinet as well as the geological formations of Greek volcanic island Nisyros, the location that their debut album 'Aunis' was wrote, performed recorded in 2018. The album is free-form, the ambient sounds and abstract vibrations driven by improvisation energy. Outside of their work as a collective Brian is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who co-curates an ambient music series at The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, while Chantal is a musician, dancer and founder of Assortment, an agency that supports artists working various creative mediums. Compiling a mix of some of their current favourite compositions, they ease us through Wednesday with washes of twinkling ambient, leftfield electronica and cinematic soundscapes...

Now, here's a treat - a rare mix from the founder, legend and pioneer behind a special label. You know and love him, we do too... It's Zaltan! Antinote Records is an imprint which has released a huge assortment of music from some of our favourite artists here at Ransom Note. Zaltan has acted as a pivotal curator behind the label and has achieved enormous success having released music by the likes of DK, Raphael Top Secret, Domenique Dumont, Tolouse Low Trax, Geena, Alek Lee, Iueke and many more. The vision behind the label has always been to release music that is not aligned to style or genre, not restricted by preconceptions and stereotypes. As such it has been a crucial outlet for many who have chosen not to conform. Every release is varied and offers an insight into the wild and wonderful musical personality of Zaltan himself - who as you can imagine has excellent taste. Antinote is presently celebrating its 50th release in the form of Yarra River's "Frogmania" EP. However, they have more recently announced a new LP from OMMA. One you won't want to miss. We invited Zaltan to show us around his musical realm, he kindly obliged.

Yr Lovely Dead Moon is the project of Rachel Margetts, an experimental musician and poet who makes up part of multi-facted collective FITH, the minds behind the most recent release for our R$N cassette sub-label Outer Reaches. In her solo productions, narratives drift atop cosmic lounge and post-punk influences; a synthesis of processed sounds and live electro acoustic. Here she teams up with her great friend and collaborator, Berlin-based DJ Jamuel for this week's Wednesday Alternative mix entitled 'Rotting Pines, Shiny Apples'. They go back to back blending experimental, electronica, jazz and soundtracks...

Establishing a collage of influence and musical intuition is no simple feat, it can take time for an artist to establish and forge an identity which is unique and representative of their own character. Adriaan De Roover is a Belgian experimental musician who has just released a new album called 'Leaves'. The album is a freeform piece of work which layers instrumentation and soundscapes in an abstract and yet enchanting manner. It's described as being a piece of work which balances both "peace and restlessness". Perhaps better known under the guise of Oaktree his music has previously been championed and supported by the likes of Bonobo, Mary Anne Hobbs and Lefto. His sound is diverse and draws upon elements of the fourth world, establishing comparisons with new age musicians and the likes of Jon Hassell and Brian Eno. Adriaan describes his new album as follows: “‘Leaves’ was written between 2016 and 2018, mainly in a cabanage in the Ardennes, in solitude and around nature. Although there are some outward moments, I tried to make music that finds as much beauty in small gestures, in doubt and in honesty (above all). I hope you can get lost in it, just like I did, and maybe then, some moments of beauty might reveal themselves.” We invited him to record a mix which showcases the diversity of his own musical personality, his take on sound and sculpture. He picks tracks by the likes of Bloc Party, Rosalia, Photek, Nicolas Jaar, Alice Coltrane and Anenon.

London-based Estelle Birch is a writer, sound artist and radio producer who's work explores memory and identity through short stories and sound works. Recently her work in sound has taken her to Somerset House, where she presented an installation in the show 'Dreaming / Diasporas' as part of the 'Get Up, Stand Up Now' event series, while her musical activities have seen her play live at the Tate for Uniqlo's Tate Lates. This year she joined NTS for a monthly residency where she considers the common thread between jazz, dub and experimental music. Perfectly placed to get us over that mid week hump, Estelle treds a similar path to her radio show, weaving together atmospheric soundscapes and experimental electronics...

Over the past few years electro has made it's way back into hearts and record bags; finding a new generation of discerning fans and spotlighting a shed load of young talented producers. One of the labels at the forefront of this revival is Mechatronica, a Berlin-based imprint who seek to explore the relationship between man and machine. Danish-born Casper Mejlholm, who moonlights under the guise of Mejle, makes up part of the quartet of DJs, producers, designers and all-round music lovers that founded the label, and now party series, in the German capital. Having released music from the likes of Jensen Interceptor, Innershades, The Exaltics and Sync 24, it's evident that Mejle's ear for interesting, emotive and powerful electro is more refined than most. He takes the reigns for this week's 'Shine A Light On' mix, an hour of machine-driven electro with a few upcoming Mechatronica releases thrown in for good measure...

Next up, a familiar face to some and a fresh introduction for those uninitiated. Lorca has been a presence amidst underground house and electronic music in the UK for quite some time now having released music on the likes of Church, Naked Naked, 2020 and more over a number of years. He has drawn upon a deep rooted love of house music which has been a staple element of his own sound which has been widely championed and supported by a broad spectrum of djs. Despite having amassed a reputation as a talented producer he hasn't perhaps received the level of acclaim which he should be entitled to. In the past few years he has reignited his musical presence through the rebirth of Live Ones, a record label which is now moving from strength to strength having recently released music by Dj Windows XP and Sune. As a Dj he is eclectic and forward thinking. His ability to read a room is impressive and this is best shown at the party which he runs alongside Kieran A at Tola in Peckham. The next edition will take place this Saturday. We invited him to showcase his sound in a carefully crafted mix.

DJ, radio host, label boss and music journalist Anna Wall is a master of all trades. From her home of East London, she runs her record label, The Bricks; the philosophy behind it built on communicating a musical narrative. Since 2016 she's welcomed artists like Sunrom, Module One and Corbi to the imprint, working closely with each artist to effectively tell their stories. Alongside helming The Bricks, her radio show of the same name is a regular feature on Leeds' KMAH radio, acting as an avenue for Anna to share ambient sounds and forgotten gems from her record collection. In recent years she's added even more feats to her growing list of accolades, including warming up for Jamie Jones at his East London Boiler Room last year, landing a residency on Rinse FM and becoming named as one of fabric's residents, alongside Pleasure Club's bobby. We're happy to have her locked her in to provide this week's Ransom Note mix, a two hour long drift through Anna Wall's dreamland...

From his home of Vilnius in Lithuania, Paulius Austrevičius operates under the moniker Clicklounge. As booking assistant at one of the capitals best venues, Opium Club, he has a hand in bringing some of the most exciting and interesting DJs and artists over to play in the space. It's here that he also holds a residency and runs his own club night, Juoduomenė, alongside friends Tadas Quazar and Tumosa, that has seen them invite the likes of Tolouse Low Trax, Interstellar Funk, Elena Colombi and Zozo over to play with them. For this week's alternative mix we handed over the reigns to Paulius to see us through hump day and he didn't disappoint... Lock in for an hour of hypnotic drum workouts, leftfield oddities and sludgy acid cuts.

London-based DJ MLE has an intiuitive and inquisitive nature that's well beyond her years. Through her DJ sets and radio shows, formerly on Balamii and now on Worldwide FM and Noods, she has been navigating the darker experimental corners of dance music, from coldwave and electro to deconstructed club music and experimental pop edits. By day you can find her behind the counter at one of Soho's leading record shops, Sounds Of The Universe, and as a longtime member of the Rhythm Section team she helps to steer their sister label International Black. We invited her on board for a mix that sees her connects the dots between broken club rhythms, acid, electro and bass...

What else is there left to say? We've said it all... Bawrut is a hero of ours, a brother and a friend - he was the first man to feature on the label and has since gone on to roaring success with his music having been championed by everyone from Avalon Emerson to Skream, Andrew Weatherall to Patrick Topping, Optimo to Roman Flugel and beyond. His sound seems to find wide appeal across a spectrum of genres and sits firmly atop the niche - universally danceable and endlessly fun. He's made many friends along the way and his energetic, warm hearted approach to dance music is exactly what is needed in the current climate of seriousness and fabrication. His new EP is set for release on Ransom Note Records and 'Pronto Arpeggio' has already been a roaring success across the clubs and festivals this summer - he smashed it. The release is rounded off with remixes from KiNK and Ruf Dug and it's about as big as they come. Those who have watched Bawrut dj will know what to expect here - fun, fast paced and lively music built for the party. Lock in and get ready for the launch...

Venezuelan-born and based in Barcelona, as the founder behind Classicworks and a singular producer, Cardopusher is as rough and rugged as they come. For over a decade he has been a driving force behind cutting edge, experimental electronic music having evolved through the dubstep era and mutating into the realm of techno and house in recent times. He has released an eclectic array of hardware driven, machine music on the likes of Hyperdub, Boysnoize Records, Super Rhythm Trax, I Love Acid and many more. His sound is diverse and abstract at times, drawing upon deep rooted influences and an eclectic sphere of music from across the spectrum of electronics. Not someone who can be easily placed into a definitive category or box, he blurs the lines between house, acid, slow-mo and beyond. This mix is very much a reflection of that.

This summer marks the return of a friendly faced duo who have re-entered the fold. Zoo Look is a production and dj duo made up of two old friends who have been releasing music together since 2011. The pair have developed a crucial understanding of their production aesthetic and the new release on Lost Palms is perhaps their most significant to date. As DJ's they draw for an eclectic mix of house, techno and beyond with merits from the likes of Bicep and beyond. The new EP is titled "Similar Steps" and is a subtle blend of deep house arrangements, electro and the abstract spaces in between. It's dreamy in parts and yet restrained. This set is much the same featuring jackin' house from across the board - club focussed and energetic this is highly danceable stuff.

Roll up, roll up! We are delighted to welcome a producer and disc jockey with absolutely impeccable taste. Eddie C has been a prominent figure amidst the house, disco, balearic crossover community for a long time now and has released an impressive array of music across a wide spectrum of record labels including Lumberjacks In Hell, The Very Polish Cut-Outs, 7 Inches Of Love and more. However, he has most prominently appeared on the mule musiq affiliated record label Endless Flight where he has released many albums and EP's. Eddie's style is sprawling and wild - tapping into an era and ethos of tape mixes and hip hop as much as it does dance and club focussed music. As such the albums draw upon playful samples, skits and intricate funk fuelled percussion aplenty. His new album is called "Green Space" and doesn't fail to disappoint. It offers as much in the home listening department as it does for the late night dancefloor. This mix was recorded in Japan, at the 'Good Music Party presents Rainbow Disco Club' party. It's absolute heat.

Australian singer Penelope Trappes came into her own on Penelope One, her debut solo album released via Optimo back in summer of 2017. She followed it up with her sophomore release Penelope Two at the end of last year, this time making a home on fabric's inhouse label Houndstooth. Musically both albums signalled a shift away from the dancefloor-focused productions she'd become known for as one half of The Golden Filter; think minimal soundscapes, distant echoing vocals and sparse atmospheric textures wrought with emotion. June saw the release of Redeux, her second LP on Houndstooth, which saw her invite several producers to rework the original tracks first heard on Penelope Two. Amongst those tasked with creating their own reimaginations were Cosey Fanny Tutti, Mogwai, Throwing Snow and Aasthma, the collaborative project of Peder Mannerfelt and Par Grindvik. For your listening pleasure she provides an immersive mix of cinematic sounds and textures to see you through hump day, including several of the reworks from Redeux...

Marko Pelaic has been a prominent figure amist the Berlin underground for many years now. He follows in the inspiration of Walter Gibbons who described a prolific relationship with music and culture as follows: "The mainstream comes to you, but you have to go to the underground." It is this ethos which Marko has brought to the forefront of his musical ideology. As a disc jockey he plays widely and with eclectic reference, his tastes are vast and are grounded in legacy and musical culture far beyond the stereotypes of dance music. Raised between Germany and Croatia his music is as much inspired by the natural majesty of the Adriatic as it is by the frenetic pulse of cities like Frankfurt and Berlin. As a producer he has released music on the likes of Hypercolour and Speak Recordings. He has also curated a successful label alongside friends Janis & Oliver Achatz in the form of House Is OK. The label has been responsible for the release of music by Homeboy himself as well as the likes of Roman Flugel, Kornel Kovacs, TCB, Adham Zahran and more. Based in the German capital he has cut his teeth and formed a close relationship with both Renate and ELSE where he is now a resident. With this in mind and ahead of a special party this Sunday in collaboration with BAR we have invited him to record a mix as part of the special ELSE curated series.

Amsterdam may be considered the main musical hub in the Netherlands but Rotterdam definitely gives it a run for its money. The port city in the south of the country is the base of independent radio station Operator as well as being home to label and radio shop Pinkman Records who have been responsible for a few of our favourite releases in recent years. Gamma Intel has been closely affiliated with both institutions, as a resident on Operator and as a label mate for Pinkman with his release Motives & Methods earlier this year. We first caught wind of him via his release for London-based electro imprint Brokntoys, his debut EP in fact, which introduced us to his machine-driven sound; a heady blend of electro, EBM and raw electronics. We invited him to give us a taste of what Gamma Intel is all about. Buckle up, this one's a barnstormer...

Based in Amsterdam Elias Mazian is a well known face. He has released an eclectic series of forward thinking house and electronics and has become a keen member of the Red Light Radio family. We had the pleasure of hosting him on the beach at The Crave festival in The Hague a few weeks back and were wholeheartedly impressed with his eclectic portrayal of wandering hip hop, funk, soul, disco and house. A talented disc jockey and a charming man. This month marked the release of a new EP from Elias on Mitchell Street Records - the imprint based in Glasgow run by Jasper James. It showcased a moody take on deep house and electro and followed on from previous appearances on Voyage Direct. It was a thoughtful reflection on the present state of modern electronics and marked a left of centre approach to the dancefloor - yet with distinctive drive. We asked Elias to record a mix as part of our main series and we are delighted with what's shown up...

Chances are you've probably seen Ellie Stokes name popping up of late. As at home playing dreamy house and breaks as she is navigating through harsh industrial and techno, her ability to adapt has rightfully earned her a regular radio show on Noods and a residency at Bristol's Motion as well as spots on festival line ups across the UK and beyond. One of the brains behind the top notch bookings at Bristol institute The Love Inn, she's had a hand in bringing some of the most exciting artists to play in the southwestern city. Palette, her own resident takeover at the club in June, saw her invite some of her favourite DJs to join her in the booth, including D.Tiffany, Ciel, Vaal and Kiara Scuro. Ahead of her set at Farmfest next weekend we invited her to show us what she's all about. If you don't know about Ellie yet, get to know...

From his adopted home of Berlin, DJ and journalist John Loveless runs his party and label Hot Concept. The roving party, where he also acts as resident, has seen him share the booth with a diverse range of artists, and has since evolved to include a label arm, which he launched in May of this year with an EP from Beigean. As a radio host he holds a residency at Lichtenberg's community-led platform Cashmere Radio, inviting the likes of Cormac, Daniel Avery, Karen Gwyer and Dark Entries boss Josh Cheeon to join him on his 'Display Resolution' show. Musically his monthly shows, and his DJ sets, explore offbeat house, psychedelic techno, heartfelt disco, outsider pop, transient ambience and, in his own words, "quite simply, whatever else works". Off the back of his inaugural label release, we invited him along to give us a glimpse into what John Loveless is all about...

Now here's a familiar face from London town. Wes Baggaley is a charming man who has become regarded as one of the city's finest selectors having graced the booth far and wide in recent times. He runs Bottom Heavy alongside Dan Beaumont and has become a champion amidst the queer electronic music community across London and beyond. With a residency on Rinse FM and upcoming music due for release he is certainly one to watch. His sets are fast paced, jackin' affairs built for movement and dance. No holds barred, he embodies a fun loving spirit which is channeled through his own enigmatic presentation as a disc jockey. His music is built for the club and he delivers with distinct energy. This one bangs, much like Wes himself. A man with excellent taste, chat and beyond...

Vyvyan is an elusive character, a DJ and producer who prefers to operate under the radar. At the end of last year he showcased his tastes and influences in a mix or Bicep's Feel My Bicep mix series which gave listeners a glimpse into both his record bag and his own productions. Having delivered remixes for Psychemagik and Eclectic, last week saw the release of his new EP Coat Bra Pants on Me Me Me which includes remixes from Not An Animal's Chris Stoker and Robert Johnson resident Gerd Janson. We invited him to deliver this week's Monday Is OK mix which flows through experimental, beatless rhythms; the music that soundtracks his home listening sessions...

Operating from his home base of Berlin, Canadian-native Mike Davis runs his Brenda Records imprint. Kicking off in 2015, the imprint has become a space for him to release his own productions as well as multiple instalments from CNCPT and Company, which focus on mindmelting and no holds barred techno. Recently offering up a remix as part of Timothy Clerkin's Unborn Remixed EP on R$N's sub label Insult To Injury, he again showcased his knack at bringing an unapologetic vigour to whatever he lays his hands on. Off the back of the release we invited him on board to bring some heat for today's Shine A Light On mix and he didn't disappoint. Strap in for a power hour of driving techno and acid...

Very few have the capacity or grit to maintain longevity within dance and electronic music, many have tried but become swept up amidst the chaos and strife of the industry in a fickle and uncompromising climate. Bushwacka! is a producer and disc jockey with whom many will be familiar and fond - he remains a UK icon of sorts having released amidst the classic era of acid house and then evolved through his collaborations with Layo during the golden age of dance music in Ibiza. He has dabbled in a spectrum of genres but most notably during the nineties he was involved in an emerging, interesting tech house sound which has since been reborn as of late with reissues by the likes of Holding Hands amongst others. Perhaps an unsung hero of the genre his music sounds just as relevant and enticing now as it did back in the 90's... These days appearances from Bushwacka! are sparse, a man with no need to impress he is now in a luxurious position in which he can pick his own gigs with care and attention to detail. Hence having the chance to observe him play at present is rare. This summer Layo and Bushwacka! will return for a special appearance at Campo Sancho, a small countryside festival with a big heart and a passion which was born amidst the hedonistic days of Notting Hill Carnival. It promises to be a blistering demonstration of what the duo have achieved through their sound and commitment to dance music across many years. In celebration of this, we invited Bushwacka! to take us through some of the formative music in his career, a deeply old school set showcasing fantastic take in deep house and tech house in all their glory. This one is a little bit special....

Let me tell you a story... Walking through the midst of Farr Festival a few years back we were greeted by the rumble of drums and the tinkering of pristine high end filters from a tent which was not accustomed to playing music by day. Sometimes the greatest surprises lurk around the corner, amidst the unexpected as we watched a dj play to a small crowd of dancers who were focussed and engaged. Operating on a rotary mixer, Onlee, who is better known to some by his name of Leon, was meandering his way between house and techno that might have been out of place elsewhere. It was high energy, fast paced and remarkably unpretentious from a dj who was clearly in love with the nature of the craft beyond all else. As a journalist he works with DJ Mag and has previously been involved in editorial here at Ransom Note - his taste is sprawling and wide but is largely based around late nights and tall tales from the late nineties and early 2000's. An era of change but of great revelry and remarkable stories... This mix is built up of material that's new and intriguing, yet mixed with the love and precision of someone who has loved dance music for a long, long time. That's why we started this site to begin with...

Step back, this is a big one. Across the past couple of decades there have been very few who can attest as much influence as that of Joakim, a singular producer who has been charted as an influential figure by many of the leading producers and disc jockeys in the present. The French outsider has amassed a notorious reputation for his eclectic style as a disc jockey and producer having released music on the likes of Versatile, Kitsuné Music, Life And Death, Crosstown Rebels and beyond. As the founder behind Tigersushi Records and Crowdspacer he has been responsible for leading a new generation of talent into the dance and has played a key role in the future development of dance and electronic music. As an individual his own take on music is wide and vast, not one to shy away from the alternative or experimental he has done well to channel a sprawling array of style, genre and sound across his own lengthy career and in all honesty Joakim continues to surprise and intrigue with delight. A Dj's dj, he is a firm favourite and we welcome him as part of the series.

In recent times we have seen a wave of hugely talented disc jockeys emerge from Japan... Yuzo Iwata is from Sapporo and has been working prominently in the city as a promoter behind his party, FLOPPY. As a disc jockey he is superbly talented, taking an eclectic approach to his sets which often meander between style and genre. He also makes use of field recordings and plays experimentally from the perspective of telling a story through his own musical representation. Now based in Berlin, he spends his days working in second hand record shops and producing his own music which has so far been released on the likes of Pluie/Noir and Rotate. He has forthcoming music soon to be released on SJ Tequila's record label Shot of T which lurks around the corner. This mix was recorded live as part of an opening set at Precious Hall in Sapporo at his own FLOPPY party - it is recorded entirely on vinyl with the exception of one unreleased track and some overlaid field recordings. Lock in.

Amsterdam has been graced with a fearsome array of fabulous selectors and disc jockeys in recent times, the city is abuzz with experimental music and talent. Orpheu The Wizard has been a pivotal figure in the development of the scene, crucially helping to nurture new faces through his key role as a co founder of Redlight radio - a distinctive platform which has acted as a gateway and an open door to a new wave of music, producers and dj's. His own background is well versed, he's earnt his stripes and played the long game building a respectable array of musical knowledge and selective talent which he uses to entice and delight crowds across Europe and beyond. Eclectic, far reaching and multi purpose - his sets often run wild across a sprawling spectrum of sound. This year he will play at Love International festival, an appearance which should not be missed.

Based in Paris, here is an up and coming producer and musician who has caught the ears and attention of some of the most innovative and experimental in electronic music as of late. Tryphème first appeared a couple of years back when releasing music on Central processing Unit, the Sheffield based record label best known for a modern take on electro and beyond having released some of the finest releases across the genre in recent times. Tryphème's sound is vast, it encompasses a sprawling array of influences, merging worlds in a playful fashion which is perhaps best showcased on her most recent release, her album "Thanks God For Air Emotions". The release appeared earlier this year on Da ! Heard It Records, a singular imprint which has showcased fresh experimental talent across many years in the form of Bill Vortex, Le Matin and many more. Tryphème's album fits perfectly within the abstract world within which it operates and was a beautiful insight into the forward thinking potential of electronic music in years to come. We invited Tryphème to record this mix as we believe she has great taste and great potential. Let's get weird.

S Ruston—jackin’, pumpin’, voguey, UK, ravey, some fast, some slow—she knows what you need and she’ll give it to you good. Having cut her teeth on the Bristol scene over 15 years ago, she started organising secret warehouse parties in London and playing at seminal bass music events such as DJ Pinch’s Subloaded and Dubloaded, while consistently threw it down at major UK festivals like Glastonbury, Glade, Shambala, Ashton Court and Bloc, under the alias Ghettozoid and with female booty bass collective Octopussy. She made it SXSW representing “UK Urban” with her band Bubbz & the Black Notez in 2010, before relocating to Berlin where she has divided her time between the decks and the studio. She founded the label One4Ho, focusing on 140 Bpm driven music with female led creative input, and has released as a producer and vocalist on Fabric’s Houndstooth imprint. In 2012 S Ruston served as Zebra Katz’s DJ on his first European tour, and continues to make occasional appearances at his gigs. She’s also worked closely with artists Linards Kulless and Ursula Hutchinson on music videos and VJ/DJ collaborations. As a resident of femme-forward collective Lecken, she’s been making a name for herself on the city’s queer sex-positive party scene, serving it up at TrashEra, Riot, Hot Topic, Whole Festival, Pornceptual, Warning and more. With a new release on TrashEra Music, and with her reputation quickly spreading beyond Berlin, S Ruston guarantees a sweaty dance floor and an impeccable selection wherever she goes.

Pals Claire Voyant and Elle Andrews don't care for following trends; a refreshing characteristic amongst the uniformity of the dance music industry. Playing under the guise of SOUVENIR, the pair host a regular show on their local station, Peckham linchpin Balamii Radio, bringing their diverse influences, from dedicated digs and a life spent growing up in South London, to the airwaves each month. Over the four years they've played together, they've continued to approach their sets with a complete sense of ingenuity. Trust us, you can hear it. Ahead of their slot at Field Maneuvers this year we're excited to host a mix of experimental and immersive selections that will give you a window into what SOUVENIR do best... @souveniruk

South-east London proves time and time again that it has some of the best musical talent in the capital: cue SE selectress OK Williams. Having followed her radio shows, from Balamii to Netil and NTS - the station she works behind the scenes at - for a while now, her sets are always high energy seamlessly blending anything from electro and deconstructed club experiments to bass, garage and jungle. Aside from upcoming dates at Clair in Amsterdam and Cell 200, this summer sees her taking her distinct flavours to festivals including Glastonbury, Love International and Wale's newest event Headroom. We're delighted to host this mix which is a true introduction to her sound. Remember her name, you'll be seeing more of it...

Expect the unexpected. That's the philosophy Rotterdam-based DJ mad miran promotes in her DJ sets. A regular on the Dutch capital's mainstay Red Light Radio and a face behind the counter at the infamous Clone record shop, Miran has fast become one of the country's most promising DJs. Although she only played her first DJ set in a club a couple of years ago, she's already landed a residency at Trouw successor De School and become part of the Strange Sounds From Beyond family, seeing her name spread like wildfire and lead to a string of gigs across Europe. We invited her to dive into her record bag for us and the result is 80 minutes of leftfield electro, raw breaks and introspective electronica. Enter into the crazy world of mad miran...

Edition one of our highly anticipated radio show. Join us as we invade Netil Radio's digital community frequency to contribute heavy-hitting new world musings, great new music, guest mixes from a gamut of underrepresented players in 'the scene', and some very topical chit chat. We are joined by Jim, one of the duo behind longstanding institution Sancho Panza, the former Notting Hill Carnival stage turned festival. He talks about the forthcoming edition of Campo Sancho and plays music for ears and feet. The next 120 minutes is history in the making. This is Ransom Note Radio From Planet Earth.

Byron Yeates co-runs one of the best underground nights in Berlin right now. Alongside friends Amelia Forrest and Jochem Van Bruggen they put on Radiant Love, a forward-thinking queer party, of which they are a resident too. Their ethos is built on celebrating inclusivity with a focus on contemporary performance art and drag, and after only one year of parties they've built a loyal and loving family around them. What's so special about Radiant Love is the energy and passion the three of them put into each night, you can literally feel it... After catching Byron in action at their December party we knew we had to lock them in for a mix; they have a distinct sound that traverses through rolling trance, acid and rave, at times euphoric, but always with palpable depth.

Now then, what do we have here? E-Talking is a producer with whom you might not be familiar, at least not by name. You might well be more aware of him as one half of the French duo Nummer, a prominent pair who have released a great deal of impressive music on the likes of Butter Sessions, Going Good, Peur Bleue, Fragil Music and on their own imprint. They also boast a killer live show, one of which blew the roof off a Glasgow basement when 12th Isle hosted them many years back. The pair have also recently launched a new label focussing on releasing abstract electronics, experimental music and balearic abstract sounds from across the globe on an imprint called Natural Selections. Which brings us back to the focus of todays mix, E-Talking. One half of the outfit who has also independently released music on the likes of Whities, drawing for a slightly more hard hitting approach than perhaps anticipated. There's more to come, just you watch. He steps up on a Friday with an intriguing mix for head and feet. Dig in.

Earlier this year we were presented with an intriguing release by Glasgow based record label Craigie Knowes. It was a curveball of sorts given the dancefloor ethos of the imprint and the prior material to have previously featured on the label. The leading light from the EP came in the form of a track titled "Say". A beautiful, haunting vocal inspired track with a sense of beautiful melancholy, not too dissimilar to the musical output of Andy Stott. The EP was the work of an up and coming producer and disc jockey, Eluize. A promising, elegant musician keen to blur the preconceptions of electronic music - layering the concept of 'song' above the moody, enchanted density of rugged analogue machinery. As such we invited her to record a mix for the site, an ambient affair perfect for a lazy easter monday...

Lock and load, this one is coming in hot. Kasper Marott and Alfredo92 are two names to emerge with prominence from Denmark, the pair have collaborated on a sprawling array of projects and concepts in recent years. However, it is only recently that they have formally announced new music as a duo on their new label Axces to which they describe the imprint as follows... "Greetings and welcome from Axces. We're a small local Copenhagen community of friends and curious souls. This is our very first record. Alfredo92 and Kasper Marrot run the label, and they've produced two tracks with help from our good friends Carl Emil and Lauge. The record was created in 2017 at the professional facilities we've come to know as Nordvest Auto. On both tracks, you'll hear a lot of drums, some bass, effects, samples, vocals and sounds from beyond, we don't know how to describe. They've been tested on various sound systems during the past year, and we can ensure you that a flat EQ and max volume will suit the tracks almost anywhere. We really hope you enjoy our effort. If you should ever find yourself in Copenhagen Axces will provide counselling and guidance at own risk." Respectively they are both killer disc jockeys and have received firm support from a number of names including the likes of Courtesy, Modeselektor and beyond. We are delighted to be able to bring you a mix from the pair - back2back2back2back etc. You know the deal.

Sydney-based DJ and radio host Andy Garvey is a real go-getter. Having been a regular fixture on the Australian airwaves for many years now, hosting shows Spin The Bottle and Future Classics on FBi Radio and Triple J's Mix Up and Friday Mix, her radio skills have also given her a home on Amsterdam's Red Light Radio with her Pure Space show. She's given her new label the same name, which launched at the beginning of this month with a four track V/A including contributions from E Davd, Reptant, Point Guard and Daze. Musically cruising through breakbeat, electro and techno, it's representative of Andy's tastes as a DJ and as a producer — her debut release Eternal Recurrence has just come out on Lobster Theremin. Fresh off the back of her first Boiler Room appearance at Pitch Music and Arts festival, we are hyped to have her at the controls for our Wednesday Alternative mix, a deep dive into her leftfield, experimental tastes... Keep your eye on Andy, she's definitely a name you'll be hearing more of in future.

Today marks the return of Bristolian producer Minotaur Shock as he releases his first album under the much-loved moniker since ‘Orchard’ in 2012. On ‘Orchard’ Edwards embraced the "folktronica" tag that had previously been a burden, but, nearly seven years on, he has renounced the acoustic guitars, drums and woodwind instruments to make ‘MINO’ - the sound of a man getting to grips with his machines without relinquishing his innate musicality and ear for joyous melodies. Although electronica was integral to the Minotaur Shock sound (he has also released purer excursions in the form as Principal Participant and Oligos), Edwards felt that he'd never got to grips with the basics of production. "I knew what effect certain knobs on a synth had, but had no idea why they did that or what was really going on." So he embarked on a prolonged period of experimentation, “basically dicking around in my studio, focusing on the process of creating tracks and sounds, rather than the end result, trying to grasp the fundamentals of synthesis to better understand how it worked. Occasionally I did press record or save, and these experiments formed the basis of ‘MINO’.” In celebration of the release we invited him to contribute to our beloved mix series, which he does with flair and imagination.

One of the main players behind the Video Club, and Bogotá's music scene in general, is Leeon, the club's co-founder, resident DJ and booker. The Venezuelan-born DJ and producer relocated to the capital six years ago and has played a key role in the venue’s success through his forward thinking bookings, which have seen him bring over many artists who hadn’t previously played in the country before. His tastes, both as a DJ and producer, favour dark bass-heavy electronics and psychedelic techno, sounds that he also pushes via his new label Ediciones Danza Negra. We’re excited to bring those tastes direct to your ears in today’s mix - a trippy journey through those influences he's become known for.

We are delighted to be able to present an exclusive mix from one of the most intriguing producers and disc jockeys in electronic music at present... Yoshinori Hayashi has established a singular sound following releases on the likes of Smalltown Supersound, Going Good, JINN Records, Gravity Graffiti, Jheri Tracks and Disco Halal. Hayashi has studied under Japanese avant-classical composer Mica Nozawa. When not DJing, he works in a record store in Tokyo. The Japanese producer does well to blend and integrate intriguing elements of ambient, eastern soundscapes alongside an eclectic take on house, techno, krautrock and industrial music. Far reaching and forward thinking, this is the future of electronic music.

Perhaps one of the most fundamental and integral elements to this musical scene within which we operate is the ability to be able to support friends and push creative expression forwards in a meanigful manner. Big or small, if you can play a tune, then we'd like to listen. Macca is a friend of the website and has been actively involved in electronic music for many years having run and promoted parties up north for a long time. As a disc jockey he is unassuming and kind hearted, keen to showcase the eclectic nature of his own collection whilst ensuring that a happy go lucky ideology can go a long way. This mix was recorded after hours in East London at the locally renowned Behind This Wall venue, a low key affair with a tasteful soundsystem and big soul. We invited him to showcase his worth below as he talks shop.

Operating in the North with a great big smile, Jayson Wynters is an MC turned disc jockey turned producer done good. We had the pleasure of watching him play records at Houghton last year and were humbled by his selective presentation of music. His far reaching tastes are best showcased across several hours as he dives and digs between moving parts featuring a stylish array of genres, tempos and blends. His own music has been released prominently on Semtek's record label Don't Be Afraid but he has also made appearances as a producer on the likes of Mr G's Phoenix G imprint and on Ornate Music. Based in Birmingham he also has a hand in the running of Cafe Artum, a record shop come cafe he has helped pioneer alongside Adam Shelton. This May he will feature on our stage as part of the infamous Virgo Festival, an annual outing which has become a staple feature of our summer calendar. One to watch.

Charlie is a DJ and musician firmly on the rise, a worthy ascendency for someone who has been hard at work for many years. Originally born in Berlin, she now resides in Krakow, the city that she’s been running her party Szum from for the last three and a half years. The party takes place at different locations around the city, including arguably one of Krakow's most forward thinking nightclubs Szpitalna 1, and has seen Charlie book live acts from the likes of Martial Canterel, Novo Line, Not Waving, Tolouse Low Trax and June to join her and other local selectors. Charlie is someone we expect to see big things from in the future and this mix is a perfect representation of why. We're happy to host this mix from her, recorded only on vinyl and consisting of predominantly old trance records played at 33RPM. Strap in and enjoy the ride...

It's time to get odd. Real odd. Your Planet Is Next has been a firm favourite amidst the Ransom Note office since he decided that it would be a good idea to reimagine Cher's 'Believe'. Since 2014 he has been steadily realeasing abstract house, techno and experimental music without taking himself too seriously. His taste is exceptional and each release has seen his production process evolve in style and stature. Appearances on the likes of Klasse Wrecks and Studio Barnhus have helped stabilize a career in the strange and his music works as well on the dancefloor as it does in the headphones on a long walk home. We originally asked him to record an abstract, weirdo mix as part of our Monday series but as ever things escalated and this is what popped out the other side of the machine. We're glad it did...

Up next is a producer and disc jockey who has been on the radar for quite some time, a familiar face who has released a sprawling array of music on some of our favourite labels across the last ten years. His music has appeared on the likes of Gomma, Höga Nord Rekords, Les Disques De La Mort and his own La Belle label, of which he is a founding member. We are talking about Golden Bug, a producer who has worked tirelessly and released an innovative collection of music which draws influence from krautrock, house, techno, electronica and new wave. His style is varied and unique, channelling a punk esque aesthetic in a powerful, forward thinking manner. This is also prevalent when he dj's, as you are about to find out. Not one to stand still or play to the confines of genre - his sets are far reaching and eclectic. Dancers get ready. This one was taken straight from the Renate booth, it brings the heat.

It's always interesting when a musician or producer decides to embark upon an alternative route, channeling their creativity through a new outlet with which fresh opportunities await. This is exactly what the Delta Rain Dance project is all about, an open, original display of honest musical expression without the stereotypical personal associations. Based in Berlin, the Delta Rain Dance project is an alternative approach to electronic music and is advertised as being a "hybrid puzzle of melodic cuts, DJ tools and drum tracks." These musical works have also been created with the purpose of reinvention and remix in mind, the music is open to all and free for reuse and reinterpretation. Encouraged even. The music itself features a mix of delicately tuned electronics, some feature melodic development whilst others simply operate as soundscaopes and loops. It would appear that the releases will act as freeform works within which playful experimentation is the focus, the result is honest, humble and intriguing. With all of this in mind, we felt it was a good time to invite a mix from Delta Rain Dance, recorded as a rhythmic yet beatless experience it is the perfect soundtrack to a moody, cold Monday. Glenn Astro is Delta Rain Dance.

London is a notoriously difficult city in which to hold a residency, it's tough, busy and the odds are stacked against you. However, that's not to say it doesn't happen... Sean O'Daly is a disc jockey based in the capital who has been a resident at The Jazz Cafe for a while now, each month he is presented with the rare and exciting opportunity to showcase his music all night long at one of the most prestigious spots in the city. His own musical taste is diverse, sprawling between elements of funk, soul, disco, jazz, house and electronics. As a selector he is well versed with a perception and awareness that not all possess. With a keen ear and delicate selection he is able to set the perfect tone. We invited him to deliver a mix as part of our Wednesday Alternative series, oh and it's his birthday so be kind and listen closely.

Lehult is a record label which has moved from strength to strength having become firmly supported by a Scandinavian contigent of house and techno dj's who continue to experiment and inspire. Since 2014 the imprint has released music by the likes of Liem, Tony Rainwater, Johan Kaseta, Eddie Ness and more. Run by a collective of disc jockeys and producers the imprint has become synonymous with high quality house and techno, drawing upon the influences laid before by the likes of Studio Barnhus, Sex Tags and as far back as the early days of Chicago. Each release carries a distinct personality and is often built upon a distinct deep, club focussed persona. The label has been well supported by both dj's and listeners, drawing in an array of critical praise and air time with several of the records fetching a pretty penny on discogs. We are delighted to be able to showcase an exclusive mix with a collaborative contribution from brotherly duo Lucky Charmz and Dj Assam. This one is for the house heads who like to dig deep.

For those of you who may not be familiar with how we do things on a Monday then let us explain for you... For the past few years we have invited some of our favourite disc jockeys, musicians and artists to create a mix of sorts to see you through the most disheartening day of the week with sultry ambient tones and beautiful soundscapes. There isn't a rulebook as such but more a sense of sound.. Ex-Display Model are a duo made up of David Best of Fujiya & Miyagi and Ed Chivers of AK/DK. Together the Brighton based pair have collaborated to establish a new musical outlet allowing them to channel their deepest most influences, the likes of Velvet Underground, Harmonia and early work from Modern Lovers. Their musical education was inspired and built upon firm foundations by the likes of John Peel with whom they describe having listened to religiously once upon a time. The music they then recorded as Ex-Display model was built upon layered instrumentation and experimentation, built upon the use of guitars and broadening the palette with electronic expression. The self titled album was released in October of last year and is well worth your time. We invited the pair to record a mix within which they draw for records by the likes of Franco Battiato, Willie Burns alias Black Deer, Terry Riley and more.

Those who take themselves too seriously are lame. Those who like fun are better. Niklas Wandt is a Berlin based instrumentalist, producer and disc jockey who has worked on a sprawling array of musical endeavours across years. As the founder of the Smells party at Sameheads in the German capital he has found firm friends amidst the likes of Jan Schulte, with whom he released a collaborative album on Growing Bin Records last year, Cass., Kris Baha and Sascha Funke. The latter of which he has recently worked alongside to produce a new record for the ever exciting Multi Culti Record label. His roots lie within a sea of abstract music, experimental discoveries and tall tales. His influences range from dub to Kosmisch synth excursions, balearic to jazz, percussion freakouts to abstract pop and the wide realm beyond. As a result this mix and his own approach as a disc jockey is far reaching with a playful edge, the journey should cast a smile, the sounds simply a reflection of his personality and taste across a lifetime spent discovering new noise.

Don't say we aren't good to you. Ending the year with a bang we bring you a special mix from the one and only Steve Rachmad, the longstanding Dutch techno veteran. A pivotal figure in dance and electronic music, he has cast a spell upon techno in a manner unlike any other, his music championed far and wide by a sprawling array of dj's. Never one to stand still he has channeled his creativity across a number of personalities and guises having released as A Scorpion's Dream, Adverse Match, Black Scorpion, Continuous Cool and of course Sterac. His music is machine driven, drawn on a wealth of experience and experimentation through hardware and analogue equipment whilst in the booth his approach as a dj is versatile and constantly changing. This mix was recorded at Thuishaven as part of the close of their winter season.

Beneath the surface of big names, famous faces and extravagant parties there is a wave of disc jockeys and producers who have earnt a wealth of respect from all the right places. Heidi Lawden might be the perfect example. Based in California she has amassed a reputation as a talented selector and party starter having been championed and supported by the likes of Bicep and beyond. Oh, and did we mention she's played a very key and crucial role in the development of a certain DJ Harvey's career. As a selector she digs deep, travelling through the realms of balearic bliss, elegant house, disco and into late night mischief. A party starter who hosts a regular show on Dublab, which is well worth a listen by the way, we highly recommend this one. Recorded live at Sunset Campout earlier this year, this is a treat.

It's always nice to be greeted with an enigmatic selection of music fron an unsuspecting source. Kristian Birch-Hurst is a disc jockey and producer emerging from Birmingham. From a musical perspective he digs deep, blending an elegant array of style, genre and sound in a well rounded presentation which will leave toes tapping and ears intrigued. As a contributing writer here at Ransom Note he has expressed a wealth of fierce knowledge as well as an awareness sometimes lacking from a musician working in such an environment. As the co founder of Voyage Events he has helped push and promote a spectacular array of talent through his parties with the likes of Mehmet Aslan, Haai and more all gracing the booth. This mix is a subtle blend of disco, funk, soul, house, techno and abstract electronics and should demonstrate just why we are excited by him as a disc jockey. Lock in.

On Monday we like to do things a little differently... After the excess of the weekend it can be nice to ease into the week with something a little more subtle and contained. This month marks the release of a new EP on Ransom Note Records, one of which we are very proud of. Anna Lann is a multidisciplinary artist, producer, musician and disc jockey who caught our ear upon first listen. Her teasing take on pop music left us intrigued and inspired, it offered something very different amidst a market which can become heavily saturated and repetitive. Latvian born and Tel-Aviv based she is well versed across an artisitic spectrum working as a composer, singer, videographer, visual artist, dancer and beyond. There are no bounds. 'Embodiment', Anna’s first EP on Ransom Note Records, does its utmost to evade description, existing in a state of perpetual motion and terminal formlessness. Over four singular tracks she projects a thrilling blend of techno, experimental electronics and left-field pop music, realised in pristine and often brutal sound design. As such we invited her to contribute to our mix series, Monday is now okay.

We've been given little information about the mysterious Aguila, a fresh faced producer from Chicago who caught our attention with what can only be described as pure euphoria on his latest EP. Trance tinged music is back in a big way at the moment and his new release on Lobster Theremin offshoot There Is Love In You has had us listening on repeat. Uplifiting free flowing house music at its very best. We expect that this may be the beginning of something special for the producer and as such it seemed like the right time to invite him to contribute to our ever growing mix series. He delivers a progressive mix of house, techno and rave in what can only be described as a set with 'big feeling'.

Next up in our longstanding mix series we are delighted to showcase a man who could be described as a pioneer of house music. Brawther has been steadily casting a spell upon the genre for many years now, his music having been championed by the likes of Kerri Chandler, Ron Trent, Chez Damier and Jeremy Underground. He has released music on a far reaching number of record labels including the likes of Cabinet Records, Secretsundaze, My Love Is Underground, Balance and Jazzy Couscous. He has built a firm following amidst house and techno communities and has toured with relentless pace in recent years with a reputable string of appearances worldwide. This set was recorded at a special location in Berlin and was captured live from the booth at Club der Visionaere. For those of you who have been previously then you will note the nature of the sound, setting and place in the utmost detail. For those who have not, close your eyes and imagine.

Towards the tail end of last year we were greeted by two sun kissed, elegant EP's from a fresh faced producer operating under the moniker of Møzaika. Based in Berlin, a dj and producer, he has released music on the likes of Public Possession and No Bad Days, two labels of which we are firm fans. His sound draws upon a balearic legacy left behind by those who came before, beautiful pads are layered and structured alongside gracious melodies whilst the steady of rumble of drums flutters beneath. It's very easy to see why his music has been championed the way in which it has. As a dj he draws for percussive floor fillers, eclectic italo and the downright abstract. Not one to take himself too seriously his music is purpose built for dancing and this mix will have you doing just that.

The latest edition of our long running mix series features a lady close to home and close to our hearts. Chloe is our favourite, she has been for a long time having released prominently on the likes of Kill The DJ, Les Disques De La Mort and of course our very own Ransom Note Records. She's worked alongside a key number of producers and musicians and we are excited to say that there is exciting work in the pipeline as we speak. As a vocalist she has collaborated with Ruede Hagelstein and Maceo Plex and as a musician she's as talented as they come. With an impressively mesmerising live set she really is a special talent.... However, what some of you may not know is that Chloe is as sick behind the decks as she is when performing live, we don't say this lightly. This mix is a clear reflection of that as she draws for music by the likes of Das Ding, Patrick Cowley, Il Est Vilaine and more.

There has been a wave of musicians and producers to emerge from across the sea in recent times. Bobby Analog is a Northern Irish label boss and producer who has risen to prominence as of late following the launch of his own Body Fusion imprint. It is here that he has released three of his own EP's drawing upon a deep heritage based in hip hop, funk, soul and disco. It was his love for the above which inspired him to purchase a set of turntables and ever since his own musical lineage has evolved with great promise. In the present he is best known for his take on house music, which draws influence from the rough and rugged era of hip hop and street jams in the 80's and 90's. Sample orientated and jackin' by nature his music is purpose built for the dancefloor with a might kick to boot.

Often those who bubble slightly beneath the surface have the most interesting knowledge base, taste and style. Diet Clinic is a one woman project and an alias under which Kristina McCormick operates with dedication and talent. Her regular NTS show has become a staple listen within the four walls of the Ransom Note office and her taste is remarkable and off centre. Kristina is empowered and prolific, hard working and driven not only to her own success but to the success of women within electronic music across the board. This is perhaps best shown by the work she does in managing her own Weaponise Your Sound record label which has prominently featured an array of female artists including Lokier, Fantastic Twins, C.A.R, Sue Zuki and more. A compilation was released on International Women's Day earlier this year and we have been firmly promised that another awaits in the not too distant future. These are exciting times for a bubbling force within the wider electronic music community.

Hailing from the North, Laurence McAulay is a London based disc jockey who has been steadily piecing together a musical identity amidst the busy capital. He has been a steady figure in the Glasgow dance and electronic music scene for many years having founded the Vicious Creatures party series which has been hosted prominently at Sub Club across many years. More recently he has brought the longstanding venture to London where he has hosted bustling parties at The Waiting Room in East London with the likes of Job Sifre, Oceanic, Johannes Albert and Andy Blake all having joined Lárus behind the decks in his new found home. As a dj his style is broad and varied, channeling energy from the days of trance and hardcore through to the more abstract and dynamic realms of disco, bass, house and techno. Expect the unexpected and you will be sure to learn a trick or two from a man who was brought up with two feet firmly rooted on the dancefloor. We are delighted to feature him as part of our shine a light on series...

Welcome to the Hot Air Podcast for the Ransom Note. This time around I caught up with an artist who I’ve been following for some time now, but every time I hear some new output there’s always something there that’s fresh and surprising. Brian De Souza, better known as Auntie Flo, hails from Glasgow, and the city’s rich electronic music history is deeply engrained in his psyche. Originally embarking on a path rooted in house and techno, Brian quickly expanded his musical horizons to incorporate sounds and textures from all corners of the globe, pushing this broader pallet in his productions, and also via his long running club night Highlife. With a new album having just dropped on Brownswood, I stopped by his north London flat for broad ranging chat in his kitchen over a nice cup of coffee. We delved deep into his formative years growing up in Glasgow and talked about the process of putting the album together, but we started off with some surprising alternative meanings for his artist name. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

The UK is alive and well with the sound of music as an inspired array of young creatives and producers continue to push the boundaries of genre and stereotype. Contours is a producer, disc jockey and musician from Cumbria now based in Manchester, he has released music on the likes of Rhythm Section, Shall Not Fade, Banana Hill and more but it is perhaps his most recent collaboration with Cervo which is his most exciting output to date. Kawuku Sound is a musical project which saw the pair collaborate with Ugandan percussion troupe Fonkodelis Arkestra - the result a beautiful mixture of far reaching flutters of drums and electronic soundscapes. Contours knowledge runs deep and his interest in music from the far flung corners of the globe makes his own production style unique and intriguing. He delivers a mix for us this week.

Mark Flynn has been an active presence amidst electronic and dance music for many years, perhaps underrated by some we here at Ransom Note are well aware of his contribution to the genre. His own output is not prolific by any means, but timely and adept. This much is clear by the labels which have taken interest and upon which he has chosen to release his music - Permanent Vacation and Maeve, the latter of which he runs alongside Mano Le Tough and Baikal. Both imprints known for their reputable quality and his own music has fit perfectly amidst impressive back catalogues. Operating under the alias of The Drifter he acts as an unsung hero but is anything but, his own musical career is learned and based upon experience and a consistent quality.

Chile born, Buenos Aires based dj Diamin is making waves. Coming from a diverse background she has established her reputation as a fearsome selector playing lengthy sets on vinyl alongside the likes of Djs Pareja and many others. She has risen to prominence with recent appearances on the Lyon based radio station LYL Radio which has offered her a platform for two stunning mixes which were widely championed and appreciated across the board. Her music draws upon a Latin American influence and is rooted in interesting, abstract sounds which entice and delight dancefloors in an intriguing and uncompromising fashion. Diamin is one to watch, we anticipate an exciting future and good things to come.

What's that saying? Shame on you if you fool me once? Shame on me if you fool me twice? Except we aren't ashamed, we are in fact more than happy to welcome back the fabulous Serial Experiments as part of our Monday mix series. Vilmantas Pocius is better known as his alias Serial Experiments, an up and coming producer and one of the prominent members behind the whypeopledance team of which we have been a fan for many years. He knows a lot about music and has developed a wealth of knowledge whilst managing one of the most interesting and diverse music blogs in recent times. This is the second time that he has contributed to the mix series, it's easy to see why...

It's not all that often that someone comes along and catches attention with immediate effect. Katerina has found a home amidst the Comeme collective, the label and imprint run by Matias Aguayo. Having appeared previously with the odd track dotted here and there on compilations and split releases she is now ready to unveil a powerful 12" EP all of her own which punches with a sense of promise and intrigue. Living in Berlin but originating from Finland and Bulgaria she has amassed a sprawling collection of influences and this much is clear in both her production and dj sets. As a regular at Helsinki clubs Kaiku and Ääniwalli she is known for extended, lengthy sets and has the knowledge and experience to work an audience for hours at a time. We are delighted to welcome her to the Ransom Note mix series and we expect very big things are in store for Katerina.

A little while ago we stumbled across a beautiful album by an unfamiliar duo - Diamont Dancer are made up of Pau Roca & Nacho Marco and have worked together to produce some of the finest in ambient, drone and experimental in recent times. Drawing influence from the likes of Brian Eno, Alessandro Cortini and John Carpenter they have captured a sound which sits somewhere between the ethereal and the haunting, it is dreamy in parts but comes not without a sinister twist. This mix series was made very much with the purpose of showcasing music like this, Diamont Dancer as a perfect soundtrack to your Monday. Listen as they select music by Fennesz & Sakamoto, Biosphere, Sonic Youth and more.

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Hot Air podcast for the Ransom Note. This time around I spoke to a DJ who has dedicated his life to music since the early 80s. John Scheffer is a quiet and unassuming guy from The Hague, and you probably more likely to know him by his long term moniker Intergalactic Gary. From his early days buying glam rock records back in the late 70s, John has immersed himself in collecting music, and began DJing in clubs in Holland in the 80s. But, he’s never been one to jump on the latest trends, and he’s always very much followed his own path. After he hooked up with I-F in the 90s and begun putting out twisted electro records as Parallax Corporation, Scheffer’s DJ career slowly began to blossom, and these days he’s travelling the world bringing his unique blend of warped disco and techno to dancefloors on a regular basis. With John coming to London to play Hypnodrive at Rye Wax on the 28th September, I caught up with him to chart his long and varied career. It was great to pick his brain about the early days of disco and Italo in the Netherlands, and he has a great story about how acid house finally took hold after a somewhat uncertain start. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

Christian S is a mysterious force to be reckoned with - the well established disc jockey and trend setter has been a key player in the Cómeme crew for many years and has released a fine assortment of oddball dance music. His style is wild and wide ranging - this is a no holds barred contest and no genre or style is off limits. His adaptive take on dj'ing and production has allowed him to merge and manipulate worlds and in turn he has been supported by a wide number of promoters and clubs across the world. Appearances at the likes of Panoramabar, Salon Des Amatuers, De School and beyond have rendered him a consistent presence. We are delighted to welcome him as part of The Ransom Note mix series, this one is big.

Based in Berlin Natascha has existed as a consistent presence amidst the underbelly of Berlin for a while now, slowly amassing a name she has evolved from strength to strength with the firm and reputable support of the ://aboutblank crew who have helped to push her forwards and inspire. As a respected collector and a talented disc jockey she has honed her skills with hard earned practise and presence. Most recently signed to On Board she is now seeking to further her progression and opportunity as an emerging artist with an exciting and promising future... Her tastes are far reaching and wide, her selection clinical and precise, her ability to rock the sh*t out of a club very much undeniable. We are delighted to be able to welcome her to contribute as part of our mix series which showcases the very best in new talent and emerging music. She steps up with a statement of intent, vinyl only and really very good.

Matt is a British composer who has emerged with a flourish over the last few years, describing his music as "Classical Dream Pop" he has been critically praised for his musical integrity and output which has most recently seen him release an album on Injazero. The label has acted as a safe haven for those which dabble between the abstract, the experimental, electronic and classical music - it makes a perfect fit for the singular and wide ranging approach Matt Emery has applied to his musical expression. There is an element of intrigue as to what might come next for the up and coming musician but we feel excited by the prospect of a new avenue... As a result we invited him to contribute to our Monday mix series, an ambient focussed affair. He picks music by the likes of Throwing Snow, Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper and even delivers an exclusive rendition of one of his own tracks.

There are very few disc jockeys in the UK or even the world who can be said to have had as longstanding a legacy as Domenic Capello. As one of the most reputable resident dj's in the world alongside his counterpart James Harrigan he has amassed a reputation as a fearless selector and an infamous party starter. Harri & Dom have been at it for decades, the pair have championed Saturday nights in the Sub Club since long before a generation and continue to remain two of the very best at keeping the floor moving and the dancers happy. Playing everything from disco to house, electro to techno and whatever ever else works down in that basement the pair have been keeping the party alive for over twenty years on Saturday night. We are honoured to welcome Dom to our series...

We've been quietly watching the career of Djedjotronic from afar for some time, he has evolved as an artist and has emerged from the big room bonanza with a unique and singular sound which has been well supported and praised. Along the way he has collaborated with some of the most influential in dance and electronic music including the likes of Miss. Kittin and Cardopusher. He has released most prominently on Boys Noize Records and is now set to release his debut full length album which showcases his talent in a new light. A few weeks ago we premiered a collaborative reimagination of Gary Numan's track "Are Friends Electric" in collaboration with Lokier... It's a sign of good things to come...

Over here at Ransom Note you don't have gto be a big fish to get involved. Good music is good music is good music and that's all that matters in all honesty. This is why when a man like Philipp approaches us with a mix of wonderful music and a smile to match we take notice. Based in Berlin he is a disc jockey on the rise who is playing parties regularly amidst a close knit circle of friends - he has moulded a collection of tracks in a precise and intricate manner with imaginative twists and turns along the way. He even picked one of our records in there, what a gentleman. Anyway, here to brighten up your Wednesday is a dance floor focused mix with a bang.

Next up we invite two friends of Ransom Note - longstanding and truly important to London's cultural community on a grand scale they have each played a key role in pushing dance music forward in the capital. Dan Beaumont is perhaps best known as the founder of Dance Tunnel and Dalston Superstore but behind the booth he has long since established himself as a fearsome selector having appeared at the likes of Panoramabar and beyond. His Chapter 10 party series is one of the best recognised and consistent in the city... Wes Baggaley is a disc jockey with a muscular stature who has become an icon of sorts amidst the LGBTQ community. He knows how to party and sure as hell knows what works well in the club... We are delighted to be able to showcase a set from the pair recorded live a few weeks back - lock in, it gets real.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys in the exploration of music is in the discovery of something completely new, an introduction is all that it takes and this is how we stumbled upon the output of Ross Khmil, a producer who has just released a tape on Detroit based record label Hellscape Recordings. It was they who shared his latest offering with us here at Ransom Note - from the get go we knew that it would be wrong not to invite him to contribute to our Monday mix series. He does so in fine style as he delivers a collection of music and tracks, many of which are exclusives from his part, alongside music from friends overseas. This one has all the good stuff.

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Hot Air podcast. This time around we bring you a conversation with Danny Berman, better known as Red Rack’Em. Danny’s been in this game for over a decade now, steadily plying his trade tracing the lines between house music and broken beats. But a couple of years back he had a huge hit with his track Wonky Bassline Disco Banger, which became the unexpected smash of the year, and was the biggest selling dance vinyl of 2016. Now, while he was already earning his living off DJing, that record sent him on a trajectory that saw him playing all over the world doing three shows a weekend, and spending his life hopping from one flight to another. In this conversation we took an in depth look at the ins and outs of the higher echelons of the music scene, and I loved how open and honest Danny was about the way this made him see the world, and the effects this had on his mental health and wellbeing. Having just moved back to the UK after an 8 year stint in Berlin, it was great to chat with Danny tracing his musical and emotional journey, and to hear his enduring enthusiasm for music still shining through.

There remains a core undercurrent of promoters and disc jockeys beneath the murky undergrowth of London and the musical community that sits within. Inner Totality is a party with which many will be familiar and is run by Rónán Morrissey. The series has been running for a couple of years now and has played host to some of the most innovative selectors in electronic music and beyond with the likes of Pender Street Steppers, Ramzi, PLO Man and many more all having featured. It's of little surprise that Rónán himself is a man of excellent taste and keen musicality, he draws upon a wealth of influence and moves between sound along the way. We invited him to contribute to the series. @innertotality

Next month Rhythm Section International will release an album from Australian three man outfit Retiree. The long form assortment of abstract cuts and intriguing twists has a conceptual nature and has allowed the group to focus on a variety of themes whilst exploring the deinition of "house" and "home". The group is made up of Matt Crowley, Tori Holleman and Marco Vella who each compose various elements on the new forthcoming LP. Bradley Zero, the man behind Rhythm Section, has long since formed a close bond with the Australian musical community and has regularly championed upcoming artists from the country. Their appearance makes sense. We invited the group to record a mix for us which features music by the likes of Visible Cloaks, Gerry Read and Tori Holleman.

We like odd. We liked weird. We like fun. These are all things which float our boat here at Ransom Note headquarters, that's why this next mix comes in the form of a magnificent duo from Belgium with whom we have developed a fascination in recent times. Asa Moto is the pairing of Gilles Noë & Oliver Geerts - together they make abstract dance and electronic music with a deep, warped personality which always leaves you wanting more. Their music has been heavily championed on DEEWEE, the mysterious imprint run by Soulwax. Most recently the pair have released the "Playtime" EP which is an exotic, sweeping collection of intriguing lyrics and woozy synth workouts.

Kristian Craig Robinson has been a familiar face amidst the London musical community for many years having released a sprawling back catalogue of music on the likes of XL Recordings, Planet Mu and Faith & Industry. He has long been acclaimed for his contribution to experimental electronic music and has remained a key figure amidst the local community working in various studios and under the guise of various projects. Until recently he was involved in the running of the studio operating out of the Total Refreshment Centre. Last month marked the release of a new album which he unveiled on his own label, the release was titled "Goatherder" and was a tripped out journey between abstract soundscapes and ethereal experimentalism. We invited him to record a Monday mix for us.

For a long time now Medlar has acted as a figurehead of British house music - channeling a spirit and an ethos which draws upon influence from overseas and the days of New York and Chicago amidst a golden era. He has released a sprawling back catalogue of music on the likes of Wolf Music, Riverette and Delusions Of Grandeur. His music is often a nod to the principles of the genre and as a disc jockey he draws for a raw blend of funk, soul, disco and house which is hard to contest once lost upon the dancefloor in the small hours. Ever one to get the floor moving we pick up with him in the midst of summer for a session of dance and intrigue.

Let's get weird on a Friday as we invite the wonderful Olive T from the mean streets of New York City to contribute to a special edition of the Ransom Note Mix series. A fine selector she has contributed with style to the likes of the Truants mix series and Discwoman. She has also established herself as a firm presence on the airwaves with appearances on the likes of Radar Radio, Brooklyn Radio and more. Her tastes are far reaching and her musical presentation can feature anything from house to hip hop, jazz to techno, funk, soul, disco and beyond. A true dj and an aspiration in the booth this one is worth strapping in for...

A couple of weekends back David Barbarossa opened proceedings for the likes of Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Pointer Sisters and several others. It's safe to say that if you've been trusted with such a role then you must have a thing or two going for you behind the booth. The longstanding Glaswegian disc jockey is a bit of a legend in the North, a committed purveyor of the finest funk, soul, disco, house and beyond. If you were to ask a fair proportion of the city as to who was the best on home soil then we'd be prepared to bet that David would come up trumps. From humble, low key roots and late nights in dive bars through to the big stage and acclaim of Moodymann he is what some might call a dj's favourite dj. No pretension, no fuss - just great music.

On a Monday we like to navigate our way through the remains of the weekend via the soundtrack of ambient, soundscapes, ethereal melodies and a softer tone. It is for this reason that we have decided to nominate Emilie Levienaise - Farrouch to contribute to the latest in our ever evolving musical mix series as she delivers an uneasy accompaniment to your Monday afternoon. The French, London based producer and composer is perhaps best known for her work on various film scores. However, she is soon set to release a new album on 130701, the post classical sub label of FatCat Records. She draws upon a wealth of musical knowledge and experience to guide us through a beautiful journey...

There is very little information about Sports Casual, that's the way we like it so we don't intrude too much. All we know is that this mix bangs, grooves and meanders it's way through the ethereal into new break territory. UK inspired with a love for Scouse House, the deep and mystic beyond. There's nothing like a good mysterious alias so we'll let them do the talking...

Based in South Queensferry, Scotland - Ben Chatwin is a producer and musician whom has been naturally drawn towards the abstract, the ethereal and the darkness of ambient soundscapes. This month he will release a new album which is titled "Staccato Signals" - a moody deep rooted collection of tracks which casts a hypnotic spell. He has been releasing music for nine years both under his own name and as Talvihorros - each outing has allowed him to expand upon an intricate lineage of musical development and self exploration. Blending elements of the acoustic with electronic he has asserted himself as a singular connoisseur. Happy Monday!

Now here's a turn up for the books. We don't tend to do this terribly often but in certain circumstances we ask some of our favourite disc jockeys to return to the fold, to deliver the undeliverable and see if they can surpass themselves. Sano has appeared as part of our longstanding mix series previously but it felt apt and humble to invite him back once more. With releases on the likes of Comeme, Public Possession and having just appeared on the Bawrut remix EP for Ransom Note Records he is in more demand than ever before. Now based in Barcelona but originiating from Colombia we are delighted to have him here once more as he delivers an eclectic mix which blends elements of house, funk, soul, disco and percussion in a flamboyant show of force.

It's hot as hell and we have a mix which is set to bang your midweek into oblivion. Scott Fraser is a Glaswegian expat based in London who has long been a friend of Ransom Note. With more than a few tales to tell he has been a pivotal figure in dance and electronic music within the capital for many a year and has consistently supported the underground. As the founder of Crimes Of The Future alongside Timothy J Fairplay his label released music by the likes of Vercetti Technicolor, Mystic Bill, Black Merlin, Betonkust, Innershades and more whilst as a producer he himself has appeared on the likes of Emotional Especial and World Unknown. However, it is perhaps the Body Hammer party series for which he is best known - a longstanding night which he has run and championed alongside Joe Hart. The party remains focused on the rough, the raw and the real. A rare feat amidst the commercial capital. Next weekend Body Hammer will appear on the Ransom Note/ Optimo & Friends stage at Farr, we are delighted to have them on board.

Black Acre has become a stable home for the musical output of the producer who travels under the name of PRAYER. The producer has established himself as a singular thinker and his music reflects a distinct narrative which allows him to experiment with the abstract, the ethereal and the futuristic. His music sits somewhere between the heady drive of rave and the cut and screwed soundscapes associated with the most dream like elements of ambient music and beyond. It's beautiful yet menacing, elegant yet robust at times. In the coming months he is set to return with more fresh new music and we would hotly anticipate his rise across the next little while. One to watch.

Over the past few years it really has been delightful watching Jane Fitz receive the rightful praise she has deserved for a long time. As a key figure in the British dance and electronic music scene she has worked hard to assert herself as one of the most important selectors and disc jockeys on the circuit and longstanding residencies at the likes of Freerotation and Night Moves have helped cement her place. In the booth she spins an eclectic mix of house, techno, ambient, acid and the abstract. Her sets weave between style, genre and pace in an intriguing fashion as she guides dancers into the small hours. With sets at the likes of Panoramabar, Tresor, Concrete and more all under her belt you can bet your last dollar that this one will bang with precision and eloquence. Jane Fitz will appear at Love International next week, the Croatian festival will take place at The Garden in Tisno from the 27th of June.

Based out of Lyon Arthur Galliot has established himself as one of the French city's most interesting disc jockeys and producers across the past couple of years. As the founder of the Light On Earth imprint he has released two eclectic EP's which meander between the realms of deep house, breaks and tribal - he has helped to breathe life into the city's electronic music scene alongside a number of counterparts. Weaving between elements of disco, soul, funk, house, techno and rave he has amassed a far reaching reputation and his music has helped channel a new string of creatives and peaked interest in the city on the river.

Based in Berlin Salto Honduras might be a familiar face to some - this summer see's him dance between various destinations across the city bringing with him great music and fun galore. We use this 'shine a light' series to showcase the best in unsung talent, new faces and those that breathe the life into our great culture. An eclectic selector Salto boasts great taste as he draws upon elements of krautrock, punk, disco, house and techno all within the far reaching focus of the dancefloor and the night. We invited him to contribute to our series and he does so in fine style picking tracks with a rugged edge and a euphoric climax.

Florian Stöffelbauer digs deep. Not one to bow to trends and fanciful fads he knows his shit. Real abstract electronics for the clubs and dancefloors with a twist. The Discus Throwers founder has worked tirelessly for years showcasing the best in raw, rugged, forward thinking music and has used his shop to help push and promote up and coming artists unafraid to experiment and challenge. Discus Throwers has long been regarded as a reliable outlet for cutting edge material... However, it was not until he joined forces with Simon Heidemann to launch the Neubau label that things really began to escalate fast... Now an imprint of distinct consistency and dependability he has aided in the release of music by the likes of Leo James, Aufgang B, Mr Ho and more. Then there is his own musical affair - collaborations on ESP Institute and edits on Berceuse Heroique. Heap is a champion..

A dark and mysterious figure lurks behind the booth under the heat of the midnight hour in the back room of one of Berlin's most flamboyant clubs.... Homeboy is a Berlin based producer and disc jockey and is a co founder of the infamous imprint House Is OK which has released music by the likes of Roman Flugel, Kornel Kovacs, TCB and many more. He has also etablished a fierce residency at Salon Zur wilden Renate, an institution which is experiencing a new lease of life thanks to the hard work of an invaluable team behind the scenes. Originating from Zagreb he spent many years amidst the Croatian capital spinning between parties and expanding upon his musical education. All roads led to Germany and in the present he remains one of the most intriguing disc jockeys in the city.

Roll up roll up, thou art about to enter the murky depths of the underground. Unit Moebius was once described as as Europe's only true answer to Underground Resistance - a bold claim but not one so far from the truth. The Hague has played a key sound in developing a weighty catalogue of producers and rogue agents whom have released music not for fame, profit or promise but for the sheer brass neck of it and the love. Ferenc E. van der Sluijs, Guy Tavares, Jan Duivenvoorden, Menno Van Os, Richard Van Den Bogaert were the founding fathers of the project but in the present day Jan Duivenvoorden is the sole entity behind the beast. This weekend we will be joined by Unit Moebius in The Hague for the launch party of The Crave festival in what is set to be a celebration of the West Coast sound. We are delighted to host an exclusive live set recorded at The Crave ADE special in OT301.

Daniela Caldellas is a Brazilian producer based in Barcelona who has embarked upon an intriguing electronic escapade. She has previously appeared on Hotflush however her latest release on the well recognised Permanent Vacation record label saw her up the gears with an emboldened style and a distinct identity. Having grown up with punk she since evolved into the world of electronics, however she brings with her a raw aesthetic and an eclectic edge which definitely still nods towards her past roots. The Terr project was founded in 2016 and it looks as though she might be about to attract wider attention off the back of her latest work. One to watch we think.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating facets of working for a magazine like ours is in stumbling upon music that you have never heard before being played by an unfamiliar face. This is fundamentally the reason that we all became interested in the first place, unfamiiar faces playing unfamiliar music. Last month Kate Harahan played at our record shop in Forest Gate as part of a day curated by Nadia Ksaiba, she surprised us with her intricate selection and demonstrated a vast array of musical knowledge and understanding. Based in Edinburgh, music isn't her first line of work, more so a labour of love which she manages to weave amidst maternity reflexology and yoga. We invited her to deliver a mix as part of our Monday series and she does so in fine style selecting music by the likes of Witch, Hitomi Tohyama, Mike Burns and more.

Marcus Marr remains a pivotal figure in the wider realm of dance music having become a firmly established figure associated with the likes of DFA and beyond. His sound sees him blend intriguing elements of post punk, indie and rock alongside house, techno and electronic influences. He has worked prominently as a disc jockey for many years and has travelled the world as a result having made regular appearances at the likes of Panorama Bar, Razzmatazz and Good Room in New York. He has also collaborated with the likes of Chet Faker and has established a succesful presence within both the underground and current dance industry. He has just collaborated with a number of disc jockeys on a new remix EP of his work "Familiar Five" with the likes of Prosumer, Justin Van Der Volgen, Gerd Janson and Ara Koufax all featuring.

From time to time we are presented with a mix which takes us by surprise, in this day and age everyone's a dj... However, then there are those who can pick and choose with the utmost precision, Ty Abiodun is one. He reached out to us early this year with a humble email, a mix attached and a reccomendation from a previous upload. We were wholeheartdely impressed by the music he presented and were instantly keen to include him in our 'shine a light on' series. This site has never been about the biggest names but about showcasing musicality and talent from whichever source it might appear from. As a graphic designer by day Ty Abiodun simply has a deeply rooted love of music... it shows.

Ah, the post weekend blues. The abstract feeling of loneliness and sadness as you return from fond adventures and back to the world of work. However, fear not for a Monday can be a blessing in disguise, especially one as soundtracked as beautifully as this. We are delighted to welcome the ambient and eclectic tastes of Tryst to our series - a husband and wife duo from London with an impressive taste in electronic music and the realms of odd. This mix features a sprawling array of aural accompaniments for the weary and the tired including tracks by H. Takahashi, Minilogue and Space Afrika. It also features new music from the pair who are set to release their debut release as a duo on Apparel Tronic later this month...

It's funny to think that Richard Sen has been so prevalent amidst the electronic music community for so long given that he remains such a focused presence on the edge of the underground and cutting edge communities. His music is timeless and channels a vast array of influences and structures. Sporadic, wild and free he has never been one to be tamed, placed in a box and told how to play. From his youthful days spent painting ths mean streets of London through to his acid laden take on old school club music he has amassed a reputation as one of the best in Britain. Recent outings on the likes of Emotional [Especial] and Firehouse only demonstrate his immense talent even more.

Here is a familiar face for the London crew... Will Lister is slowly but steadily amassing a reputation as a bit of a production mogul with his jazzy, luxurious take on house which has been featured on the likes of Phonica Records, Joy In Repetition and most recently on a new split EP on ANMA Records. His sound sees him blend jazzy excursions with club focused production which sits somewhere between the intricate sounds emerging from Peckham at the present and the full scale orchestration of Floating Points. Packed with musicality he appears to be a rising talent and a man very much in demand. One to watch in the coming years. We invited him to contribute to our 'shine a light on' mix series and he has delivered in fine style. He will also be appearing at Farr Festival this summer so keep your eyes peeled.

This has been a long time coming, and probably overdue. Brian Not Brian is a well known and familiar face, as one of the founders behind Going Good he has been involved in an array of fine releases. Him and Sal have been responsible for distributing music by the likes of Nummer, Moon B, Cosmic Handshakes, The Mystic Jungle Tribe and a sprawling catalogue of others. As a disc jockey he is regarded in exceptionally high esteem, we aren't fans of the somewhat cliched "selectors" phrase but suffice to say he digs deep. Last year he appeared on our stage at Farr Festival alongside Jayda G and the pair of them just about took the roof off the stage. We are delighted to have him finally deliver a mix for the site.

Next up is the fantastic duo Kiara Scuro. A pair of London based ladies who are taking the city by storm. Rosie and Nadia are steadily making waves as they embark upon a musical voyage which is bound to see them travel far. The pair have exceptional taste which is perhaps best showcased via their appearances on Balamii Radio. Together they play an eclectic array of electronic music which spans a magnificently wide breadth - from new wave to post punk, electro to house, synth escapades to abstract techno and so much more. They meander between genres and styles with exceptional style and grace. These two are the real deal. We invited them to contribute to our ever growing mix series as they deliver an assortment of music which they describe as a representation of 'dark desires'.

Hello and welcome to another episode of the hot air podcast for the Ransom Note. This time around we bring you a conversation from the exceptionally talented DJ and Producer Marcos Cabral. Marcos is probably best known for his many excellent releases with Ron Morelli’s L.I.E.S. records, but that’s only part of his story. His discography is deep and varied, with releases going back to 2003, and he’s been a key player in the rave scene in his native New York for even longer. This episode is short but sweet, and we cover some pretty varied territory including his early days as a teen disco DJ in a holiday resort, to running raves in his loft apartment in upstate New York, and the highs and lows of balancing a day job with a career in music. Marcos has just dropped a new record on Dimensions, which really showcases the breadth of his production style, so make sure you check that out.

Yasssssss. Roll up, roll up as the next feature in our illustrious mix series comes from a familiar face. Dj Karl Karlson is one of the men behind the Feelings institution, a series of parties turned record label come record show he has been steadily involved in the production of some of the best parties in the capital across the last few years. As a disc jockey he plays a broad spectrum which is perhaps best showcased on the regular Feelings radio show on Rinse FM whilst the record label is utilised to focus on club focused derivatives. So far the likes of both Kasra V and Keith Lorraine have appeared on the up and coming imprint. We have been a fan of Karl's for quite some time now and it is about time we hit the spotlight over here.

There's something to be said for a mix which takes you off guard, we receive a lot of submissions. However, when this one landed in the inbox there was a sense of intrigue behind the sender, a well versed producer and disc jockey who has been active in dance and electronic music for many years. Based in Munich he first began to play records in 1987, hip hop and disco took the focus of his musical trajectory but this was soon to be replaced by house and the new wave of electronics which swept its way across Germany. During the nineties he ran a label alongside J.P Hulin called Global Rhythm Records - the music released fetches extravagant sums on Discogs and remains as relevant some twenty years later. Johnny O is The Wolf.

London is observing an interesting spell within which an array of new disc jockeys and producers are emerging from beneath the underground. Iona is a familiar face, with great hair to go alongside. For a long time she has grafted whilst establishing an intricate array of taste within electronic music and its really great to see her reaping the benefits of her hard work. As a regular at Field Maneuvers, Rye Wax and more she has cemented herself within the core musical community of the city and has upped the stakes. Her musical tastes span the realms of house, disco, techno and beyond as she enters the ring no holds barred. We are delighted to invite her to feature as part of our 'shine a light on' series, one to watch, no doubt. @iona-noise

We welcome a prolific figure from amidst the electronic music community whom has remained a consistent presence and a powerhouse of production for many years. Having released a variety of music on Phantasy he has established himself as one of the most respected producers in the business with great taste in records to boot. From futuristic soundscapes to magnificent adaptability for the clubs he is an excellent all rounder whom perhaps deserves more acclaim than is sometimes granted. He delivers a mix which sees him blend experimental club orientated music with an abstract, forward thinking perspective.

Next up is a familiar face whom has worked closely with some of our favourite labels. Bézier is a multi disciplined musician who works behind the scenes of Honey Soundsystem whilst releasing music on Dark Entries as well. As a disc jockey he is a fierce talent, chopping and changing between rugged house, post punk, new wave, eclectic soundscapes and so much more. He has established himself as a prominent presence upon the electronic music circuit and his new album on Dark Entries is a deep and meditative statement of intent. We invited him to record a mix for us, he delivers an absolute screamer clocking in at two hours.

Originating from Pennsylvania, Goldmund is the alias of Keith Kenniff, a producer whom has received critical acclaim for his contemporary take on modern electronic music and neo classical. He has been recognised alongside the likes of Hauschka, Dustin O’Hallora and many more and has been enterprisingly busy to boot. This month marks the release of a new album on Western Vinyl, titled "Occasus" the album draws upon few elements and blends carefully timed instrumentation to create an effect which is far bigger than anticipated. We invited him to deliver a mix, whilst not strictly a disc jockey he goes deep through influential elements of his musical progression and takes us on a wild existential journey.

On a Friday we like to turn things up a notch. Adam Marshall is the Toronto born, Berlin based, producer and founder behind New Kanada Records: an imprint with a keen sense of identity and a fine sense of selection. As a disc jockey Adam himself maintains many of the same attributes and is regarded incredibly highly behind the wheels of steel. His sets span the breadth of house, techno, ambient and electro and he tends to bring the heat more often than not. His production qualities speak volumes and this has been displayed on the likes of Maeve, Thema, Kuji and of course on his own label. Do not underestimate the technical capabilities, Adam is a special DJ.

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Hot Air podcast. This time around we have a conversation with a very special DJ who, over the years, has had a huge impact on not only the Drum & Bass scene, with which they are mainly connected, but on electronic music as a whole. But, as well as this, our guest today played a big part in my own journey and was hugely influential on me as I was first getting into dance music many years ago, so this is a very special one for me on a personal level too. Jayne Conneely, better known as DJ Storm, was one half of the iconic duo Kemistry and Storm who were at the forefront of the scene that became known as Drum & Bass. As we will hear they met at college in the small provincial town where they grew up but the friendship they built went on to become a working partnership that would see them co-found the seminal label Metalheadz with Goldie and become two of the most prominent DJs in the scene. When Kemi sadly passed away after a car accident in 1999, Jayne had to rebuild her career after losing her closest friend. After lots of blood sweat and tears, DJ Storm is going from strength to strength, once again is topping bills all over the world. After all her years in the game I was struck with the level of love and enthusiasm Jayne still has for this music. She was instantly warm and friendly, and had so many stories about her journey from her early days in Kettering, through to moving to London, playing pirate radio, the birth of Metalheadz and loads more. I just want to thank our friends at Rye Wax in Peckham, who kindly gave us a space to record, so shouts to you guys for that.

Now here's a friendly, familiar face ready to welcome you on the most horrible day of the week. No it's not Monday but hump day and that's even worse... Harry James remains perhaps one of the most crucial figures in musical programming amidst the backbeat of London's clubbing and gig community. As the founder of SC&P he has helped champion a sound from within the murky basement of The Waiting Room and into beyond. Often ahead of the curve he has always held one ear firmly to the pulse of the city and has been influential in bringing through new up and coming artists and talent. As a disc jockey he remains a pivotal figure, they say a resident has the toughest job.... We invited him to take us on a whirlwind tour of his record collection as he steps up with a delightful mix.

For a long time now we have been championing the music of Ears Have Eyes, an imprint with a firm affiliation with Ransom Note and managed by two all round lovely gentlemen. Run by Murun B and Ivor E, the imprint has released a steady stream on interesting electronics with the likes of Snapped Ankles, Losian, FYI Chris, Chocky and Tilman all having appeared since 2012. They also have a regular show on Balamii Radio which showcases local talent and a well crafted, intricate taste in music which the pair have become associated with. The pair have recently collaborated on a new EP for the imprint, a lovely assortment of elegant deep house and technical wizardry.

Now it's time to welcome an unsung hero of sorts. Some might know Margie from her role at Rush Hour in Amsterdam where she continues to work on press and in the curation of the 'House Of Music' magazine. As a disc jockey she has amassed a firm array of knowledge learnt across many years and she digs deeper than most. Bending the narrative between genres she is not one to be pigeon holed and her show on Red Light Radio demonstrates this in fine style. She weaves a tale of musicality through storytelling, an intricate presentation of sound and experience. We are delighted to be able to welcome her to our Ransom Note mix series, something which we've been trying to accommodate for far, far too long. She contributes in fine style with a blend of house, electronics and beyond.

The reissue game is stronger than ever. It's competitive, fierce and yet incredibly rewarding if executed correctly. A number of record labels have rose to prominence as a result of re-releasing forgotten gems, limited pressings and rare gold for which some had exclusively paid a fortune for previously. Dualismo Sound Records is a label based out of Italy and is run by Andrea Dallera aka G Spara. The imprint focuses on reissuing Italian dance music across all genres and has a penchant for funk, soul, disco and italo. Last year marked the first release on the record label, a rare EP which featured two tracks from Paolo Zavallone & His Orchestra recorded during the 1970's. It was a strong and certain statement by a label which seems to be moving very much in the right direction. We invited the label founder Andrea to deliver us a mix, and the result does not disappoint. An all Italian mix which features only the finest funk, soul, disco and beyond.

Lehult has moved from strength to strength since it was first brought to life back in 2014. The label run by Dj Assam and his friends has established itself a sound which sits somewhere between the playful elements of house and abstract electronics. Together the crew have released music by the likes of Johan Kaseta, Liem, Tony Rainwater and many more. Dj Assam has remained a strong presence behind the label having helped guide the path and musical direction across a number of years. He himself has released several times on the label and remains a figurehead behind the 'sound'. Now based in Berlin he has taken some time out to record a mix which represents both himself and the label.

Earlier this year marked the announcement of a newly launched record label from the Paris based maestro Geena, a producer whom has amassed a reputation for his intriguing, ethereal take on house and club music. Antinote, the record label run by Zaltan, has largely been responsible for helping his career to date having released five of his EP's since 2013, many of which have been widley supported and heavily played. Now as he approaches a new chapter in his career we have invited him to contribute to our mix series, it's long overdue. The first release forthcoming on Worldwide Zen is a self release under his own name of Nicolas Molina.

A familiar face with an unfamiliar sound.... That is the agenda for the latest edition of the Monday mix series as we invite Jimpster to contribute to our ever growing series. The Freerange Records boss remains a stalwart of the dance and electronic music scene having released a healthy assortment of music across some twenty odd years. His record label remains a consistent staple of house, disco and techno with Freerange having released music by the likes of Tony Lionni, Demuja, Detroit Swindle, Hanna and many more. Whilst Jimpster isn't stereotypically known for his take on ambient music we leapt at the prospect of him delivering an alternative mix of eclectic selections.

There are few as fun as this man. That could be taken in a number of ways but it's the absolute truth, from the music he makes to his long wispy hair and his exceptional taste in records. As a disc jockey he remains unrivalled in his selection process and his ability to keep a party rocking from dusk til' dawn, there are few who can do it with as much style and carefree gravitas as Jonny. Since 2005 he has also been a mysterious figure in the studio, releasing music on a sprawling array of labels including Fleeting Wax, Bahnsteig 23, Oye Edits and beyond. A firm favourite from all concerned at Ransom Note we are wholeheartedly delighted to be able to have him contribute to our honourable mix series. In fine style...

Now then, what have we here? Morgan Hammer remains an understated force beneath the surface of electronic music, a tried and tested disc jockey and one half of the dynamic duo She Made Monster alongside Lokier. She's previously released music on Optimo Trax and her influence amidst the Barcelona club culture scene remains prominent. Not one to take things lightly she blurs the lines between oddball foor to the floor house and techno alongside excursions in electro, post punk, new wave and beyond. Purposeful and dynamic her sets are rugged yet beautifully enchanting. We invited her to deliver a mix for Ransom Note, an outing which is long overdue given her affiliations with some of our favourites. One to watch and take note.

Franklin De Costa has flown mainly under the radar for a long time now, but he’s long been a favourite of electronic music fans who love to delve a little deeper. Hailing from Berlin, he’s been releasing music under a variety of monikers for well over a decade and he’s always charted his own course. Alongside his production work, Franklin also promotes the Mothers Finest night where he’s been able to continue to push the weirder, more non-conformist corners of techno and bass music. With the likes of Hodge as a resident and acts such as DJ Bone, Laurel Halo, and Machine Woman amongst his bookings you can see that they like to follow the path less trodden. With a new Mudkid album coming soon, and the 5th Birthday celebrations for Mothers Finest fast approaching, I caught up with Franklin over skype on a chilly Sunday afternoon. We had a broad ranging chat covering berlin winters, his creative process and how social media is changing the way the electronic music scene exists, for better and for worse.

As if by chance, we stumbled across the path of C. Diab and it was meant to be. The Vancouver based musician is perhaps one of the most definitive yet unsung heroes of modern day ambient and eclecticism. His dream like soundscapes are the stuff of magic, his music whimsical and transcendent. As a bowed guitarist and trumpeter he has captured the essence of both abstract pain and beauty in equal measure, his music has been received to critical acclaim both far and wide. It is hard to definie the musical association by which it might be best to place him alongside, perhaps that's part of the bauty in itself. We invited him to contribute to our Monday mix series and he returned his results overnight. A beautiful way to start the week...

Ever the master of reinvention Austin Ato has more than a trick or two held up his crafty sleeve. Colin's latest alias first emerged back in 2016 before going on to release two strong, singular EP's on both Phonica White and Futureboogie. His music is a subtle blend of colourful house, layered with percussion and intricate samples which send us back to the nostalgic days of Chicago and bygone dancefloors. As a disc jockey he is well versed, he is able to draw upon a wealth of experience and knowledge learnt across a fruitful career which has seen him travel and play at clubs around the world. A familiar face to some, a new candidate for others, Austin Ato is one to watch as he breathes new life. We are delighted to welcome him to our expansive mix series ahead of his appearance at Love Saves The Day later this year. @austin-ato

London is awash with parties, promoters and peddlers. Only the very best rise to the top amidst an increasingly saturated market, it requires individuality, a sense of understanding and ultimately it requires skill. commune has been run by Josh Thomas and Will Edge (alongside Alex Powis and James Rice) for four years now and has played host to an array of guests, however, more recently the pair have adopted the guise as disc jockeys in their own right and have taken the name further than ever before. With a regular show on Balamii they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the booth. This amidst running events, which includes club nights to film screenings, ensures they stay agile and at the very forefront of dance music and culture in the capital. Oh, and they have a studio too. We invited Josh and Will aka Noah Hope and Billson, to contribute to our mix series as we showcase their talent and talk shop.

This one is a bit special. When it comes to writing introductory text for mixes we often have a rough idea as to the personality behind the music, however in this case we have absolutely none. Trux is a mysterious persona who has revealed virtually nothing as to his background or roots. The music speaks for itself, a mini LP on Office Recordings emerged back in 2016 and received a nod of the head from the wider electronic music community. A cult classic of sorts with an oddball edge. Now two years ago later Trux is back, a new release and a new channel. "Orbiter" is forthcoming on abstract imprint Avenue 66. Trux has very kindly recorded a mix for us. No interview.

Roll up, roll up, roll up! Strap yourself in as Glasgow via Perth is about to get down... Craigie Knowes is a record label which has amassed a reputation for furious club cuts purpose built for the dancefloor, all with a smile and the shake of a hand. Since 2015 the label has released a prolific array of music from the likes of Dj Overdose, Deep Space Orchestra, Natureboy Gold, Textasy and more. Beyond this they have also released two stellar compilations in support of the charity War Child of which the likes of Legowelt, Shanti Celeste, Move D and Yoshinori Hayashi all supported and featured. This is an imprint with a distinct sense of self and a humility which can sometimes be hard to find within dance music and the associated culture. We here at Ransom Note are firm supporters. The pair have stepped up to deliver a heavy hitting mix designed to make you move.

There is no need to be afraid of the darkness outside or the work which lurks within for we here at Ransom Note have you covered. Meditation is key and we are here to deliver an exclusive mix of abstract temptaions and ethereal bliss by up and coming duo Cave Paintings. They have recorded a mix of stunning poetic cohesion which will help to ease you into the week, igniting and inspirational. The duo have selected an array of intriguing music from the likes of Happy Meals, Thunder Tillman, Floating Points, Fontan, Coil and many more. The mix is broken into four segments, each piecing together the narrative for a better week.

There is a wealth of new music to be discovered online, The Sonic Emporium is the latest in our never ending quest to explore the beyond. As a producer and disc jockey his music has been supported by the likes of Richard Norris, Ewan Pearson, Slam, Jori Hulkkonen and Daniel Avery. He has also invested a significant amount of time in sound exploration curating a carefully run website which showcases new music and champions up and coming talent. In the coming months he will release his debut album as part of a project called "The World In Winter" - a far removed piece of work from his excursions into dance music. In celebration of this it seemed apt and wise to ask him to contribute to our ever growing Monday mix series and he does so in fine style.

For many years Javi Redondo has remained a consistent presence within the underground electronic music culture of Spain. Both as a disc jockey and producer he has evolved with delicate precision his sound drawing upon a range of deeply rooted elements and fundamentals. His music has been firmly supported by the likes of Dixon, Ben UFO, Laurent Garnier, John Talabot, Erol Alkan, Mano Le Tough, Ivan Smagghe and more... He has maintained residencies at the likes of Sport and Mondo Disko and has since evolved his international presence gracing the likes of Panorama Bar and beyond. As a producer he has appeared most prominently on Correspondant, the record label run by the pioneering force of Jennifer Cardini. He has made several appearances on the label across a number of years and this summer he will grace the stage at Nuits Sonores as part of a specially curated date by Jennifer herself.

Over the last ten years Huntleys & Palmers has developed a level of consistency which is difficult to contest. The record label, run by Andrew Thomson, has been responsible for excursions by some of the most influential forces in dance and electronic music in the present. Helena Hauff, Sophie, Hi & Saberhagen and Mehmet Aslan all owe a due of gratitude in some capacity to Andrew as a tastemaker and a believer. The label has acted as an incubator for up and coming talent and has remained a powerful foce amidst the community. As a disc jockey Andrew has been lucky to ride prominently upon the coat-tails of the label and is widely travelled. Appearances across Europe and beyond have allowed him to develop an innovative presence behind the wheels of steel with each mix forming a deeply singular path from which came before. A dj's, dj if you will.

There are very few as innovative and humble as Sascha Funke, a revered producer, disc jockey and all round gentleman. Since 1999 he has helped push electronic music forwards in more ways than he is perhaps accredited for. Releases on the likes of Kompakt, BPitch and Cadeux helped establish him as a reckonable force amidst a time in which dance music underwent an interesting transitional spell. His sound has evolved with age: exploring the roots between experimental electronics, minimal, house and ambient he has established himself as a figurehead for respectability and his recent output has continued to demonstrate this as such. Last year marked the release of a new album on Endless Flight and followed on from EP's on Multi Culti and Turbo. We are delighted to be able to feature him as part of our mix series, a warm favourite amidst the Ransom Note gang

A fresh faced wave of new talent has steadily blossomed amidst the Portugese backdrop. Fresh faces are reinventing the wheel, weaving the notion of genre and taste into wild new tapestry. Caroline Lethô is a producer and disc jockey who is slowly but surely attaining recognition for her interesting take on dance and electronic music. Exuberantly experimental her radio show on Radio Quantica has attracted the attention of many, this has since been accompanied by a string of stellar dj sets across Europe. Further collaborations with the likes of Violet and BLEID have helped champion her as a prolific member of the Portugese underground. One to watch we think.

Born and raised amidst the outback of the Italian Alps there was little structure to the musical education of Indian Wells. Much of his own taste emerged through personal exploration and through the inspiration of the scenic yet sometimes unforgiving environment which encompassed his world around him. However, whilst some might abide to live a life amidst the remote and lonely mountains Pietro used such circumstances to his advantage, using them as an enchanting backdrop to his own musical prosperity. Years later he has now established himself as a forward thinking musician with a back catalogue behind him of which many will be envious. He has released music most prominently on the Italian record label Bad Panda but has also appeared on the likes of Friends Of Friends. We invited him to contribute to our Monday mix series and he did so in fine style selecting music by the likes of Visible Cloaks, Yves Tumor, Bibio, Malibu and more.

It's a new year and a new dawn, an opportunity to showcase some of the best up and coming talent within music and we here at Ransom Note take such a role very seriously indeed. It is for this reason that we have nominated Darling to deliver our first mix of 2018, a producer and disc jockey from Amsterdam who is steadily gathering momentum, ready to unleash force upon the globe. Last year saw him release an EP on the record label run by Young Marco, Safe Trip. The label has crafted a home for itself amidst the Dutch capital and has released an array of music, both new and old, from producers often operating along a vain similar to that of Marco himself. We have been told that 2018 holds exciting prospects for Darling as a producer as he will be releasing a new series of 12" EP's across the course of the year. Other than what we have already discussed there is little information as to the identity and background of this mysterious producer and mogul (you may or may not know him) - we'll let the music simply do the talking.

Daylight and the warmth within the glow of a morning are elements which maintain immense value to Gregg Kowalsky. This year marked the release of his first album in some eight long years, an elegant ambient excursion which was widely championed by an array of critics and listeners. Blending the use of analog synths alongside modern day mastering techniques and the use of technology he managed to create a dreamy, ethereal assortment of music which remained as singular and individual as ever. His music is a result of self exploration and lived experiences in climates far warmer than in which we are writing. Both Miami and Los Angeles have been home for Gregg across the last ten years, perhaps this is why he is able to channel musical expression towards the sun, something those in the UK are often lacking. Anyway, all social commentary aside he has truly set the bar for the future and "L'Orange, L'Orange" is a beautiful piece of work. We invited Gregg to record a mix as part of our Monday ambient series as he selects music from the likes of Hiroshi Yoshimura, Harold Budd and many more.

Perhaps one of the most exciting happenings in electronic music as of late has been in the resurgence of Italy and the country's musical output. A new wave of talent has emerged producing exquisite sounds reminiscent of the days of classic italo and balearic energy. However, they have offered a new take on what was already a classic, reimagining such sounds for the present day and helping to revolutionise the sound. The likes of Periodica Records and Early Sounds have been pivotal forces and have paved the way for a new field of artists. Modula is a producer and disc jockey from Naples. Filippo Colonna Romano has released music on the likes of Bordello A Parigi, Tief, Rawax and Tartelet Records. However, it was his most recent outing on Firecracker Records which truly caught our attention, a spectacular EP packed with elements of breakbeat, funk, disco and house. We are delighted to welcome him to our mix series as he contributes in true style.

This month marked the release of a somewhat singular EP in the form of "pur5u17". It was the first music which Miri Kat has ever released, a bizarre futuristic assortment of sonic experiments and glitchy playfulness. Her production methods are extravagant and based upon her complex passion for technology and coding. Her music is rooted in original engineering, live-coded from found sounds with open source tools. By day she helps programme and build electronic musical instruments and works prominently in tech, web technologies, algorithmic music, immersive multimedia, and generative visuals. We invited her to deliver a Monday mix, an assortment of abstract material from far reaching space.

So, this one is a little special and occurred somewhat by chance.... Swayzak is now the one man project of David Brown but for a long time was built upon a powerful partnership with James Taylor. The duo were perhaps two of the most unsung heroes of dance music in the nineties, amassing a reputation based upon quality and delivery as opposed to hype and drama. Their sound would go on to inspire and influence a generation right up to the present day and this is still very clear by those who continue to volunteer remixes of their work. As referenced previously Swayzak is now the sole responsibility of David Brown following an amicable seperation from James in 2011. Since then he has released music on the likes of Curle, Ellum Audio and the Swayzak run record label 240 Volts. This month marks the release of a two part album, a retrospective collection of music recorded across the last twenty years, some heard and some not. It features remixes from prolific figures such as Mathew Johnson, Apparat and more. It truly is a homage to a sound which Swayzak can completely call their own.

You will probably know Nabihah Iqbal by the name Throwing Shade. Under this name she’s released a string of really amazing EPs that blend dream pop, RnB and house music and you can tell her tracks a mile off. But recently she’s decided to shed that moniker and produce under her given name, a move that’s coinciding with the release of her excellent album The Weighing of the Heart which has just dropped on Ninja Tune. The album sees her moving into new sonic territory, bringing in a focus on guitars, vocals and there is a great influence from 80s indie and kraut rock, and it sounds fantastic. I met up with Nabihah in her west London studio and we had a great conversation ranging from digging deep into her process of writing the album, the perceptions of women in the music industry all the way to the discussing the weird world of Mongolian Throat singing. Now, the album is out already and you should definitely check it, but we go pretty deep on the track Zone 1 to 6000 so you might want to take a listen to that one in particular so you can see what we’re talking about.

Some say you are born with it, a groove that is. Phil Gerus is a producer and disc jockey from Moscow with a penchant for disco, house and funk. A classically trained pianist he was raised with music in his soul and has sinced developed a love for the productuion of dancefloor delight and a wide ranging musical odyssey. A relative newcomer he has received wide scale support from a variety of labels and has been supported by the likes of Tensnake, Marcel Vogel, Tom Noble and George Fitzgerald. Between obscure samples, disco glory, golden house cuts and raucous edits he has quickly established himself as one of the most interesting producers to emerge from Russia in recent years.

Next to take the reins behind our illusive Monday mix series is a familiar face. Harri Pepper is a well known Welsh man based in London, as a disc jockey he continues to represent Stamp The Wax as their chief resident whilst also throwing parties in both Bristol and London. At the young age of 25 Harri digs deeper than most, his musical realm grows wider with each waking mix and this set is a true testament to that. In the coming months he will be holding down a residency at the newly launched Ghost Notes club in Peckham which will be juggled in between his regular Balamii radio show and promoting parties with Admin.

Roll up! Roll up! It's the weekend and we have a set ready to blow your socks off. Rahaan has been involved in dance music since the 80's and now maintains a presence as one of the hottest and innovative selectors on the circuit. From house to disco, soul to funk and all the way back again he has moved from strength to strength. Growing up in Chicago he was schooled from a young age and spent a large amount of time honing his craft at house and loft parties under the watchful eyes of the godfathers of house. From cassette tapes to dance crews Rahaan has always been at the forefront of what's hot, a truly inspirational selector with a strong sense of style and presence. Anyway, it's time to cut the talk.

Chrissy is a true veteran of the dance music scene, with a career that spans decades, genres and continents. Hailing from deep in the American mid-west, he came up through the rave scene, first gaining international recognition via his Murderbot moniker pushing his own take on Jungle but, over the years he has never stood still. After moving to Chicago 10 years ago he’s continued on his journey of hard work and constant self-renewal, ending up as a resident at the legendary Smart Bar, and running the excellent Night Owl Diner imprint alongside Alex Burkat. I caught up with Chrissy as he passed through London on a recent tour and we had a long, and in-depth chat about the journey that’s brought him to where he is today. Instantly warm, funny and with deep knowledge of music, this was one of my favourite conversations to date and my mind was slightly blown to discover that Kansas City isn’t actually in Kansas. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

Earlier this year we spoke to the pair behind perhaps one of the most important record labels in dance music at present. Permanent Vacation has been a force to be reckoned with for many years having released music by the likes of Todd Terje, John Talabot, Tensnake and many many more. However, less is known about the pair who actually run the label and their own independent musical output. Benjamin Fröhlich has actually released several EP's on the record label himself and has yet managed to maintain a low profile. His music draws on modern day club influences and has received wide support, he's better connected than most. We felt now was the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skills as an artist in his own right as he delivers a singular mix.

General Echo is a monthly night in Walthamstow, North London. Held in an unassuming upstairs pub called The Victoria it’s a modest but welcoming reggae / dub disco with a relatively seismic sound system and reputable Guinness, all tied together by selectors and guests who acknowledge the innovation, mutation, spirituality and psychedelia that characterises Jamaica’s most influential export. In the night’s curation there’s a recognition of what producers like King Tubby, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Prince Jammy first pioneered yet equal appreciation for the many evolutions and leftfield turns that have transpired since. You’re as likely to hear the cult and the contemporary as you are the classic, from Wackies 12”s, On-U Sound rarities and the latest Equiknoxx outings to dusty 7”s of vintage ska, rugged roots and treasured lovers rock. Recent nights have played host to the likes of Warrior Queen, Domestic Exile and their next sees Gizmo from Berceuse Heroique manning the rig. More than most General Echo represents a forward-looking celebration of reggae and dub’s timeless futurism, both its unabating relevance and its continued reconstruction. Here they provide an alternative homegrown history of dub music as realised on our very own humdrum island. As a mix this is more instructive than most charting how dub has influenced many hearts & minds on these here shores, sending inimitable shockwaves through post-punk, grime & beyond.

Here is something to brighten up your Monday, an eclectic assortment of tracks from British composer and musician Danny Mulhern. In the coming weeks he will release a new album on 1631 Recordings. Titled 'Reflections On A Dead Sea' the album sees him work alongside the London Contemporary Orchestra who have worked previously with the likes of Actress, Radiohead and many more. The album is an ethereal assortment of sounds and looped orchestration which is almost cinematic by nature. When we invited Danny to record a mix he indicated that he was not a DJ as such so what we have here is a rather brilliant playlist of tracks which have helped inspire and determine a path forwards.

There are few who can claim to have been as active and dedicated to the progression of dance and electronic music as that of the Chicago based producer, label boss and disc jockey Mystic Bill. The revered producer maintains a low profile but has lived through some of the most interesting and progressive periods within dance music culture. From the glory days of Chicago and Detroit to the present he has observed with a watchful eye, taking in music with a keen sense of intrigue and a solitary sense of thought. As a producer he has released on the likes of Trax Records, Relief and Crimes of the Future. He has recently launched a new label inspired by the early days of The Musik Box and Ron Hardy - Gavin Guthrie was the first artist enlisted to appear.

Many artists talk a good talk about being forward thinking, constantly evolving and pushing their personal boundaries, but few follow through on this like Armon Bazile. As Aybee, Bazile has put out record after record of deep, innovative house music that draws in influences from across the musical spectrum but that’s only part of the picture. He’s released under countless other monikers, held down one of the best labels in the business for over 15 years, and has managed to cross the divide to become an accomplished filmmaker as well. Having just teamed up for an excellent jazz funk excursion with legendary musician Lars Bartkhun I caught up for a chat with Aybee and we took in a fair bit of territory. We covered his chequered musical past, his creative process and how he’s translated his talents into filmmaking. Now Armon had a heavy cold when we were recording this, so extra props to him for soldiering through and still managing to come across eloquent, insightful and humorous in spite of all the coughing and sneezing.

This week marks the return of one of the most interesting record labels and parties to emerge from London. World Unknown has become an institution of sorts having offered opportunities to many up and coming musicians across a period of time which has observed a vast array of transition within dance and electronic music. Andy Blake has been a prolific member of the London community for a generation and is responsible for having run some of the most distinctive and singular parties across the city in recent times. From shopfront raves to obscure warehouse nightlife he has raised the standard, encouraging promoters to think outside the box. We invited him to contribute to our mix series as he showcases sounds of significance. Enter World Unknown....

There is a sense of humble intrigue about the musical outpouring of Martyn Heyne. The German producer has done well to craft a niche for himself within a world which is often so restrictive in the perception of genre and place. A classically trained musician he is more capable than most, however it his attention to the conceptual which makes him such an interesting prospect as an artist. Next month he will releasehis first full length album in the form of "Electric Intervals". Set for release on the newly launched 7K! imprint he has recorded an album with divine promise, a lengthy composition which was recorded at his studio next to Tempelhof airfield. We welcome him to contribute as part of our Monday mix series, a platform which allows artists to dig through the eclectic reaches of their back catalogue, music collections and beyond.

There has been something of a revelation of sorts in recent years. A changing of the guard if you will. Tom is the man behind Blip Discs, a record label which seemed to explode incredibly quickly with sell out releases and wide reaching support. Often it can be hard to maintain momentum as a newly founded imprint, each release is judged very differently and the risk of failure is certainly higher. However, for those who manage to rise above the pressure the rewards are fruitful. Since 2015 the label has released an array of forward thinking club focussed music from the likes of O'Flynn, Glowing Palms and Spooky J. Tom himself has contributed a number of releases and demonstrated a maturity which stretches far beyond his youthful years. We are excited to feature him as part of our Ransom Note mix series.

Next up on our ever burgeoning mix series is a man close to our hearts and an old friend. Corporeal Face is the alias of a producer whom has had an attachment to Ransom Note for many years. He is responsible for the recently founded Ritual Poison Record label and in the coming weeks he will feature as part of a split EP on the infamous Tone Dropout record label. Behind the scenes he is also one of the team behind the much loved Mouth To Mouth party which operates out of Dalston Superstore. A familiar face and one which now steps forth into the spotlight.

Colour is the name of the game. We all need a little bit of colour, flair and originality in our lives. Matisa has it in abundance, a fine role model with impeccable taste in music and beautiful selection. The Italian disc jockey has helped to refocus the stereotypes sometimes associated with Italian dance music as she digs incredibly deep for far reaching selections across a wide spectrum of genres. With a penchant for vinyl she has quickly become one of our favourite selectors and we predict big things for this girl in the coming year following recent features on the likes of Red Light Radio in Amsterdam and a wide array of club dates. She digs deep as she contributes to our mix series which showcases some of the most interesting new faces from across the spectrum of electronic music as she delivers a special all vinyl mix.

To listen to the records that Stu Robinson has put out under his ASOK moniker you’d think that he’s been producing for years. Deep, rolling techno and house music that has such a distinctive feel that you can pick his tracks out a mile off. In actual fact he only got into production relatively recently but that’s only half the story. With a deep love of electronic music that goes back to his school days in the early 90s he has lived and breathed this scene for over two decades. I caught up with Stu over Skype to dig into his story and we really do go deep. We chatted for ages covering his first forays into the northern hard core and jungle scene, how he balances being a dad and a touring DJ right up to his new label venture, Four Triangles. It was a real pleasure to chat to someone with such unending enthusiasm for electronic music in all its forms. Well maybe except for trance that is.

Based in London the singular sounds of Lung Dart have resonated with a niche yet heavily engaged audience. Blending weirdo ambience alongside dusty bass and beyond they have crafted a place for themselves amidst the sprawling, monster of a city. Their music is as much a soundtrack for the dystopian city as it is for individual listening. This is something which translates well beyond their own productions and into their spectacularly crafted mixes, which you are about to discover all for yourself. We have long since been fans of the duo. It is a pleasure to have them contribute a truly original mix to the alternative series.

Next to appear in our showcase series is a producer and disc jockey from Berlin. An artist who has made his mark as of late having just released on Marcel Fengler's Index record label. The release has come after many years of hard work for AVION who has appeared at the likes of Gerberei Schwerin Waagenbau and Tresor. Originally inspired by the likes of Jeff Mills, Depeche Mode and Bjork his sound has since evolved with age. In the present he crafts an elegant blend of dubbed out techno, punchy, purposeful yet with a somewhat melodic edge. It's as much in the atmosphere as it is the drive for a producer whom we expect to see more of soon.

For those of you who reside outwith London, yes, those people do exist - here is a mix from perhaps one of the most pioneering outfits in dance music culture in the Midlands at present. Leftfoot are a trio who have been running parties and promoting nightlife and dance music for a long time, their impact on the local scene is commendable to the highest letter. They have hosted some of the most innovative names in dance music and their attention to detail is quite remarkable. Not a crew to do things by halves they have played a crucial role in the development of UK nightlife and continue to remain as crucial and relevant as ever.

Lennard Poschmann is a producer and disc jockey from Germany who continues to evolve as an artist. Based in Frankfurt he has asserted himself as one of the most interesting producers in the city at present having formed close relationships with the likes of Live At Robert Johnson. It is in fact Live At Robert Johnson upon which he will release his debut album in the coming months, no small feat. His sound is far reaching taking influence from early days of techno within the city as well as from the likes of rave and breakbeat from further afield. The result sees him blend an expansive array of styles together into what seems like an effortlessly crafted observation of dance music as a whole. A real talent we are delighted to be able to feature him as the latest contributor to our Ransom Note mix series. It will not be the last we see of him...

Now it's time to switch it up a little. On a Wednesday we like to try things a little differently. This time around we feature Braqueberry, a producer with many faces. However, this time around we feature him under an alias in which he focusses upon juke, footwork and bass as he steps up to deliver an electrifying assortment of sound and frequencies. Coming in at fifty minutes he blends juke alongside fast paced cuts reminiscent of his hip hop past. Earlier this year saw him release an EP on a label titled Iberian Juke, a fitting appearance for Braqueberry from Barcelona.

oqko are perhaps one of the most intriguing imprints to emerge in electronic music as of late. The Berlin based collective has released music from an array of vastly talented producers whilst managing to maintain an under the radar profile which allows them to dabble in experimentation and diversify. Romain Iannone is a musician whose music evolves in delicate soundscapes, oddball ambience and distant haze. Ambient, forward thinking and at times meditative his sound is wholeheartedly individual and uncontrived. Not a dj as such we have asked him to present music in a tasteful fashion as part of our Monday series, boy does he deliver.

Originating from Hong Kong Mr. Ho has amassed a serious reputation as a selector and label boss through his imprint Klasse Wrecks alongside Luca Lozano. The label has carved a niche for itself through it's visual identity associated with early rave culture and nostalgic days spent dancing. However, the releases themselves have been strong and singular in their sound. Dj Fett Burger, Cardopusher, Helena Hauff, Marco Bernardi, Dj Normal 4 and many others have all released records with the label which was only formed in 2015. Fast paced and assertive Klasse Wrecks is hot property. Mr. Ho is sought after as a disc jockey, his sets tastefully curated and diverse in style. We are delighted to have him contribute to our Ransom Note mix series...

If you’re a keen techno head then the chances are that you’ve encountered the sounds of DJ Shiva, AKA Noncompliant on a dancefloor recently. I first came across her work via her excellent EP on the Valance imprint recently, and that spurred me on to dig into her back catalogue and I quickly became a bit of a fan boy. Hailing from the backwaters of Indiana, Lisa Smith’s career goes way back, with over 20 years behind the decks and now around 10 years in the studio. I was super excited to chat to Lisa and delve into her rich and colourful past, talking about her early love for Duran Duran, her days running DIY Punk shows in town parks and some fantastic stories about the American mid-west rave scene. As her Noncompliant moniker implies, Lisa is not afraid to mince her words, and we definitely try to put the world to rights on a couple of occasions.

Next up to our mix series we welcome a producer whom has bubbled beneath the surface for far too long. Mr Assister is a label boss, drummer and producer based in London, he has long had an affiliation with the 1-800 Dinosaur imprint but has recently begun to release his own music via a new imprint titled BEAM. His sound is rooted in percussion, perhaps this stems from his passion for drumming, his tracks and sets often feature tribal influences alongside electronics.

Ah, the distinctive art of the alias. The mystery figure who prefers to be known as an alter ego, a removal from their otherwise known state. In this case we are delighted to introduce to you Ursa's Reef, the alter ego of an artist perhaps better known as Photonz. The new project sees him focus on elements more commonly associated with trance than his previous works on the likes of Principe, Creme Organization, Hot Haus and DBA. His latest EP under the new moniker is forthcoming on One Eyed Jacks, his own imprint which had previously been an outlet for early Photonz material back in 2010. We are delighted to be able to welcome him to contribute to our ever growing mix series.

Introducing a group you might perhaps not be aware of. Balmorhea are a six piece instrumental group from Texas founded by Rob Lowe and Michael Muller in 2006. Across the years they have released a diverse array of sonic experimentations which fuses an assortment of genres in a kaleidoscopic blend of style and artistic grace. Their sound is defiant of niche, space or time and could perhaps be best described as an array of textures and graceful leads. The result of asking a band, group, duo or an individual from within to contribute to our mix series has seen interesting results across the years. Bands and musical projects tend to approach the task in a different manner to that of a dj or strictly electronic artist. Michael Muller selects tracks from Brian Eno, Grouper, Domenique Dumont and more.

Guy Evans is an unsung hero of sorts. Based in Cardiff he has been a presence in the wider electronic music community for over twenty five years, however, it is only more recently that his own music has started to amass the respect and credibility which it has always deserved. A few years back I was introduced to his music by one of the team behind All Caps in Rubadub in Glasgow, at the time they were wholeheartedly excited by what they described as an "old school head" who had been sending music to them. Guy Evans would later to go on to release on the label and has since progressed on to Hypercolour, Cejero, NORD Records and more...

Sydney is beginning to change its public perception. For many years there was reports of a club scene in decline and a jaded culture. However, in recent years there has been a significant wave of new musicians, producers, parties and labels to emerge from the land down under. Ben Fester is perhaps one of the pioneers of this new wave of talented up and comers. As the boss of the Heavenly party series and a seriously talented disc jockey he has begun to stretch his wings as he continues to make waves. From house to disco and all in between he is one of the country's most significant new talents.

There is a sense of purpose about the Italian duo Underspreche. Perhaps this is best demonstrated through the volume of work they have released over the last couple of years. However, what is in fact most impressive about the up and coming pair is their stature and from which camp their releases have emerged from. Last year the enigmatic duo released three independent EP's on Optimo, this is no small feat. Fast forwards to 2017 and Underspreche are back at it again having just released a new three track record on the Mule sublabel Endless Flight. The pair appear to be on a course for success, eyes peeled.

Coming live and direct from Leeds we welcome a heated newcomer to our Ransom Note Mix series. LOFT is about to release his debut EP on The Astral Plane, an illustrious label associated with all things abstract and futuristic in relation to electronics. LOFT"s new release is described as a “hairbrained proto-jungle track”. Forward thinking, progressive music for the clubs, heady and yet pensive at the same time.

Amidst a competitive industry there is a lot to be said for those who strive to better the lives of others. Heels & Souls is a London based non-profit party which hosts intimate events and club nights, pioneered by Ben and Pat the project was launched two years ago and has seen them play host to the likes of Charles Drakeford, Nick The Record and more. There is no strict focus on genre or style as such, simply good vibes to be found in plentiful supply. We caught up with the duo following their recent appearance at Farr Festival to talk about the future of the dance.

There are few familiar faces in London, many come and go, parties chop and change and there is sometimes a sense of mystery about those behind the scenes. Robin Ball is not a man who conforms to such a representation. The Memory Box parties have established themselves as some of the most robust and dependable in the city for which Robin is very much responsible. Having been involved in dance music for many years he has run events under a variety of guises whilst producing music at his own pace. He has found belief in a singular sound and does not conform to the passing trends which often breeze through London. Acid is his passion and it is this which he has built his vision around.

In the current climate of electronic music most people have to become a Jack of all trades but only very rarely do you come across someone who is truly accomplished in as many fields as Kevin McHugh. He’s an excellent DJ, runs two very highly respected labels, Delft and Valance, and is a consummate producer under the monikers LA4A and Ambivalent. Across all of these, he is completely uncompromising, focusing on maintaining the highest quality output whilst not getting bogged down in the hype that often surrounds our scene. As a personal fan, I was really excited to catch up with him to find out about the long and colourful journey that has led him to be one of the most respected figures in techno. We cover a broad range of topics, and I absolutely loved his story about his first DJ gig ever which happened to be here in sunny London.

Multi Culti is full of life, an elaborate project which has sky rocketed, blossoming with musical heritage and a new wave of artists. Red Axes, Clarian, Auntie Flo, Nicola Cruz, Manfredas and many more have all appeared on the imprint. Thomas von Party and Dreems first founded the record label back in 2013, unaware of the course it might take. The two are both independent producers and dj's in their own right, however, together they offer something else entirely. We are delighted to be able to welcome the pair to contribute to our Ransom Note mix series, a duo who need very little introduction.

Piero Paolinelli is a highly sought after Italian producer, a man very much in demand. His soulful approach to house has led to him appearing record labels such as ANMA, Banoffee Pies, Loveless Records and many more. A keen musician he draws influence from jazz, funk, soul, disco and deep rooted dance. A mature approach to production and a keen eye for detail makes his work significantly prominent and his music has been widely supported.

In an age in which new artists compete for attention it can be notoriously difficult to be heard amidst the noise. William Florelle is an up and comer who first caught our attention on a release via WotNot music earlier this year. His soul tinged take on house oozed with quality and showcased an artist ready to step up. The London based producer is turning heads very quickly and this make showcases his true capabilities as a musician.

Earlier this year Luke Standing surpassed himself whilst releasing perhaps what was his strongest piece of music to date. Under the alias of Blue Hour, the UK born Berlin based producer has acquired a reputation for intricate production and an inspired take on techno. "The Midnight Sun" EP saw him interlink gorgeous soundscapes and driving percussion in a manner which was somewhat reminiscent of the glory days of Love Parade. A true demonstration of his capabilities as a producer and powerful statement of intent. The release was as much focussed around ambience as it was dance music and as a result we decided to invite him to contribute to our Monday series. He steps up with a stunning assortment of tracks, a special mix.

Based in Frankfurt Shan might have already been a familiar face amidst the locals, however, his international presence is most certainly on the rise. The producer is perhaps best known for his interaction with Gerd Janson's Running Back imprint on which he has released a string of EP's and collaborated. He has worked closely with Tuff City Kids and has further released on the likes of Beats In Space, Edhid and The Healing Company. His dynamic take on house music is progressive yet draws upon formative roots within the genre, a fiercely talented disc jockey he is very much in demand. We are delighted to have him contribute to our mix series.

To some this mix may come as little surprise, a familiar face now with an independent story to tell. Baba Ali has recently went solo following a previously longstanding pairing as part of electronic dance duo Voices Of Black. The duo were signed to Wolf + Lamb and rose to success in line with the prominence of the label. International dates across America, Europe and beyond all followed suit. However, life goes on and individuality requires an outlet. Baba Ali has since launched what looks to be a promising solo embarkment and recently released his debut EP in the form of "Nomad". Low slung soul with a hypnotic twist, the EP was a fierce statement. We are delighted to be able to welcome him to contribute to our mix series, he describes his tape as follows. "The mix is essentially the music I was listening to while working on 'NOMAD'. I also wanted to dedicate the mix to the migrants who are currently risking their lives every day, navigating dangerous waters in search for a better life."

In a world where DJs are ten a penny, the knowledge, skill and versatility of a club resident are more important than ever. A DJ who epitomises this ethos is @molly_music, the long-time mainstay of Paris’ legendary Rex Club. Having worked behind the scenes at the club for years she slowly and organically made the move to programming the music, A&Ring their in-house label and eventually running regular parties at the venue. These days you can catch her playing records at clubs across the world, while also holding down her residency at the Rex and with a new label in the offing and her debut release about to drop on Aku Records, now was a perfect time to catch up with Molly to find out what makes her tick.

What a week it has been, no, not that election nonsense.... Hippie Dance have taken over Ransom Note this week and what a bloody good job they have made of it as well. We've had interviews, features, stories and a bucket load of fun. To round off what has been a pretty special one we are delighted to welcome Fantastic Twins to the series, who spoke with Superpitcher & Rebolledo earlier in the week.

There are very few other publications whom we would consider to be as valuable as ourselves. Kidding of course. However, Les Yeux Oranges certainly top the ranks in regard to relevancy and likeminded commitment. The team behind the site and label have strived for years to push groundbreaking underground music and showcase new artists. Tireless work with little reward. We are delighted to be able to welcome them as contributors to The Ransom Note mix series.

Those in the know will be aware that Tom Ruijg is no newcomer to electronic music. However, his new alias Tracey is. Earlier this year marked the release of a new project, an EP surfaced on Tom Trago's Voyage Direct label which was packed with analogue laden house and techno. A distinct contrast to the floor filler esque house most commonly associated with the Amsterdam based producer he has reasserted himself with authority. We caught up with him as he delivers a mix for Ransom Note.

Read more and download: http://www.theransomnote.com/music/mixes/dj-nature-the-wednesday-mix/ Today's mix comes from the one and only, the inimitable Milo Johnson aka DJ Nature, whose release history spans all the way back to the early '90s when he went by the name Natureboy. Out 26th May on Bristol institution @futureboogie, DJ Nature's new release is the four track 'Ultimate Delusion' EP, and it's a right cracker. He's put together an amazing mix for us, accompanied by the transcript of an illuminating conversation between himself and Futureboogie head honcho Dave Harvey.

Ligovskoï is the project of Nikolaï Azonov and Valerio Selig, based in Paris and Brussels. Formed in 2010 the pair create experimental soundscapes that shapeshift between ambient and drone. Using field recordings in addition to acoustic instruments and synthesisers to create atmospheric tracks. Their live shows showcase their use of A/V technology creating an immersive experience for their audience taking them on a journey of deep contemplation. In 2011 they contributed to the 'Outland' compilation, a project from Parisian label Silicate based on the 1983 science-fiction film by Peter Hyams and have released an album on Kyoto based imprint Ilya. Their second project for DEMENT3D, the 'Mana' EP, was released today. We're pretty chuffed to have them join our Monday club. So stick your headphones in and sit back and remember that Monday IS ok.

There is an heir of elegance and sophistication about the man behind one of France's most interesting record labels at present. Macadam Mambo is celebrating five years in business having released some spectacular music from the likes of Mori Ra, Traxx, The Pilotwings, Samo DJ, Muslim Disco Club and many more. The label was formed in 2012 alongside Guillaume des Bois and has since amassed a reputation for it's extraordinary variety and diversity in sound. Sacha also produces himself, MZKBX is a name familiar to many amidst the electronic music community and his own work draws upon an array of far reaching influences. These tastes are also represented through the music which he collects and plays out in clubs, a creative digger with a keen sense of exploration. We are delighted to welcome Sacha Mambo to the Ransom Note mix series.

There is intricate detail in the most sumptuous of electronics. Minor details can elevate and transcend expectations whilst ambience is based upon environment. Alexandre Navarro is a French musician now based in Paris: born and raised in Bordeaux he has become arguably one of the most interesting experimental producers to emerge from France. A keen guitarist and a manipulator of machines he has released an extensive back catalogue of abstract soundscapes and ambient music on the likes of Sem, Archipel and many more. We caught up with him as he contributes to our Monday mix series.

There is an understated elegance to the musical presentation of Vladimir Ivkovic. It is as if he isn't aware of just how good he actually is. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and now based in Germany he has listened intricately to influencers and pioneers amassing an eclectic array of knowledge and taste. His sets are often difficult to process in regards to their lineage: disorientated and far reaching. Yet this is where their spectacular beauty lies, in the obscure and disjointed, the spaces in between stereotypical noise. This summer he will appear at Houghton Festival, a brand new event being curated by Craig Richards in collaboration with Gottwood. We caught up with him as he delivers a special mix.

Sometimes there is more than meets the eyes when it comes to your favourite producer. Stephan Hinz is known for his heavy hitting club cuts and appearances on the likes of Drumcode and Second State. However, behind the scenes he is also an enigmatic producer whom creates and writes music for film and television. It is the latter of which we have invited to feature as part of this mix for our 'Monday Is Okay' mix which focusses more prominently on ambient music and escapism. We are delighted to be able to welcome Stephan to the series as he showcases a whole new world of music.

What brings people together? Why do we make friends, form relationships and associate ourselves with one another? For love? Common interest? Gain? In the case of Frankey & Sandrino what brought them together was a sense of musical correlation, an understanding and realisation in something great. Since the duo formed in 2014 they have released an array of expertly crafted EP's on some of the most definitive record labels in electronic music. Mule, Kompakt and Innervisions have all opened doors to the pair and now they find themselves in a pioneering position amidst dance music. We are delighted to be able to welcome Sandrino, one half of the duo, to contribute as part of our Ransom Note mix series.

When you think of cutting dub plates a few scenes might spring to mind. Maybe you’d think of old Jamaican sound system culture, with sound boys cutting their own unique versions of tracks to slay other systems in a sound clash. Or maybe your mind might wander to the halcyon days of jungle with producers cutting their latest tracks to acetate to drop in the club that night. Both of these are very much images of times gone by. So it may come as a surprise that the art of cutting dub plates is alive and well in 2017, and Peckham Cuts is a prime example of this. Dominic Jones runs Peckham Cuts out of a small unit in a shopping arcade just off Rye Lane. The tiny space feels like some kind of mad scientist’s laboratory, cluttered with all sorts of paraphernalia but the centre piece is a Technics record deck and a cutting lathe that he uses to create the magic. I caught up with Dominic to find out about his musical journey and get and intricate low down on the art and science of cutting dubs. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to interview a lot of exciting, dedicated and switched on people involved in electronic music but I think Dominic has to be one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable people I’ve spoken to yet. We go pretty deep into the science in parts so please bear with us, and there’s a picture of Dominic’s set up on the website if you need a reference. This is the hot air podcast with me, Joe Europe, for the Ransom Note.

The journey of a disc jockey and producer is not one which follows an exponential path. It takes time and often involves bubbling beneath the surface for spells at a time. One producer who's career has ebbed and flowed is Brian Ring, an Irishman now based in Berlin he has previously released music on Gerd Janson's Running Back record label. Not small feat in itself. Since then he has been honing his craft fiercely, working on new music whilst playing across Europe.

There is an enchanting intrigue to the musical personality of Rainer Buchmüller, his sound diverse and rooted in obscure electronics. Under the alias of Fred Und Luna he produces gorgeous ambient soundscapes alongside traditionally inspired krautrock. Having released previously on Optimo, the turn of this year saw him feature on a newly formed record label belonging to Frank Wiedemann, perhaps better known as one of the founders of the Innervisions record label. We were delighted to receive an early introduction to the project which has now led to his contribution to our Monday mix series.

If you are a cliche then I am a cliche. Perhaps we are all cliches? Cosmo Vitelli is a man of the world, an eager traveller and a musical craftsman unbound by stereotypes within electronic music culture. As the founder of I'm A Cliché he has been responsible for releasing some music from some of the now most influential names in the community. Moscoman, Red Axes, Simian Mobile Disco, Azari & III and many, many more have all appeared on the label since it's formation in 2004 some thirteen odd years ago. Cosmo himself, real name Benjamin Boguet, has released an array of of material on the label: oddball electronics with post punk undertones amidst faster acid cuts go a long way.

Roll up, roll up, this one is worth some attention. Martyn Lester is a man of mystery, a throwback character with a penchant for retro synths and the energy of youth. Drawing upon inspiration from the days of Italo and the early days of Ibiza he has hand crafted a sound which is far beyond his own assumption. Appearances on Ruf Kutz, Blip Discs and in the coming weeks Ransom Note Records play testament to his taste and style in the form of a remix of Ivan Smagghe and Rupert Cross aka Smagghe and Cross's Talking To Katz EP. I mean, why else would we sign him? As a disc jockey Glowing Palms is diverse and entertaining, as much about the Saturday night soundtrack as the vintage mixtape. A true selector in the most humble of senses.

Coming from the heat and haze of Atlanta, Ryan Parks - aka Fit of Body - has spent the last couple of years crafting some of the most exciting dance music we've heard in an age. Working with a keyboard, an old drum machine, a bass guitar missing half it's strings, and a vocal delivery so laidback it's horizontal, Fit of Body's music gathers together his influences; hip hop, electronica and noise, to forge something strange and new. Full disclosure - we like him so much we've released his latest record, a 6 track EP called the "Healthcare" EP - which has already had the stamp of approval from the man like Andrew Weatherall (and we believe he may know a thing or two). To celebrate the release of his record, Ryan has put together a mix for us that trawls through his esoteric musical world. There's not too many people who've dropped us mixes that find as much room for the folk guitar of Richard Hawley as they do the boombap rap of AZ, but then there's not too many artists like Fit of Body...

In recent years there have been a number of artists to emerge through the ranks of Italian electronic music. However, from time to time an artist seemingly appears to have morphed from nowhere. Paolo Iocca is an Italian producer who is set to release a new EP on the up and coming record label RA-1 which has recently been responsible for a string or intriguing house and techno EP's upon which the likes of Simoncino and D'Marc Cantu have featured. Paolo Iocca will feature for a second time on the label with his new EP which also includes a remix from one of electronic music's most mysterious figures, Florian Kupfer. We caught up with the man from Napoli to talk as he contributes to our 'shine a light on' series.

Fred Peterkin is a man of many names; best known for his work as Fred P he also releases under Black Jazz Consortium, FP-Oner, FP197, Anomaly, the list goes on. But no matter what name he picks for each project there’s an unmistakable sound that runs across all his work, and that sound is born from a passionate and unending dedication to underground house music. Hailing from New York City Peterkin has released an impressive number of records over the past decade working with labels like Jus Ed’s Underground Quality and Mule Music alongside his own imprint – Soul People Music. And, while his style is deeply rooted in house music, he is by no means limited to the genre. As well as producing, he’s also a natural DJ who blends expertly applied craft with a simple musical intuition that can’t be taught. With an album under his Adventures of Captain P moniker dropping soon, and him passing through London to play Oval Space, we jumped at the chance to meet up with him in his hotel room and find out what makes him tick. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

Little under a month ago we premiered a new track from Michael Laven, a Frankfurt based musician who's presence amidst the city's techno history is prevalent yet rather undocumented. Across the years he has worked alongside an array of producers and record labels, perhaps most prominently Klang Elektronik. However, this year marked a new release from the German producer, a six track EP on Kerosene titled 'ad hoc'. It's anything but. Following our recent introduction to a producer we should have met a long time ago we invited Michael Laven to contribute to our intricate Monday mix series with an assortment of ambient and eclectic electronics.

The sculpture of sound is an innovative and individual process by which no two musicians can truly align. Max Graef stems from a background in hip hop, jazz, funk and soul. House plays less of a role in his day to day existence than his releases to date might perhaps indicate. Someone once said that all music, was to a degree a form of jazz. Whether there is much truth in this is debatable, but Max Graef has succintly managed to integrate influential elements from an array of genres within his multi-faceted sound. This summer Max Graef will play at @farmfestival in Somerset, a festival which has made a name through its tasteful curation and musical eclecticism. In honour of his appearance we were able to reach out to him to contribute to our exclusive Ransom Note mix series for what is a special assortment of sound in motion.

This year marked the return of the infamous duo known as The Golden Filter. Now based in the UK the turn of the year saw the pair release a new album on Optimo Music which saw them place prominence on electronics and the growl of machines. The album was a collective mix of low slung beats, enticing vocals and delicious synths. It seemed more apt than ever to ask the duo to contribute to our mix series, something we should of done a long time ago in all honesty,

The influence of South America has run deep through dance and electronic music for many years. From the percussion like trance of Ricardo Villalobos to the recent surge in Brazillian electicism, there is a consistent presence across style and genre. DJs Pareja are a dynamic duo from Argentina who have released music on a variety of labels which include Cómeme, Turbo, Huntleys & Palmers and more. Their sound draws upon influences from home, yet distinctively challenges the stereotypical sound of Latin America. Acid, rugged drums and the sludge of electronics runs deep throughout. Their sound is intensely listenable and spectacularly individual. We are delighted to welcome them to our mix series,

The energetic Loco Dice talks in depth with Mike Boorman about the art of mixing genres. Dice deconstructs his creative journey, explaining how a brash hip hop kid from Dusseldorf became a world-famous house/techno DJ, and how his latest hip hop-infused album represented a completion of his own creative circle. He reacts to the criticism he received for the album, and pays homage to the people who first inspired him to cross genres. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones, whom without this would never have been possible...

Somewhere amidst the mean back streets of Philadelphia you might stumble upon Alex Burkat, producer, disc jockey and all round good guy. Across the last four years he has released music on a variety of labels which includes Mister Saturday Night, Permanent Vacation, 100% Silk and Third Ear Recordings. His sound is often aligned with what you might describe as more melodically inclined house and electronic music, his tracks as listenable upon a long walk as they are purpose built for the club. As a disc jockey his variation in sound is aspirational, this mix features tracks from Outkast, Atoms For Peace, Roman Flugel and many, many more. A moderately paced mix of eclecticism and sublime taste.

Sometimes a chance encounter has the ability to impact ones course, Music can be introductory, enlightening and a signal of friendship. A spontaneous email led to our introduction to Steve Hazard who then proceeded to share with us an other worldly assortment of sounds which he had recorded and posted for leisure online. He mixes a stunning blend of abstract electronics alongside beautiful soundscapes, warm enchanting eclecticism and all that exists between. He describes the mix below... "This deep mix of Ash Ra Tempel, Vangelis, Leon Vynehall, Laraaji, Baaba Mal, Don Cherry and Pulusha was inspired by a chance visit to an abandoned Ashram in Rishikesh, Northern India, in the Valley of the Saints at the foothills of the Himalayas. In 1968 The Beatles had been here attending an advanced Transcendental Meditation training session with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As we explored the site we found small Deep Meditation caves and realised that this was where the Beatles wrote their acid opus, the White Album. Here on the banks of the Ganga, we had crossed a powerful psychedelic ley line."

Sebastien Bouchet has a penchant for intricacy and detail. It is present in subtle delicacy throughout his production, his music as much about mood and environment as it is for the dancefloor. The Frenchman has amassed a reputation for releasing tactfully crafted music on the likes of Kompakt, Hippie Dance, Hypercolour and more. His appearances prevalent and each release enlightening in its own sense. In the coming months he will release music on Jennifer Cardini's Correspondant and Kompakt under a brand new guise of Sebastopol. In honour of this we felt it to be fair that he had the chance to demonstrate his new alias through a contribution to the Ransom Note mix series, which he has kindly done below.

Marionette amassed interest straight from the off. The record label, which was founded in 2013, hasn't conformed to traditional aesthetics or functionality of sound. Each release has been eclectic, forward thinking and conceptual in both style and formation. To date the label has released music by Deer, Laurine Frost, Maxim Wolzyn and most recently by Kilchhofer. The latter of which is the next to contribute to our slightly more abstract Wednesday mix series. There is little back story or information surrounding the man. His website features a minimalist assortment of drawings, sounds and obscurities. His contribution to our mix series sees him arrange a series of mystical soundscapes, stuttering percussion and disorientated earthly audio from beyond expectations.

Experimentation within sound is endless. One such artist whom has continued to defy the boundaries of audio and sculpture is Heinali, a Ukranian based musician whom has been creatively constructing ambient soundcsapes for many years. He has worked on a variety of projects having produced soundtracks for visual artists, videogames and even poets. His sound is spectacularly experimental, at times grand yet others minimal. Heinali often plays and appears live using electroacoustic improvisation and layered analogue sequencing. We caught up with him as he delivers a rather special edition of our Monday ambient series.

When it comes to record labels there are very few who can contest the continual relevance of Sonic Cathedral. Born and bred from the depths of obscure club nights they since evolved into one of the most engaging and individual record labels in the UK. Never one for hype or over exuberance they have steadily released music since 2006 and continue to move forwards. The latest project to emerge from the record label is a new club night called 'Ambience Chasers'. The evening will take place monthly in London and will focus on the more obscure elements amidst electronic music. Expect soundscapes, drone music and ambient bliss.

In recent years there has been an interesting emergence of up and coming artists from France. Folamour is one such producer who is very much at the forefront of this charge. His soulful take on deep house and wide ranging influences have made him a stand out figure amidst the scene and with frequent productions and the recent launch of his record label it seemed like the perfect time to invite him to contribute to our beloved Ransom Note mix series. We caught up with him to talk as he delivers a gorgeous hour of music

The history of electronic music is littered with a collection of big names and stars that the media portray as crucial figures in the development of dance culture. But, for every one of these lauded figures, hundreds of more talented and more dedicated players are working day and night at the coalface providing an arguably more important contribution. Josh Doherty and Rich Bevan, AKA Posthuman, are the epitome of these coalface workers. With a career dating back to the mid-90s, Josh and Rich have released countless records, put on countless parties and run numerous labels but all without any hint of jumping on bandwagons. In 2007 the pair created the I Love Acid parties which later became a label of the same name. With both of these going from strength to strength, we felt like it was the perfect time to catch up with Josh do discuss all things Posthuman. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones, whom without this would never have been possible...

The next release on our very own Ransom Note Records comes courtesy of Frankfurt-based artist and long-term friend of the site Daniel 'Flug 8' Herrmann, whose previous work includes Krautrock-indebted releases on Disko B and Smaul, and collaborations with members of noise titans Einstürzende Neubauten. Out March 10th, 'Leuchtkraft' is his third album as Flug 8, and the first in our new series of drone/ambient cassettes. Daniel has taken the time to record a very special mix for our 'Monday Is OK' series. Leaning more towards the dancefloor than the home, it retains that hypnotic, stargazing quality that characterises his music as Flug 8. Pre-order 'Leuchtkraft' here: https://ransomnoterecords.bandcamp.com/album/flug-8-leuchtkraft

Today's Ransom Note Mix comes from Warsaw-based producer @bartoszkruczynski aka Earth Trax. Since debuting as The Phantom in 2010, he has released (and is set to release) on a range of labels including Growing Bin, Dopeness Galore, Phonica, Echovolt and Shall Not Fade. In particular, his 'Sax & Flute' 12" on Rhythm Section was widely hailed as one of the finest house records of 2016. He's been kind enough to record a Ransom Note Mix for us, and I don't think we're overselling it when we say it's one of the best mixes we've heard so far this year, shifting and cycling through moods yet remaining totally of a piece. House grooves to warm your heart and heal your soul.

There is a great deal of interest surrounding some musicians from Newcastle at the moment, they happen to be called Last Waltz and their music is everything but what you might expect to slow dance to. Since 2011 they have been steadily building steam, consistently releasing interesting music on some impressive labels which include the likes of Endless Flight, Future Boogie, World Unknown and most recently Man Power's newly formed label Me Me Me. They will return to play Love International this coming summer after a well received appearance in 2016 and the recent announcement came following a flurry of appearances across Europe. We are delighted to Lee from Last Waltz to the Ransom Note Mix series as he steps up with a delicious assortment of music.

Berlin is awash with young creatives, it can be a mighty challenge to make yourself heard above the noise. Only those who can bring value, edge and relevance are rewarded. Marlon Hoffstadt is a producer and disc jockey based in the German city. He is also a founder of Retrograde Records alongside Natureboy Gold. His productions are emotive, deep and intrinsic whilst the music he plays out in clubs is wide reaching. The label has been responsible for releasing music from some of the most interesting up and comers: Terron, Matteo Luis, Lo and Paris Brightledge have all featured prominently. The latter has recently become a frequent collaborator with Marlon Hoffstadt and the pair have just released a new EP on Hot Haus Records. Most recently Marlon Hoffstadt has launched a new series of parties in Berlin in which he will invite some of his favourite selectors from across the world to play alongside him at Chalet.

There are very few musical projects which last a lifetime. Since the early 1980's Woo have been producing eclectic ambient, electronic music with a new age twist and have released seven albums across decades. The latest of these releases was in the form of "Awaawaa" which was released on Palto Flats in 2016. Brothers Mark and Clive Ives might not have ever expected to have been involved in a project with such longevity, from humble beginnings producing music for their own amusement they have since gone on to inspire and delight across a generation of listeners. We are delighted to be able to welcome the pair as they contribute to our Monday mix series with an array of elegant chilled out music.

Bienvenidos and willkommen to the fourth instalment of the themed @zoonvansnook presents: OddCasts (#4) for the esteemed Ransom Note magazine. This time out, the theme is all things bird-related, to coincide with last month's National Bird Day. Contained inside, you will find a carefully laid nest of styles including (but not limited to): Welsh freak-pop, neo-kraut rock, laid-back rockabilly, instrumental grime, acoustic melancholia, sideways electronica, Balkan-inspired folk, lo-fi a cappella, electro-baggy, psycho-surf, Japanese folk pop, 80s sci-fi VHS chic, and Matmos!!!... all interspersed with snippets of poetry, essays, news samples and field recordings. For this mix, I am elated to have rekindled my collaboration with US artist Seth Fitts, who did all of the sleeve artwork for my debut LP '(Falling from) The Nutty Tree' (Mush Records).

From London to Sydney, Jamie Blanco is not your stereotypical Brit abroad. The producer and disc jockey relocated across the globe with a vision of a new life beneath the sun, bringing with him a bag full of music and a dream. As one half of Ess O Ess and a producer in his own right he has released music across a wide variety of record labels which includes the likes of Futureboogie, Love On The Rocks, London Housing Trust and Not An Animal. His sound draws upon the outskirts of eclecticism and sees him blend balearic infusions alongside heavy hitting dance cuts. We asked Jamie to take a detour away from what me might stereotypically play in the club as he steps up to deliver a mix packed full with ambient goodness, dreamy pads and music perfect for soothing the pain of a Monday morning. A dreamy hour of bliss, perfect for the beach or the office, no matter where you might find yourself this February.

Live instrumentation and dance music are often disassociated, perhaps this is because we have become accustomed to the sight of laptops, buttons and machinery. However, that is not to say that there aren't people producing electronic music with instruments in this day and age, no, far from it in fact. Ishmael is a producer most commonly known for his take on house music having released on labels such as Wolf Music, Church and Deso. However, most recently he has taken a sidestep away from the typical narrative of a dance music producer, hooking up with instrumentalists to create what he has titled the Ishmael Ensemble. "Songs For Knotty" is the first release to emerge from the project and has just been released on Banoffee Pies Records. The project sees more of a focus towards jazz and abstract electronics than club built sounds, a twist in a musical career which shows great promise. Ahead of his appearance at Farmfestival alongside the Ensemble we caught up with him for a chat as he contributes to our mix series... Ismael and his Ensemble play Farmfest 28th & 29th July. http://www.farmfestival.co.uk/

In a highly saturated market there is a lot to be said for record labels who trawl the earth to revitalize music which was perhaps thought lost to the depths of Discogs and glory seekers the world over. Isle Of Jura issued a statement of intent when they announced their debut release in the early months of last year. Their first release came in the form of a reissue of a highly sought after disco record from the 1980's, Escape From New York's "Fire In My Heart". An out of reach record was made attainable once again and the demand rocketed. The label then went on to re-release a balearic masterclass in the form of Chayell's "It's Never Too Hot". What lies ahead for the label in 2017 is a mystery, but expect the unexpected. We spoke to the label founder Kevin Griffiths as he delivers a flavour of the label.

There are few names within electronic music as widely known as that of Boys Noize. The producer and label boss often casts an array of debate as to the relevance of his sound amongst the underground. However, it is difficult to challenge his selection policy in the booth, his tastes more informed than most. This was perhaps most visible on his addition to the fabric mix series which featured music from the likes of I-F, DJ Deeon and more. However, it was still called into question by "heads" if you will. Now he steps up to our mix series with a fresh selection of tracks designed to ignite, excite and no doubt challenge. What's the point if people aren't talking about you eh?

Lyon is punching above its weight. Not in an overly violent or aggressive fashion but in a self contained manner with progression and depth. The city has become one of the most musically interesting in France over the past few years with the likes of Le Sucre, Chez Emille and Nuits Sonores all leading the charge. However, beneath the surface you will also find a small number of burgeoning record labels which are helping to push local producers and sounds into the limelight. Juliano is one such producer whom is starting to amass a reputation. As a producer he writes deep, melodically pleasing house with an analogue edge: he is also the founder of That Place records, an up and coming record label with a beautiful aesthetic and an interesting back catalogue. Now based in Berlin he talks about the roots of the label.

Originating from Sweden, Gidge are a duo who seek inspiration from a somewhat uncompromising environment. Cold, harsh winters leave little room for musical warmth and creativity, yet somehow the pair manage to maintain a depth and meaning to their sound which transcends far beyond their surroundings. The pair first met back in school at the age of 16. Rooted in the small city of Umeå Jonatan Nilsson and Ludvig Stolterman quickly became friends through a shared love of the abstract and electronic music. This would later materialise into them producing music together as the duo Gidge. This month saw the release of their second mini album on Atomnation, a record label not known for compromise or a sub standard release policy which has previously hosted music by the likes of Weval, Olaf Stuut and Sau Poler. We caught up with the pair on the back of the release of their latest work 'LNLNN' as they deliver a Monday mix for Ransom Note

There appears to be an ever blossoming string of new musicians within electronic music in the present day. Solune is one who may just be about to break through the ranks. As one of the pioneers behind Berlin's Bass Cadet Record store and a producer in his own right his commitment to music is more prevalent than most. This week saw the announcement of a new EP on the London based record label Secretsundaze which is due for release in the coming months. It is a step up for the upcoming producer who has previously ownly released music independently through a label run by himself and fellow record shop boss Etienne Dauta. The pair also work together to produce music as Arcarsenal and have released music on Rue De Plaisance and This Is Not Happening.

Occasionally one slips through the cracks and stumbles upon something beautiful. Udacha is the definitive example of such a situation. Around the middle of last year an odd email chain led us to the introduction of what would go on to become one of the most interesting up and coming record labels of the moment. The music they have released so far speaks for itself, ambient orientated with a balearic edge and eclectic design. It is paired with beautiful drawn imagery and representation, iconic and understated. There is little back story, little information and little explanation as to the roots of this crew. Many of the artists whom have appeared on the label maintain low profile stature and continue to surprise.

House and techno DJ and producer John Daly has been releasing records for over ten years, primarily on his own Feel Music label, but has also seen his work feature on Drumpoet, Secretsundaze and One Track Records. The Galway based artist also releases under the moniker The Smoke Clears, an ambient project whose debut album was released to acclaim last year. He's provided this week's Ransom Note mix here for us, and a few answers to some questions...

In an age of odd dj names there is little as bizarre as that of Dj Normal 4. The mysterious producer has amassed a reputation as a bit of a breakbeat connoisseur in recent months having released music on Klasse Wrecks and Brothers From Different Mothers. More recently he has also featured collaboratively alongside Luca Lozano and Bufiman. His sound quite clearly draws upon influences found amongst the golden days of rave culture. Old school samples and broken percussion feature heavily amongst his sets and in much of his own music. His online presence would indicate that he might not take himself too seriously, which in a time when techno dj's seem to be becoming increasingly moody is much appreciated. We are delighted to be able to welcome Dj Normal 4 to our mix series for an edition which is anything but predictable.

There are few labels as widely admired as John Talabot's Hivern Discs which operates out of the Catalan capital, Barcelona. This year the label will feature a newly signed artist and it comes in the form of Cleveland. Originating from Luxembourg and now based in Brussels Andrea Mancini finds himself very much aligned musically with his Spanish counterparts from Hivern Discs. His moody, emotive take on club music has led to the support for his sound from the likes of Oskar Offermann. His new release has been tried and tested on dancefloors around the world for months, as is often the way with a new release on Hivern Discs. Nothing is left to chance. He steps up to take us on a tour of his sound in the present.

Through his 'Coastal Breaks' mix CDs in the late Nineties, and his own Marine Parade label at the turn of the century, Adam Freeland was synonymous with the breaks & edits scene that was prevalent. As a resident at Fabric, he contributed to the renowned 'FabricLive' series as well as popular mix series 'Back To Mine' and 'Global Underground'. As an artist and remixer, he bothered the Top 40 and even earned a Grammy nomination. Living back in California now, the Brit is also part of 'The Acid', a band he's formed with Californian Steve Nalepa and Australian artist RY X. For your first working Monday of the year (probably), we asked him to make a mix from the middle of the desert for us, and answer a few questions...

We are now deep within the first week of the new year, positivity is everywhere and this might just be the start of something great. Here to soundtrack such a moment is Chinaski, a German producer whom in the past year released on Live At Robert Johnson and Uncanny Valley. His sound is wide ranging, at times cinematic and epic, at others deep and moody. Visual representation is something considered important by Chinaski who also builds and edits video footage. His music is somewhat alike to classic synth heavy movie soundtracks of the 80's and this is in turn reflected by the imagery chosen and featured. Glistening synthesizers, rough drums and beautiful soundscapes are all a part of the norm for a producer who's music is so much more than just for dancefloors.

The emergence of a new wave of European producers has led to the culmination of an enticing array of enchanting interpretations of dance focussed music. Pau Roca has been critically praised by the likes of Sonar for his involvement in the Barcelona house scene in which he is a hugely active member. As a journalist his ability to network and determine the variety amidst people has led him into exploring music from across the world. He also runs two record labels in his spare time, Bons Records & Black Money Records. Both have been determined to showcase variety and have been involved in the reissue of exciting music lost amidst the passage of time. Bons Records for example recently re- released an EP from Joey Kay which had become notoriously hard to find. 01.- Donny Hathaway - I love you more (Slow Soul Flow mix) 02.- Prefuse 73 - Skin (Outro) 03.- J.Dilla - Airworks 04.- Lyn Christopher - Take me with you 05.- Linkwood Family - Miles Away 06.- Roy G & MM - Barely Breaking Steven 07.- Princess Di- Who's Dick Is This 08.- Santonio Echols - Deep Cover 09.- Caucasian Boy - In From Behind (Boom Boom Ina Bedroom) 10.- Jex Opolis - Conga Radio 11.- Dj Sonikku - Chemical Plant 12.- Steve Summers - Deep Necking 13.- Steaward - Gravity 14.- Inter Gritty - Lettermore 15.- Contours - Loose Wood 16.- Red Rack’em - Wonky Bassline Disco Banger 17.- Dj Q - San Francisco 18.- Dj Slym Fas - Luv Music 19.- Band of Misfits - Got to be real (fortchcoming Bons Records) 20.- Gay Marvine - Don't Stop 21.- Louie Vega - Heaven Knows (Vega Yoshisawa Unreleased Solo Mix) 22.- Idris Muhammad - Piece of Mind

Out of the Welsh valleys and now at home in Manchester, Rikki Humphrey has been hosting radio shows on KMAH and Reform Radio and just kicked off a new residency on the city's NTS channel. DJing all over the country and across Europe and South America, Rikki has supported a gamut of wide-ranging jocks including Space Dimension Controller, Italojohnson, Tornado Wallace, Bicep, Xosar, Hunee and many more, and he still finds time to fulfill a residency at TEAK in Cardiff. He's pretty new to us, so we asked him to pull a set together, answer a few q's, and shine a light on what he is all about.

Stockholm based Tommy Awards describe themselves as "a constantly evolving, free thinking musical project which defies genres, rules and conventional band settings, in the name of creative freedom". They have released on Magic Feet, and also recently on sold-out cassette for Origin Peoples. Now picked up as a vinyl release on the respected Balearic Social label, we asked the guys to provide your Monday listening, and they delivered us a soulful, downtempo and winter Balearic curiosity to warm your Xmas cockles. Listen here, and read below to find out more.

Where to begin with Versatile? An institution, a label, a pioneering force, the French imprint has become a staple of electronic music for decades. This year was in fact the 20th anniversary of the label, which was founded by Gilb'R back in 1996. Across this period Versatile has released music by some of the most influential artists of a generation: Pepe Bradock, I:Cube, Joakim and many more have all appeared throughout the label's history. In the present day Gilb'R remains as relevant a musician as ever. Having previously operated under the alias of Cheek and as one half of the duo Chateau Flight he is as experienced behind the labyrinth of machines as he is in label management and selection. In recent years he has appeared more prominently under his own name having appeared as part of the Acid Arab series, Sex Tags and of course on his own label. As a selector there are few who can rival his capabilities behind the turntables, he has many years of influence and experience to draw upon, of course.

A few years ago we were first introduced by chance to Mermaids, a new duo who emerged silently from the depths of the Glaswegian undercurrent to produce music which you might not tend to stereotypically associate with the city. Glasgow is a place which has often been associated with techno but Mermaids have always approached music with a slightly softer edge. Their music stood out amidst the crowded palaces and clubs, danceable yet luxurious and different. Nowadays the pair are split across the country with one half of the duo based in Glasgow and another in London. In recent years their music has gathered support from the likes of Jackmaster and Huntleys & Palmers. We caught up with the duo to talk about the world in which they orbit.

Markus Gibb and friends run Rock To The Beat, French based slo-mo and electro label which has featured several times in R$N over the past year. He now steps up to the Monday Mix tape and we ask him some fun and slightly impertinent questions in return. Give the set a listen below, then find out a bit more from the man himself...

This past year has been an interesting term for electronic music. Some are calling for a new lease of life, others contest that there is more good out there than ever before. Both opinions are valid, however, one constant which sometimes goes amiss from this conversation is the view that the underground exists for a reason. If the underground was to become overground, if you will, then it would not maintain the ethos and spirit which many have come to dedicate their time to across the years. Charles Drakeford is familiar with the best of both worlds. Having spent many years behind the scenes of Boiler Room he was granted insight into an industry which allowed him to witness all types. Now, he has made his choice. From The Depths was founded in 2014, since then it has released music from the likes of Gramrcy, Niagara, DJML and Lutto Lento, The latter of which has just returned to the label for the first time since. Someone once said in some hip hop track that 'only the real survive'. It would seem that way.

Friends are the best right? We all love friends. Well Bobby Pleasure is one of ours, an all round good bloke from Essex to just so happens to know a thing or two about records. As a label manager and DJ he has more experience than most and this year has seen him appear around the glove at the likes of Mareh in Brazil and in Ibiza this summer. When he offered to deliver us a christmas mix we certainly knew it wouldn't be typical, the dude wasn't built for the cold. The result is pretty special indeed as he delivers an hour of lovely groove orientated house with a sun kissed feel. Oh, and some seasonal samples of course.

This week we welcome back Vilmantas, who hosts the successful Serial Experiments podcast series. The podcast has recently seen sets from Dimitri Veimar, Borusiade and It's A Fine Line joining an already stellar cast of guests. About time we showcased the man himself then eh, so here he brings us a suitable selection for your start of the week, and a few quickfire questions too...

Argentina is a hotbed of worldly influences and tropical sounds. Arnaldo was born in South America in the 80's but is well traveled having lived in England for many years and now Berlin. At the turn of the millenium he first began to collect records whilst working in the renowned record shop Eastern Bloc in Manchester and became a resident at the meandyou party series. The rest is history as they say and since then Arnaldo has gone on to produce and release music on the likes of Smallville, Until My Heart Stops and Greta Cottage Workshop. The latter is on which he has appeared most recently as part of a split EP with Monoak. A household favourite here at Ransom Note towers we are delighted to be able to welcome Arnaldo to the mix series.

There is little left to be said about Tevo Howard which has not already been spoken. Chicago to this day remains one of the most influential city's in the world and to this day continues to have a profound impact on house music. As a new wave skater growing up in Chicago Tevo Howard was introduced to the world of record collecting by Gramaphone Records. A tale which may sound familiar to many from the Chicago area. Since then he has found himself upon a path which has led him to travel the world over playing records, producing music and making people dance. His sound is well versed and collected, much like his persona. We are humbled to have him contribute to Ransom Note's mix series.

As we approach the month of December it seems fitting to reflect on the nature of longevity. This year has flown by awfully fast and very soon we will be entering 2017. There seems to be more new labels emerging every week and the electronic music scene is vast and sprawling. It is important to reflect on the importance of those who have shown commitment over time. One of the cornerstones of British electronic music has always been the melting point created by different musical styles from different cultures all rubbing up against each other on our tiny little island in the North Sea. A good example of this can be found in the output of Bob Bhamra's West Norwood Cassette Library. Initially focusing on wanting to put out his own take on dubstep the label quickly morphed and expanded to encompass pretty much every aspect of UK dance music. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

From time to time something takes you by surprise. In this case it was a coincidental email which landed amidst the chaos at just the right time. Fourmï Rouz originates from the island of Mauritius, a place which you might not usually associate with electronic music in a stereotypical sense. In some ways you might be accurate in this view, however, that certainly doesn't mean that there aren't artists intertwining local influences and electronic sounds. This mix is a representation of the diversity which exists amongst electronic music culture as Fourmï Rouz blends traditional elements alongside a forward thinking fusion of blends. We caught up with him to talk roots and more. https://soundcloud.com/fourmirouz

We love Jon Tye here at Ransom Note Towers, in all his many guises. Last time we spoke to him was for a wonderful Label Love piece on the 20th anniversary of his Lo Recordings imprint. This year he's been busy as always, releasing the 'Peaks' album under his Brain Machine moniker with Guido Zen and Kyle Martin, as well as blessing us with 'Escape Hatch', the fourth Seahawks album. Jon has been so kind as to make us a mix of original material, so every track is either produced or co-produced by himself. With material from Seahawks, Brain Machine, Cherry Garcia and Pink Fluid nestled within, we feel pretty sure you're gonna enjoy it as much as us.

The situation in Turkey remains as unstable as ever at present. After many years of dynamic changes and progression there seems to have been a revolt of sorts which has stinted the development of the country in its tracks. As a result, art, culture and people have ultimately suffered. Istanbul has a fruitful and inspired musical community and there has always been intrigue around dance music in the country. Emin is one of the many kind hearted people based in Istanbul who is confused and baffled by the situation which exists around him. Music has acted as an outlet for him and his friends on many occasions. His spare room serves as a studio and he spends his time collecting records, producing and copy writing. Oh, and he has two cats as well, meaning we here at Ransom Note already love him. Several months ago we featured a mix from Zozo who in turn introduced us to another exciting prospect. She introduced us to M-IN. Listen and enjoy.

Next up in our Monday series is an edition which sits close to our hearts, in fact, it sits so damn that it might as well be inside them. Ally is behind the Tropical party series which take place in both Glasgow and London and has seen the likes of Telephones, Marcellus Pittman, Tolouse Low Trax, Samo DJ, Wolf Muller and many more all play. Now based in London the past twelve months have seen him make appearances at Brilliant Corners, Dance Tunnel, and Oval Space alongside international excursions where he appeared as part of the Off Sonar party programme and in Greece. This mix sees a rejection of dancefloor orientated music and allows Ally to dig deeper into the depths of obscurity featuring music from the likes of Blackest Ever Black, Robbie Basho, Udacha, Vangelis Katsoulis and more. There is also forthcoming music on Optimo and Antinote buried deep within the mix. From our editor here at Ransom Note to your headphones...

Originating from Colombia Sano was born with rhythm in his soul. Now based in Barcelona he has become a prevalent artist in his own right having found his way into the heart of the Comeme family and now most recently Public Possession. His sound sees him integrate elements of latin music within modern day electronics in an exciting fashion. As a result his presence has continued to grow, travelling regularly this year has seen him play widely across South America and Europe. The theme of his mix for us sees him explore his own heritage in great depth as he pays tribute to Latino producers across the globe. He explains in his interview below: "Genetics. Blood. Proud. Heritage. We, the Latinos, are one big family . The main intention of this mix is to showcase the work of this latin american producers: Nehuen, Sixtoagusto, The Chica, ViVi, Diegors, Rumanians, Vandel."

There is a lot to be said about a producer who manages to establish a name amidst a toxically saturated market in the 21st century. Al Kassian first emerged on the radar as a result of his involvement in the duo Opal Sunn, a live performance project which sees him collaborate with Hiroaki OBA. However, Al Kassian is now emerging as an artist in very much his own right and there are several inclinations which lead to the assumption of future opportunity and success. This year has seen him release two EP's respectively on Planet Sundae and make Love In Public Spaces. Both have been hugely favoured by critics and fellow musicians. We here at Ransom Note have previously featured him on two occasions. Top marks so far... However, we decided that it was time to learn more, to enquire and entice information.

Joining the dots between Berlin, Barcelona and Banyoles is no simple feat. The three don't tend to align in all circumstances by any stretch of the imagination. However, it is across these three town's that Pau Encinas has produced some of the most riveting and intriguing electronic music of his career. As Cauto he has released music through many channels including on DJ Rupture's Dutty Artz. However, it is his most recent work, an album for Disboot, which saw him deliver his most accomplished release to date. It was the culmination of hard work, experimentation and struggle. He combined worldly percussion with hazy soundscapes and organic instrumentation. Emotive and powerful it was very strong. We caught up with Pau as he contributes to our Monday mix series.

Move D & Dolan Bergin have a special bond. In between busy schedules the pair have become close friends. There is little left to be said about David Moufang which has not already been spoken, his continued importance to club music makes him one of the definitive figures within the genre. Across decades he has released some of the most influential records in dance, his commitment to current trends and the ongoing discovery of new music is admirable. This is what to this day makes his DJ sets so profound and exciting. Dolan Bergin is the man behind Electric Minds, the much loved club night and label which has travelled the world. Based out of London the label is about to celebrate it's tenth anniversary, however we have now been informed that this will be the closing act for Electric Minds. Across the label's existence they have released music by the likes of Endian, Jay Shepeard, Fold and Move D himself. It's closure will be missed. This edition of the Ransom Note mix is taken from a party earlier this year at Robert Johnson in Germany. It sees label boss Dolan Bergin go back to back with Move D across six hours. Strap in. First 2 hours = Dolan second 2 hours = Move D last two hours = Move D & Dolan

Move D & Dolan Bergin have a special bond. In between busy schedules the pair have become close friends. There is little left to be said about David Moufang which has not already been spoken, his continued importance to club music makes him one of the definitive figures within the genre. Across decades he has released some of the most influential records in dance, his commitment to current trends and the ongoing discovery of new music is admirable. This is what to this day makes his DJ sets so profound and exciting. Dolan Bergin is the man behind Electric Minds, the much loved club night and label which has travelled the world. Based out of London the label is about to celebrate it's tenth anniversary, however we have now been informed that this will be the closing act for Electric Minds. Across the label's existence they have released music by the likes of Endian, Jay Shepeard, Fold and Move D himself. It's closure will be missed. This edition of the Ransom Note mix is taken from a party earlier this year at Robert Johnson in Germany. It sees label boss Dolan Bergin go back to back with Move D across six hours. Strap in. First 2 hours = Dolan second 2 hours = Move D last two hours = Move D & Dolan

Managing a label is no simple feat. The music has to be good, the identity unique. Slam City Jams originates from the minds behind the moniker of Rhode & Brown: the pair have released music on Toy Tonics most prominently across the past four years. Now, however, thay have entered a new world of discovery. The label's first release saw them host Gonima, a Montreal based producer with a penchant for exploring the deeper textures of house music. The EP was accomplished, polished and very relevant. Based in Munich Friedrich & Stephan have been playing and collecting records for many years, what the future holds for the label remains to be explored. However, there is a promising sense of expectancy around the two who seem to be appearing in all the right places.

Because we wondered if he was OK, we had a look at what Ant Rothmans was up to at the moment. With a fully comprehensive bio that simply states ‘Rothmans - limited edition, musical collectible, 180g vinyl, no digital’, we thought it was time to find out a bit more. The label has released some class records that include quality artists such as Tusk, Timothy J Fairplay, Scott Fraser, Coyote, Naduve and many more, and are about to get to the 15th EP. Ant got his pal and co- producer Dawn Again do provide a mix, while he banged on about all sorts of shite. They are both well worth a listen and a read.

Hailing from the burgeoning Mexican electronic and slo-mo acid scene, Bufi is the solo project of Mateo Gonzalez. With releases on Duro, Electrique Music and Sicario, his debut LP 'Revelación' is released next week. With a classical music background mixed with a love for synths and drum machines, his sets mix up disco, techno and the slow chunky acid that the region is becoming home too. Here's a mix he's recorded for us, and he answers a few questions, just so you can get to know him a little better.

Many of us have reached a stage in life in which we look back upon our younger years and question where on earth the time went. I'm not sure if this is the ultimate message of the Days Of Being Wild guys or whether i'm off the money, however, their music is certainly still a relevant soundtrack to those spending a night on the tiles. The label have long been good friends of The Ransom Note and it's of little wonder. This year they have been busy continuing to release driven club music from the likes of Middle Sky Boom, Eliezer and Languages. They also lovingly contributed to the Ransom Note "Ciquita" remix series alongside the likes of Moscoman and appeared at our curated stage at Alfresco Festival. This mix is packed full of exclusive material and hence cannot be downloaded, one for the heads.

From time to time something pleasant lands in our inbox, something out of the ordinary. They often say that the best disc jockeys and record collectors are not the ones who play out every week, tour the world or who are spoken of the most. Rob Warner sent us a mix all the way from New Zealand and by George were we surprised with the result. House music can become a little stale, a hell of a lot of people play house records, a hell of a lot of people have also heard a hell of a lot of people play house records, and so on. Hence when someone steps up and absolutely knocks it out of the park it is right to recognise their accomplishment. Introducing Rob Warner, a disc jockey you might just love...

Experience is everything and there are few who can claim to rival the knowledge of Andy Whittaker. As the man behind R&S Records UK office he has been involved in some of the most culturally relevant and groundbreaking releases in recent times. The label continues to remain as consistent as it first was back in the late eighties/ early nineties as it continues to break new musicians: James Blake, Lone, Nonkeen and Aphex Twin are amongst several names to release on the label in the last twenty years. As a selector his tastes have evolved with age, not conforming to trends he simply digs good music, a sometimes forgotten rule. We caught up with Andy for a chat as he delivers us a mix recorded live from Obonjan earlier this year.

There must be something in the water up North. Glasgow continues to punch above its weight in terms of musical output, although in this case it's cheating slightly, Hammer is actually from Belfast. For many years Hammer has been honing his craft behind the DJ booth of a number of clubs around Glasgow, Thunder Disco Club has become an institution of sorts, one of the few parties not to be washed up or swallowed by the city's vast and sprawling nightlife culture. More recently he has found himself working with the likes of Bicep and a string of dates this past summer has seen him take the jump to the next level in regard to reputation. It seemed fitting to invite Hammer to talk a little bit about his musical background, that city up north and what the future holds... Tracklisting: Dj Khalab & Baba Sissoko - Kumu Christopher Rau - Sound Shake Abacus - Untitled (B2) Sittin Here (Atjazz Remix) Dave DK - Palmaille The Binary Starsystem - Kom! (Come) Lord Of The Isles - XIT Boof - Solar Eclipse On A Friday Morning L.B. Dub Corp - Native Dub Roberto Rodriguez feat. Max C - Lies (Arttu Remix) T-Bone - Respect TGF - Heavy Helium Robots - Delve (Wrong Island Somnambulist Mix) Body Jack - Cobra Effect Baikal - Why Don't Ya? (Ripperton Remix, Dixon Edit) Agoria - Speechless (feat. Carl Craig & La Scalars) (Carl Craig Remix) Hammer - Stripes Radio Slave - N.I.N.A. (Ame Remix)

Residing in Lisbon, Violet is the moniker of Inês Coutinho. In recent years the city has undergone a cultural evolution if you will as musicians and new talent rise from the undergrowth of Portugal's capital. Radio Quantica is one such aspect of this evolution, a local music station which was founded by Inês Coutinho and Marco Rodrigues in November of last year. In a short space of time the radio station has formed itself as a hub for a blossoming electronic community full of promise and aspiration. Inês Coutinho has been absolutely essential in the formation of such a platform, however, this has not prevented her from pursuing her own musical ventures. In recent years she has released music for the likes of Comeme and Snuff Trax. Her interests also see her play an important role in the push for gender equality within music, a keenly political character she also featured on a remake of Underground Resistance's widely loved "Transition" in honour of International Women's Day. Violet is an artist we can get on board with,

They say that certain individuals are born with music in their DNA. Few can argue with such a statement when looking back upon the career and continued commitment of Dele Sosimi to his art. Between 1979 and 1986 he performed and recorded with Fela Kuti, afrobeat pioneer and legend. Following that he went on to form The Positive Force alongside Femi Kuti Many years later he now resides in London and works with his own Afrobeat Orchestra. London based record label the Wah Wah 45s spotted an opportunity within the music of Dele Sosimi and as a result recently unleashed a collection of dub edits on the label. Reimagined by Prince Fatty and Nostalgia 77 the pair revisited six of Dele Sosimi's tracks and skewed them with a sound built for soundsystems the world over. Following this release it seemed a fitting opportunity to explore the musical career of Dele Sosimi in full, by no means is this mix a reflection of that, however Dom Servini of Wah Wah 45s offers an insight into one of afrobeats most valuable players.

From the murky depths of Berlin comes a new beam of light complete with an emotional party orientated edge. DJ SCM first appeared on our radar back in 2015, since then he has formed his own record label under the name of Warm Tapes Adjustment which has released music from the likes of Gari Romalis and Jordan Fields. His music is playful, much like his persona and the labels visual aesthetic. When it comes to selection in the clubs his tastes are versatile and far reaching, this is certainly made clear through the diverse array of music present in this mix. There is a lot to be said about those who simply do it for the love, get on board.

There is beauty amidst the spaces in between. Phaeleh has been releasing music since 2008 and throughout this time has produced three albums. On the eve of his latest release it seems somewhat fitting to reflect on his contributions to electronic music. The discourse of his music has seen him veer right and left between uk bass culture and somewhat cinematic soundscapes. Never standing still Phaeleh has taken influence from a range of genres and continues to explore the realm of possibilities within sound. Titled "Illusion Of The Tale" he speaks bluntly about the roots and origins of the release. “The album title is my polite way of saying we live in a world of bullshit and bullshitters. Essentially I feel we all live in a constant lie, whether it be our Facebook profile pictures, the need to present our lives as perfect, with good looking partners, intelligent children, the perfect job etc." Ahead of the release of the record on the 14th of October we asked him to contribute to our Monday mix series as he delves deep through the depths of his record collection.

There are few who can claim to have been around the block pre gentrification, pre luxury housing, pre pop up restaurants and pre juice bars. Terry Childs has watched the evolution of London with a beady eye, he has observed the rise, fall, rebirth and demise of club culture and has witnessed the passage of change throughout time. Mighty and proud, like a sort of club Jesus, he strokes his beard observedly and reflects upon what has come before and what is yet to be. There is a lot to be said about those who remain true to the music and art they pride and value, it's easy to be swept away in a tide of tasteless progression and pretension. As a resident behind the Nibiru parties in London he remains true to the cause and this commitment has not gone unrewarded, a fine DJ in his own right, he delivers the Ransom Note mix.

Andy Fosberry exists behind the scenes, behind the spotlights and away from the often glamorised culture often associated with electronic music in the present age. His focus remains firmly rooted upon music, ambience and it's ability to encompass all things. As a musician he dabbles in the cinematic and the enigmatic, experimenting with instrumentation and sound in a charmed fashion. Following a recent tour in which he appeared in London, Manchester and Bristol we caught up with Andy to talk about the backstory of Sunset Graves, his musical inspiration and the future which lies ahead.

Anders Trentemøller is one of those artists that can live up to the description of "trademark sound". Since his poll-bothering debut release in 2006 ('The Last Resort'), the Copenhagen based musician has been drawing on his love of 80s/ 90s indie and using that distinctive personal motif on his intricate electronic productions. After pioneering his own full live show he has now notched up over 300 appearances, and still found time to get to his fourth studio album. 'Fixion' was released earlier this year and sees him refine his sound, and yet add some organicity and more traditional song structure to the release. As he comes to the end of a sold-out tour, Anders has provided us with a delicate and ghostly mix for the start of your week and gives us some brief answers to some nosey questions.

Berlin based Luca Venezia has swapped his native New York moniker for what is considered "dark & romantic". Here he is as Curses, blending his loves for electronic music and good old-fashioned ROCK & ROLL. With his own Safer At Night imprint, and many releases across labels including Throne Of Blood, Rotten City and Nein and a residency on France's Rinse radio, we thought it time to get him to do us a mix. Recorded live and with his own live vocals, it's pretty special. Listen, download and then read on to get a bit more if you need!

Ah, who doesn't love the sweet sweet sound of Italo music on a Wednesday afternoon? Hysteric is the man behind one of Australia's finest musical outputs, Mothball Records. Over the years they have been responsible for reissuing some of the finest forgotten rarities from Italo history: this year saw them re-release the highly sought after Plustwo EP. Hysteric himself has amassed a fearsome reputation as a disc jockey and has released music on labels such as Germany's Public Possession, Ostra Discos and Mysidian. His sets are orientated towards the dancefloor without compromise: euphoric, energetic and electronically mesmerizing they see him cover a range of genres and styles as he presents subtle hidden gems alongside party classics. The tail end of this month will see him kickstart an international tour which spans across Europe, Israel and the UK. Thus we asked him to contribute to our ever expansive mix series, and boy did he deliver.

Who loves acid? We love acid? Well at least we thought we did. Here are two blokes who happen to know more about the wobbly squelch which has enchanted a nation for decades than anyone else. This weekend the pair will appear on the main stage at Moondance Festival: a celebration of all things rave in Queen Elizabeth Park in London. They will feature as part of an extine line up which feature an array of artists whom include the likes of Todd Terry, A Guy Called Gerald, Altern8 and many more. Ahead of this celebration of dance we decided to go all out nineties and asked the notorious Acid Brothers to record us a mix which reflects what they do best... ACID. The result of this request may be found here...

Ransom Note enters the world of conversation as we launch our new Podcast series with our very own Joe Europe. Episode one is brought to you by Rode Microphones... South London's musical history goes way back but, over the last couple of years, one of the cornerstones of the scene has undoubtedly been Rye Wax. Part record shop, part music venue, part taco joint, the multifaceted organisation situated in the basement of the Bussey Building seemed to become one of the key creative hubs in Peckham almost as soon as it opened its doors. Right from the get go the Rye Wax team focused on pushing local artists, labels and parties which has given the shop a strong sense of community. But, as they mark their second birthday, has it been a smooth ride so far and what is it like to operate in a climate of club closures and tight profit margins? On a sticky night in August Joe Europe sat down with the shop's management team to chew the fat, discussing setting up the shop, the ever-changing musical landscape and watching football with Egyptian Lover. Listen to the podcast, brought to you courtesy of Rode microphones whom without this would never have been possible...

Originating from Tunisia Nadia Ksaiba has boundless energy, eclecticism and taste. As the host of NTS Radio's Rhythm Connection she revels in the opportunity of bringing musical selection and variety to listeners. Beyond this she has released music for Phantasy and Her Majesty's Ship capturing an essence of her musical heritage and developing it through the form of production. Her latest release has recently been put out by Lost Maps as she edits Manuela's track 'Cracks'. It seemed more apt than ever to invite her to contribute to the Ransom Note mix series as she steps up with music from Dark Entries, James Mason and Tensnake

To be a free spirit is a truly beautiful thing. Gardening is also a beautiful thing. ishi vu is both. Emerging from Sweden's underground his music charms and provokes. With a forthcoming EP on Studio Barnhus and previous releases on Mr Tophats Junkyard Connections, Omena and Trunkfunk Records his output continues to grown and develop, His mixing style is a melancholy blend of melodic twists and euphoric dancefloor moments. With support from the likes of Hivern Discs amongst others the coming year will be interesting to observe in regard to his growth and development as an artist. We caught up with him to talk music and more.

Barcelona's narrow back alleyways have become home to some of the most interesting talent in electronic music over the past ten years. This summer saw the release of Airaboi's debut EP titled "Endless Field". A blend of glimmering, sun kissed house, its clear to see that he has taken influence from those around him. The likes of Hivern Discs have become a staple element of European music culture. Following their launch many years ago we are now beginning to witness a new wave of artists who are hoping to follow in the footseps of the likes of John Talabot and Pional. Airaboi may well be the next destined for success.

Lumberjacks can exist in both heaven and hell, however, it is the latter which Marcel Vogel chooses to place himself. The German producer and disc jockey has a notorious reputation for blending elements of cosmic disco alongside r'n'b, house and various oddities. Eclectic and dancefloor orientated the label has released music from the likes of Jamie 3:26, Traxx, Mr Mendel and Eddie C. More recently Marcel Vogel has also founded a new label titled 'Intimate Friends' on which he has taken a new creative approach. As a producer Marcel Vogel has captured elements of seduction present in old school r'n'b and placed them alongside modern day electronic influences. The result is often enchanting, odd and abuzz. We caught up with him as he contributes to The Ransom Note mix series.

Moody and dark are terms which seem to come in tangent with the work of up and coming producer Gohan. Following the release of his debut album "Peur" which came out on Peur Bleue Records in 2012, his own imprint by the way, he has since released music by the likes of Nummer, Nick Araguay and Altkat. Melancholic and immersive, the theme of black runs prevalently throughout the ethos of the label. We caught up with him to talk about his label and the Gohan project.

Crossover is a term which is used far too regularly for our liking. There are few who can truly be said to have breached the divide. However Shuya Okino is one such artist who has earnt his title as a true pioneer of the crossover. Blending a fusion of disco, jazz and house he is a Japanese pioneer of dancefloor music and as one half of the Kyoto Jazz Massive has been crucial in spreading his vision throughout the country and beyond. Championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson and Volcov amongst many others he now also finds himself as the mastermind behind The Room Club in Shibuya, Japan. This summer he will appear at Deboto festival in Croatia. Ahead of his appearance we asked him to contribute to our Wednesday mix series.

Applescal appears to be a play on words. Pascal Terstappen has been releasing music under this alias for almost ten years now: as one of the founding figures behind Atomnation he has also been responsible for releasing music by the likes of Sau Poler, Weval and Olaf Stuut. His sound sees him dabble in melancholic melody, he has a taste for the deep and mystical when it comes to music and this is often reflected in the nature of his DJ sets.

To heckle someone in the United Kingdom is to interrupt and provoke. However, Hekkla's name does not originate from such origins: taken from the title of an Icelandic volcano with an added 'K' it becomes a much more scenic title for an up and comer. Based in Eindhoven, Hekkla has recently released his debut EP on AM, a record which was supported by the likes of Midland amongst others. His sound sees him capture the nature of the tropics, reinforced by an undercurrent of house and techno which fuels the fire beneath lush soundscapes. We invited him to contribute to our 'Shine A Light On' series and had a chat.

Romania isn't entirely the type of place you might associate with techno. However, for many years Andrew Red Hand has been responsible for pioneering the dark arts in the country. Since 2009 he has released on labels such as MOS, Land of Dance and more. Aaron carl notoriously called him 'the romanian Underground Resistance himself'', and living up to this name Andrew has delivered several mixes as part of the UR series. We caught up with him to talk cliches and the inspiration behind his name... https://soundcloud.com/andrewredhand https://facebook.com/andrewredhand

Mavrik has become a staple party amidst London's sprawling nightlife. It can often be difficult to trust the unknown, and many parties have come and gone over the years. However, the sentiment behind Mavrik remains the same as it was originally founded upon: a party for friends without the allure of big names, good music for good people. Past guests include the likes of Nick the Record, Red Greg, Tim Sweeney and more. On the 12th of August the party will return alongside Mr Bongo Soundystem and John Gomez for a night of music which promises to be both well informed and dancefloor driven. It is a party after all. The event will also be raising money for local children's charity Free to Be. Baring all this in mind, we caught up with Roddy (Mavrik) to talk music and records as he contributes to our Wednesday mix series.

Alinka is well travelled when it comes to house music. Having previously held down a residency at Smart Bar in Chicago for some seven odd years, she now finds herself in Berlin where she has featured on the Panorama Bar line up. Alongside her friend, Shaun J. Wright she has released a vast string of purpose built, club ready tracks. Her tastes range from oddball house, acid, techno, and she tends to rely heavily on weird and wonderfuly bass driven music. Most recently she has released music on Crosstown Rebels and her own founded imprint Twirl Recordings.

Turkey appears to be in the midst of a crisis. Much of the recent media attention has been focused upon hatred, despair and trouble. However, the good people of this country often remain unreported, undiscussed. From a musical perspective, the scene in Istanbul survives amidst a backdrop of chaos, and yet it still continues to put in a damn good shift. Ece Ozel is the latest contributor to our 'Shine A Light On' mix series as she speaks to us about the music scene in Turkey and a political backdrop which casts a dim haze over propsperity and culture. @ece-o

Born and raised in San Francisco, Dave Aju grew up inspired by the likes of KRS One, The Pharcyde, Moodyman and Cajmere. Such influences have led him on a pursuit through sound and exploration: this has been reflected in his musical output over the past thirteen years. In this time he has formed a close relationship with French record label Circus Company and has since released three full length LP's under their blessing. His early roots lie in jazz and his musical background features drums and piano, such knowledge has led him to a sound which aligns with the more soulful edges of deep house which finds itself more relevant as a genre than ever before.

Founded in 2007, Tempelhof are a duo from Italy who have been making waves since their early days. However, these currents have not been thrashing and wild, rather more peaceful and subdued, much reflective of the music the pair make themselves. This summer saw them release their second collaboration with the much renowned Gigi Masin, a feat in its own right, which few can be said to have achieved. Shimmering electronics and elegant pads feature prominently in much of what they produce as they draw upon ambience and a balearic innocence. We caught up with the duo following theire latest release for Hell Yeah Recordings and talked Mondays.

@farrfestival incoming! There is little left to be said about Maurice Fulton. By this point he is now known as arguably one of the most experienced and talented disc jockeys of a generation and has been essential to the expansion of club music and its culture over the last thirty years. His sound sees him tastefully blend funk, soul and eclectic disco selections alongside modern day house and dance music in a manner which most will never be able to achieve. Championed by leftfield scenes and house music aficionado's alike. Next weekend he will take to the stage at Farr festival who we have been lucky enough to collaborate on to gather this incredibly exclusive mix. @farrfestival

Studio 89 know how to party. Since 2011 they have been proving this whilst moving from basement to basement bringing with them an eclectic array of disco, funk, boogie, house, soul and everything in between. Originating in Cardiff they have captured what can be hard to find, the spirit and soul of days gone by. This is evident in the inspiration which they take from the disco era of Paradise Garage and Studio 54. Many have tried and failed to replicate the warmth and sincerity of a scene which vanished years ago, but in all honesty, Studio 89 are as close now to that you might ever find. We caught up with them ahead of Sunfall weekend where they will host Derrick Carter, Honey Dijon and Michael Serafini at Brixton Electric.

12th Isle have become a trademark name amidst the Glaswegian musical underground. As arguably some of the most interesting selectors to emerge from the city in recent years, it seemed only right for them to be represented on site. Fergus Clark is one of the founding members of the crew and has amassed vast musical knowledge for someone of a relatively youthful age. You are as likely to catch him playing spoken word as you are obscure krautrock or early techno records. A selector in the truest sense he has begun to establish a reputation in having been invited to play in France, London and beyond. We caught up with him to talk 12th Isle and more

Since 2014 Banoffee pies have been delivering tasteful records which have remained consistent and enigmatic. Ruf Dug, Mr Mendel, MMT, Wendel Sield, Fyi Chris, Florist and many more have all featured. Upon a dig through their back catalogue it is notable that they have become tastemakers, often ahead of trends and ready to inspire. We caught up with them as they are about to release two compilations . Catch Banoffee Pies at Farmfest this summer. @farmfestival

Axe On Wax has been in operation for two years. Throughout that time they have been responsible for releases from the likes of Boo Williams, Monosoul, Andres, Chaos In The Cbd and many more. With a penchant towards the more deeply rooted elements of house music they have captivated the ears of dancefloors and experienced music heads with each release. We caught up with the label to talk music, upcoming life and more.

It would seem that each day a new record label is born, many of them sound the same, the repeated ideology of music as part of a continuous loop. However, it is always refreshing to see a dynamic approach being taken as part of a labour of love. The Astromagnum project isn't focused on branding, trendy subcultures or anything of the likes. It's focus remains on the squeaks, squawks and soundscapes of electronic music and all of it's modular geekiness and glory.

Barcelona is a city of taste, culture and excellence. This is notably reflected by much of the music which stems from the city, the parties which exist there and the buoyant nature of the scene itself. JMII is one artist who has found himself at home amongst the sprawling streets, green parks and winding alleyways. Having released on Hivern Discs over a number of years he is now very much a staple member of the crew, his latest solo project titled 'Thrills' whipped up quite a frenzy with its melodic aggression and dancefloor orientated enthusiasm. We caught up with him to talk music, personal projects and more.

The people who exist behind the scenes of electronic music culture are arguably as important, if not more so, than those on the front line. Jess Farley is one such representative of a world which often remains undocumented, now credit is being paid where it is due. We were very pleasantly surprised when a mixtape landed amidst our inboxes some months back, as a selector she seems to be ahead of many and her tastes are diverse and informed. We caught up with her to talk day to day and a life upcoming.

Many an artist has faded into the abyss, lost forever, remembered only by one or two records which they left behind. In 2005, Marc Nguyen Tan, aka Colder released what would be some of his final music for the next ten years. A notable absence grew and expectations of a return had begun to fade: some waited impatiently, others presumed it to be a lost cause. However, in 2015, an unprecedented buzz began to build amidst talk of a new album. Now one year on it is with some delight that we can discuss the emphatic return of the enigmatic Colder. In April he released a 12" EP and now his latest collaboration with Mutado Pintado, 'Save', has been unveiled. We caught up with him as he contributes to our Monday mix series.

There are very few artists who can be said to have seen the lifespan of house music in its entirety. Born in Chicago, 1967, Boo Williams is arguably one of the most influential figures in club music: past, present and future. Alongside the likes of Glenn Underground he has become one of the definitive figures of the Chicago sound and has released records on legendary labels such as Relief Records, Moods & Grooves, Rush Hour and far too many others to name. This summer he will play at Odyssia Festival in Greece. We are honoured to be able to welcome him on to the site as part of our Ransom Note Mix series.

To be able to call Giles Peterson a fan is not a privilege shared by many. Howerver Indonesia's DJ Dea or Dea Barandana as he is known is one such artist who can add his name to the list. His unique blend of island disco, percussive dancefloor music, house and electronics makes him a particularly pleasant listen amidst the summer months. His sets are charismatic, energetic and engaging. In the coming months he is set to appear at Brilliant Corners, Love International, Ibiza and Worldwide Festival.

Ahead of his set at Love International festival in Croatia, the legendary warm-up DJ from Bugged Out and Back To Basics provides us with an exclusive promo mix, and answers some questions for us on site... https://soundcloud.com/begin https://begin.bandcamp.com

In 2011 Brian d'Souza released his first EP on Glasgow based record label Huntleys & Palmers, this was to be the debut of Auntie Flo. Some five years later his musical progression has evolved substantially. Last year saw him release the critically acclaimed 'Theory Of Flo' accompanied by a brand new live show. His sounds sees him dabble between the crossovers of world music, dance and balearic obscurity. He captures a sun kissed sound which you would certainly not associate with the bleak and rainy forecast which so often swamps Glasgow. He steps up to deliver us over an hour of percussion, exclusives, earthly samples and beyond: a real treat.

Spanish label, Downbeat, came to life as a party launching in 2007, later releasing their debut cut - Specter's 'Mind Over Matter' EP in 2009. Prioritising quality over quantity, Downbeat carefully curate consistent releases of soulful house and balearic tracks from an impressive international roster of artists including Marcellus Pittman and Mick Huckaby and champion the sounds of US house. A label with a penchant for the unusual, highlighted with tracks such as Chris Gray and Moonchildren's "It Was The Fried Chicken That Saved Our Sanity (Because The Ghetto Is Sad)" which has garnered serious play-out support from "DJ's DJs" including Jane Fitz and Owen Jay. We speak to Jose Rico, one third of the Downbeat trio alongside a mix of the smooth, slowed down, spaced-out sounds with which Downbeat have become synonymous.

Acclaimed ambient producer 36 (aka Dennis Huddleston) has just ushered his latest release into the wild - a mini-album called Seconds & Forever. Comprised of two extended tracks and influenced by late-'70s Tangerine Dream, it's already sold out its run of 250 copies. The album is out on Mystic & Quantum, the label run by fellow producer Vagon Brei. To tie in with the new release, Vagon has kindly made us a special R$N ambient mix, entitled 'Contemplations of a Forgotten Man'. Drift into it.

We were intrigued to speak to Rocco Universal about his self-described "genre-bending music for love making." Somewhat of a global nomad, moving from Italy to the UK and spending time in Asia, Rocco Universal is Patrizio Cavaliere's kitsch alias. Following his recent debut release on Leng Records, 'Tiny Islands', and before his upcoming release on ISM, we caught up with him for a chat. His words and the mix below have helped us discover the force championing sounds from a rich melting pot of Italo-influenced honey, where retro production methods, funk and disco sounds marry with those of Chicago house and Detroit techno.

There has been a tonne of excitement surrounding the release of the latest compilation from Compassion Crew. First things first though, Compassion Crew is actually one guy, a one man crew from Dublin to be precise. The latest release has been described as a crate diggers dream: featuring music from the likes of Arthur Russell, Walter Gibbons, Plustwo, Big City Orchestra and many many more. It sits on the eclectic realms of electronic music and offers an inspired approach to the reissue of music which had been presumably lost to the depths of extortionate Discogs sellers. A great release all round and a real accomplishment. In celebration of the record's release we asked for a chat and a mix with Compassion Crew.

It's almost ludacris to think that Slam, the Glaswegian techno duo from the North have been producing and releasing records for almost thirty years now. Throughout that time they have been involved in the formation of the Soma label, the imprint which released the earliest Daft Punk records, music from Surgeon, Funk D'Void and many many more. Slam's influence as a duo has been prolific and they are appreciated and respected across the world as much as they are in their hometown. Stepping up to the table with something a little outside the norm, we put the pair through their paces as they contribute an all ambient mix to our Monday series which sees them delve deep through the relams of Global Communication and beyond. This one is pretty special.

There is a distinctive blend evolving from the Turkish underground at present. Electronic music at a crossover with folk, funk and disco is the flavour of the day with artists such as Khidja, Mehmet Aslan, Red Axes and more finding themselves inspired by something which sits somewhere in between a range of inspirations and sounds. Ave Astra lives in Istanbul and finds himself an active member amongst this genre crushing scene. He has recorded a Turkish inspired mixtape ahead of his release on his own Roit Recordings.

Stepping up, stepping in, we have the one and only Italian man living in Spain who makes music. I mean, that's probably a lie, there's probably a few, but none of them do it quite like Ransom Note family member Bawrut. 'Ciquita' has gone down rather well having been supported by the likes of Optimo, Jackmaster and beyond... We caught up with our friend for a dear chat and a mix in contribution to the Ransom Note mix series.

Recent London upstarts 'Let's Go Swimming' have been causing quite a stir as of late, not just for their polite reference to the great Arthur Russell but for their interesting line ups and intriguing party booking policy. On the 21st of May they will return to The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington, East London where they will be joined by Bell Towers and Ozel AB. The coming months will also see the crew release their debut record which will act as the foundation of a record label of the same name. The debut release is produced by a newcomer, Mackness, who offers up three tracks which look as though they will fit well alongside the musical policy of the party itself. More of that later, we caught up with 'Let's Go Swimming' for an introduction...

This mix was originally sent to us titled 'Hello Darkness'. It runs a course along such a theme. Dj TLR is a bit of an enigma behind the scenes as far as the world of Creme Organization goes. In recent months we have had the pleasure of chatting to Jeroen who offered us an insight into the early days the hague and beyond which you can read HERE. In all honesty we were thrilled when he offered to deliver us a mix, the result is pretty special too as he delves through depths of early jungle and hardcore, with a twist.