Ransom Note

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