Ransom Note

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: