Ransom Note

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...