Ransom Note

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.