Curses: The Ransom Note Mix
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!
Please introduce yourself…
Who are you, where are you and what are you?
I'm Luca Venezia aka Curses living in Berlin and I'm a late night romantic.
What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?
Where do you take influence for your music?
New Wave, Acid, Post Punk, Italo and early 80's/90's House.
How does rock n roll play a part in both your lifestyle and music?
It's something that swims in my blood. From my look to my sound. It's an attitude I'll always embrace.
What was the first electronic record you heard and how did it make you feel?
Boards Of Canada – Music Has The Right To Children. I fell in love but also felt a jealous rush that I didn't make it and needed to make music that triggered that same emotion.
Where was the mix recorded?
In Berlin at the Safer At Night Studios.
What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?
Getting ready to go out pre-drinks. Or winding down after a heavy night out.
What should we be wearing?
Absolutely nothing.
What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?
At a house party with all my favorite humans. 2 turntables and a microphone.
Which track in the mix is your current favourite?
The Sutja Gutierrez, Ubi Sunt track off the new Rotten City compilation is such a feel good track. Pulls from kraut and psych but also keeps it dance floor.
What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?
Trevor Jackson – Metal Dance. So many timeless and obscure tracks.
If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?
Mark Kamins in the heat of NYC 80's night life fury. The dude was responsible for the early days of nightclubbing and signing the young and early Madonna before she lost the plot.
What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?
I couldnt afford Technics at 16 so I had a pair of American Dj turntables. Belt drive (ouch). I eventually graduated to 1200's. I dont currently have any set up at home though.
What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?
The track you start sets the tone for whats to come. like a good introduction to a book or opening shot to a film.
What were the first and last records you bought?
I started out digging in bargain bins and buying up all the Cutting Records freestyle dubs. Recentlly, I finally got my hands on the 7" club mix of Fad Gadget's 'Rickys hand off discogs.
If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?
Sticky toffee pudding.
If it was an animal what would it be?
A silky panther in the tropical technicolor jungle.
One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?
Brian Eno – Moonlight in glory.
Upcoming in the world of Curses?
Months of studio time and all these new originals and remixes all finally dropping on Throne Of Blood, Rotten City, Turbo, NEIN and Tom Tom to name a few…
Anything else we need to discuss?
I'll be playing a double header in Berlin on Sep 24. Stockwerk 13 at IPSE and then Porn Dimension at Pornceptual. Definitely Berlin's best party right now.
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