M-IN: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Music

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. Here is Emin's mix…

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Hello. I'm Emin from Istanbul. Right now I'm in my spare room which is serving partly as a studio and partly a dressing room. I'm a music enthusiast, record collector, music production hobbyist and copy writer. Also a husband and father of 2 cats.

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)?

My music sounds like me I guess.

How would you describe the situation in Turkey at the moment?

Well I can't be optimistic about the situation in Turkey right now. We are kind of trapped between Middle East and Europe and which side we turn our face we turn our back to the other one. Since 5 months, the parliament is bypassed with a state of emergency and all the power is gathered around one man -not a reasonable one-.

What effect has it had on music?

Paypal got banned a couple of months ago with the ordinance of our sultan and we said goodby to discogs.

How would you describe dance music in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a long dance music history. The scene used to be vibrant and big in the 90's with lots of clubs, bars and parties. It started to loose momentum in the 2000's with time restrictions and huge amounts of taxes on alcohol and venues. Right now it is kind of a struggle in a chaotic political and social context. But with some dedicated people around and some luck it might change in a positive way. There is a circulation with new places opening and closing and people here really could use a good night out.

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix is recorded in my living room with 2X1210 decs and a Vestax mixer.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

After a night out, in a strangers house you got dragged by some party loving people you just met.

What should we be wearing?

Matching socks would be nice for a good first impression.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location, system, format?

In a dark, foggy basement with nice base heavy sound, 2 solid turntables, 2 CDJ's, a nice analog mixer, good monitoring and an up for it crowd.

Which track in the mix is your current favorite?

Adam Stromstedt – Rent – Banoffee Pies

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

It is a mix recorded live at a party on an island near Istanbul, but I can't get my hands on that one. It is somehow got lost in a mini disk.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

I'm not sure about back 2 back but would like to warm up for Harvey at a special gig where people just lay down on beanbags and watch a meteor shover while listening to music. I would play retrofuturistic tunes from the likes of Bryan Bennet, Falcons, Alan Howarth and afterwards Harvey would take us all to the deep space until the sun rises.