Kennedy: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

A familiar face around the Dutch capital, Amsterdam-based DJ and producer Kennedy has been immersed in music and records for over two decades, putting into practise his mantra of moving both the body and the soul.

While day-to-day he can be found behind the counter at Red Light Records pushing wax, as well as being part of the team at Jamie Tiller and Tako Reyenga’s Music From Memory imprint, his own musical endeavours see him taking over the waves at Red Light Radio and running his own Dream Machine imprint, which he launched last year with a debut record from himself. 

This year will see him release a second on the label and also debut overseas on DJ D.Dee’s renowned Pacific Rhythm imprint. In the run up to these production outings, we asked him to take the reigns for this week’s Shine A Light On mix, which sees him serve up a soothing selection of music for the soul…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

Hi, I’m Nick, from Amsterdam. I play and make music as Kennedy and work at Red Light Records as well as with team Music From Memory. 

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)?

This particular mix is one for the mind. I just finished reading David Lindsay’s A Voyage To Arcturus and actually that book cover pictures it kinda nicely.

Where was the mix recorded?

At home. 

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

Right now, right here.

What should we be wearing?

Whatever makes you feel good really.

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

Right now actually any given place with a half decent sound system and a full dance floor is what I dream of. Honestly I wanted to do a mix that’s more for the body but I couldn’t get it done, it felt misplaced in a way. 

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

There’s not one particular favorite in there but Richard Davis’ ‘Methane Sea’ does deserve a mention. 

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Oof… Sooo many (maybe tooo many?) mixes out there but Mixed Up In The Hague Vol. 1 surely is one that still stands out. 

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

Ron Trent, Larry Heard or I-F as to me they all really embody music and truly stand for what they believe in. They are just so real and stand out because of it.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

At first it was one belt-drive turntable hooked up to my cd-cassette-stereo before eventually switching to 1210’s after having saved enough guilders (Google that). Those same Technics were used for this mix, accompanied by a DJR400.  

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

In general I believe that all tracks matter equally as they’re complementary to each other and are all part of the same story. 

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record I bought was a Ruffneck (hehe). Last one is INTe*ra – Aqueduct on Acting Press.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

A banana.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A dog.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Any record is possible to mix, just use the faders on your mixer and do it.

Upcoming in the world of …

I’ve got a release on Pacific Rhythm upcoming, which I’m very excited about (shout out to D.Dee!). Also there’s a second record on my own imprint Dream Machine in the making, that’ll be out and distributed by Rush Hour some time later this year. But actually I’m especially looking forward to the moment when everybody’s allowed to come together on dance floors world wide again! Whenever that may be…

Anything else we need to discuss?

Thanks to Matt and Ransom Note for this opportunity! 

Follow Kennedy.