Leftfoot Dj’s: The Ransom Note Mix

 
Music

For those of you who reside outwith London, yes, those people do exist – here is a mix from perhaps one of the most pioneering outfits in dance music culture in the Midlands at present. Leftfoot are a trio who have been running parties and promoting nightlife and dance music for a long time, their impact on the local scene is commendable to the highest letter. They have hosted some of the most innovative names in dance music and their attention to detail is quite remarkable. Not a crew to do things by halves they have played a crucial role in the development of UK nightlife and continue to remain as crucial and relevant as ever. 

We are delighted to welcome them to our series, a well deserved feature. 


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

Leftfoot DJs are Adam Regan & Matthew Beck.  We promote a night called Leftfoot in Birmingham (Est.2000) and run our own venue, Hare & Hounds (Est. 2007) Our events tend to rotate between the Hare & Hounds and The Rainbow Venues but we also do shows at different places around Birmingham and DJ at events like Love International, Dimensions & Festival No 6 etc.

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)? 

It's really hard to fit all the kind of music we love into an hour mix so we chose a selection of Leftfoot classics and current stuff we'd play in clubs.
House, Disco, Balearic, Techno (the good stuff from Detroit, not the bland Tech House stuff) African, Brazilian, Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Dub etc.

Where was the mix recorded?  

In our office above the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham.  

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

Somewhere sunnier and closer to the sea than Birmingham. 

What should we be wearing?

Just sunglasses and Factor 30. 

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

Now we've finally done a mix after putting it off for months, we'll probably get into the habit of doing them more regularly (so thanks for the kick up the arse!) Our office is great for recording mixes as it's where I keep all my records but if we could choose a more exotic location it'd say the Potato Head Beach club in Bali as it looks amazing. 

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Il Bosco – Bridge Theory.  I've been into his releases on Red Laser for ages and I only just found out it's Woody from Grand Central Records who I've known for years.  

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Mr Scruff & Floating Points live at the Hare & Hounds is pretty epic (https://www.mixcloud.com/Mr_Scruff/mr-scruff-floating-points-dj-set-from-hare-hounds-birmingham-15th-april-2014/)

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

Larry Levan or David Mancuso because they shaped so much of my taste in music.  Had the pleasure of playing back to back with loads of our guests (including Alexander Nut, Quantic, Steve Cobby, Peggy Gou) but Gilles Peterson was a highlight as he's been such a massive influence for over 20 years.  

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

2 x Technics 1200, Vestax mixer (it was crap) and some dodgy speakers/amp. I now just have a turntable and really nice amps & speakers at home and tend to just listen to albums.  Currently obsessed with Joni Mitchell and the ECM label. 

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

Depends whether you're the kind of DJ who likes to go straight in at whatever tempo the previous DJ was playing. Ideally I prefer to let their record finish and start again with something different but that depends on the kind of party/venue you're playing at.  I always like to finish with something soulful and emotional.  Tearful erection sections are the best.

What were the first and last records you bought?  

Adam & The Ants – Ant Music / Pat Meheny Group – Offramp

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

That's a tough question.  Not sure how to answer it.  

If it was an animal what would it be?  

English Bull Terrier.  My girlfriend wants one but i'm reluctant so this mix will have to do.  

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

Anything's possible with CDJ loop function but I wouldn't fancy trying to mix batucada records on vinyl.  The ones that speed up and slow down. Nightmare. 

Upcoming in the world of…

Just released the Autumn/Winter Leftfoot season so lots of exciting shows coming up.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Our good friend (and Leftfoot team member) Tom Hopkins has just moved down to London to work at a new venue in Peckham.  He loves doing the conga so if you bump into him at any point, just grab his waist and he'll get the party started. 


Visit the Leftfoot site HERE

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