Tim Sweeney: Beats In Space Flavour of the Label Mix

 
Music

For many years now Beats in Space has been one of the most definitive radio shows in leftfield dance and electronic music, it has acted as an outlet for an endless array of producers and dj's to showcase their talent behind the decks and has helped spread their reach internationally. It has of course been pioneered by host Tim Sweeney via WNYU and remains one of the most crucial platforms within the circle. 

Beats In Space has since been transformed into a prominent record label which has been responsible for the release of a large catalogue of material including features from Andras, Gonno, Tornado Wallace, Mount Liberation Unlimited, Powder and many, many more. The radio show has since evolved into a full bodied musical venture of which Tim should be most proud. It's no small feat. 

We got chatting to Tim a little while back who offered to record us a mix of label focussed material. Some upcoming, some new, some old It's all in there, as raw and exciting as ever. 

We are delighted to be able to showcase Beats In Space in such a capacity. 

Listen and read the interview below:


Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you What does your music sound like?

I’ve been running the Beats In Space radio show here in New York for the past twenty years on WNYU 89.1FM. I’ve also been running the Beats In Space record label for about ten years. The music for the radio show and record label falls across the spectrum. It could be acid house and detroit techno one week and krautrock, new wave, ambient, or disco then next week. This mix is focused on recent and upcoming music for the Beats In Space record label and a few unreleased tracks from friends.

Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)? 

Where was the mix recorded?

This was recorded on a cold Sunday night in the WNYU basement studio near Washington Square Park in Manhattan.

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

Always good for a Sunday morning afterparty.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Not exactly a mix but I love listening back to any Electrifying Mojo radio shows I can find. It’s the best when he interviews Prince. There’s something about those late night radio show interviews that can bring out something more intimate with people. Maybe it’s their guard is down after work hours.

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

Not back to back either but would love to chat with Mojo one day. Been trying to set that up for years but hasn’t come together yet.

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

Started off with Technics 1200’s plus a terrible Gemini DJ mixer. I’ve still got the same Technic 1200’s (25 years old now?) but have a nice E&S DJR 400 mixer and Klipsch Cornwall speakers that take up a large percentage of the living room.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can’t remember the first records anymore. Just the tapes my brother would bring home of some pirate radio shows. Just picked up that new Omar S “You Want” record and loving it. The songs with John FM are the best.

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

A slice of New York pizza on the way to Brighton Beach.

If it was an animal what would it be?

That New York subway rat that smokes cigarette’s and eats pizza.

Upcoming in the world of Tim Sweeney… 

Definitely excited about the releases we have coming on Beats In Space this year. Couldn’t play some things on this mix but the announcements are coming soon! Look out for the next installment of the “… In Space” mix CD series. Powder killed it with the first one. I’m always trying to set up Beats In Space parties whenever possible and hopefully I’ll be able to program some more this year. Bring something a little different to your town. After some drama at the radio station, where I was almost cut earlier this year, there was a huge response from listeners and I’m still on the air. So thank you! Still love doing this damn thing even if I’m turning more and more into that New York subway rat. Isn’t it the year of the rat anyways?


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