Vladimir Ivkovic: The Ransom Note Mix

Music

There is an understated elegance to the musical presentation of Vladimir Ivkovic. It is as if he isn't aware of just how good he actually is. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and now based in Germany he has listened intricately to influencers and pioneers amassing an eclectic array of knowledge and taste.

His sets are often difficult to process in regards to their lineage: disorientated and far reaching. Yet this is where their spectacular beauty lies, in the obscure and disjointed, the spaces in between stereotypical noise.

This summer he will appear at Houghton Festival, a brand new event being curated by Craig Richards in collaboration with Gottwood. We caught up with him as he delivers a special mix.

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

My name is Vladimir Ivkovic, currently on Earth, human still..

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 mostly other peoples music that sounds like other peoples music channeled by me.

How do you feel about the international presence of Salon Des Amateurs now?

It is good to see that lots of talents and the music that emerged from the Salon in the last 13 years became visible. But also without the international presence of Salon des Amateurs those people and their music would be around us.

Has the club changed across the years?

The idea of independence and openness remained, but the club has changed. There is no carpet like in the early days, the nights are longer, there are some new faces.

You have been travelling a lot lately, how does that feel?

It feels better than traveling in 2002 or 2004 as I have a feeling that some corners of (night) life are less uniformed. There is so much good music to hear and there are fine people everywhere.

You will play Houghton festival this summer, do you feel that the world of festival culture is changing?

Festival season is yet to come so we can discuss this in the autumn. But I’m definitely looking forward to experiencing Houghton.

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded at home with two turntables and a mixer.

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

I hope that the mix can be heard loud through headphones or speakers – before you go out to do something meaningful.

What should we be wearing?

You should get dressed to go out to do something meaningful.

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

It doesn’t really matter as long as I have my music, certain mood and a recording device.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Beck – Nash – Rexenga „Metaclaw (Gordon Pohl Remix) on Offen Music.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

There are lots great recorded mixes, so I’d write down the first that comes to my mind – maybe because I recently mentioned the whole series – Slobodan Brkic aka DJ Brka – East Of Cosmic

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

Probably Ron Hardy – where I’d play one record in the beginning and spend the rest of the night watching what’s happening.

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

First DJ set up was cassette recorded and one turntable. Now there are two turntables and a mixer. There is also CD player connected to the mixer, but I hardly use it as a part of „DJ“ set up. It’s there to play CDs.

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

Every track is equally important.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record that I bought from my own pocket money was The Clash „Combat Rock“. Last one was Phew „Light Sleep“.

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

Teonanacatl.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Phoenix.

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

If you get rid of the idea of disco/beat mixing, everything is somehow mixable. So the answer is probably: no. But there are plenty of records that I don’t want to mix into something.

Upcoming in the world of..

Offen Music will be a 10“ by Smagghe & Cross with 2 post „MA“ album tracks. Beck – Nash – Reyenga „Metaclaw“ with remixes by Gordon Pohl and Gilbert Cohen will follow.