Flexonaut - The 'It's My Debut At Panoramabar' Ransom Note Mix

Music

Few people can honestly say their living their dreams yet Felix Göllner seems to be doing a pretty good job of it. As well as working for Kompakt, he gets to spend his weekends behind the decks putting records together and making people smile under the name Flexonaut. He's lining up to play Berlin's Panoramabar for the first time next month on 7th November so, to help add to all the excitement, we asked him to provide us with this week's Ransom Note mix and we had a good long chat with him;

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

Howdy, I’m Felix, I work as a publicist for Kompakt records out of Berlin. That’s also where I am now.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us?

My music sounds like buttered bread with honey.

Wish I had drawn this but I didn’t. Does it sound like this to you?

How and why did you first get into the music business? Any regrets?

I started as a marketing intern at a major label. During that time I also worked behind the bar in two clubs and had to finish my bachelor’s degree – busiest year of my life, I think. And of course I got into it because I’m obsessed with all kinds of music – always have been. Regretting nothing at all.

What's it like to work at Kompakt? Is it a bit like working in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory but with lakes of liquid vinyl instead of chocolate?

Haha, I had my phase of buying all the vinyl I could get my hands on but when you have access to high quality music like that, you start to get picky. It’s lovely to work at Kompakt – we’ve got a super cool team that works the label, booking, distribution and most importantly the record shop in Cologne.

What's in the pipeline with Kompakt? Any gossip you can give us?

Of course! There’s always something in the pipeline. You’re in for a strong finish of 2015 with EPs from 3 Channels and Clarian. Rex The Dog’s got his second EP this year for us which rules. DJ Hell remixed Terranova which I haven’t heard yet but sounds good already, right? For cosy winter times there’s our annual Pop Ambient compilation curated by Wolfgang Voigt which is always a must have – never thought I’d be into ambient but I just love the musical diversity at Kompakt. I wanna tell you more but let’s answer the other Qs first.

How compact is too compact?

Do you prefer big, open spaces or smaller, more constricted spaces?

I’m a bit claustrophobic, so rather big & open.

What's the best thing about being German?

Errr, I guess it’s a great advantage when traveling to be in the middle of Europe?

How do you take your tea?

Warm, no sugar, no milk, maybe a twist of lemon

Are you a good kisser? Asking for a friend.

Absolutely, friendo.

Have you ever trapped your finger in a car door?

Nope – but I trapped a car door with my fingers.

How would you introduce yourself to a member of the royal family?

I wouldn’t. If it came to that I’m sure I would be introduced 😉

How excited are you to be playing Panorama bar for the first time?

Very.

What's your first memory of Panorama bar?

I think I went there first 2007/8 – I had just started getting into electronic music and really wanted to see Format: B who just released their track 'Vivian Wheeler‘. They played live at 6 in the morning and it was good fun. Shouts to Ruben & Marie.

Onto the mix…

Where was the mix recorded?

At home.

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

I like to go running with it. In a park. With the sun out. That would be ideal, only I listen to it at the gym, next to sweaty people. Gives you a total club vibe… NOT.

What should we be wearing?

A snuggy.

Which track in the mix is your current favorite?

Gotta say Bicep here. That whole Just EP is exactly up my street. Catchy beats and vocals. Production straight to the point. Love it.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

The one for you of course, and the advent one I did for Kompakt last year.

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

Sven Väth?! Vinyl-only DJ and great musical knowledge – and of course he’s a bit nuts.

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

I was first DJing with CDs and had this weird double CD-deck with built in mixer. It was very handy. Now I have a classic 2 Technics 1210 Turntable Setup with a Xone 22 mixer.