The Drifter: The Ransom Note Mix

Mark Flynn has been an active presence amidst electronic and dance music for many years, perhaps underrated by some we here at Ransom Note are well aware of his contribution to the genre. His own output is not prolific by any means, but timely and adept. This much is clear by the labels which have taken interest and upon which he has chosen to release his music – Permanent Vacation and Maeve, the latter of which he runs alongside Mano Le Tough and Baikal. Both imprints known for their reputable quality and his own music has fit perfectly amidst impressive back catalogues. 

Operating under the alias of The Drifter he acts as an unsung hero but is anything but, his own musical career is learned and based upon experience and a consistent quality. 

Listen and read the interview below: 

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

I am Mark Flynn, an Irish man that makes music and DJs as The Drifter. At the moment i am in Bali. Thoroughly enjoying it here.

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)? 

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded in Ableton live in Bali. 

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

I can't deny the tropical views on display here so I'll go with that. 

What should we be wearing?

Whatever makes you feel good.

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

A tropical island. Hey thanks Ransom Note 🙂

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

At the moment the Il Est Viliane track, as I found it last and i think it really adds to the mix. Or maybe it's the Phil Collins drum rolls in it. Also the Kabuki Spiritual version is a real gem.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Probably an old Optimo mix that friends and I used to listen to before heading out in Dublin. Back when I was just getting into DJing. Good times! 
I remember it had 'I feel Space' on it, Joakim's remix of Budapest and Lindstrom's remix of LCD Soundsystem. A bottle of Buckie was usually involved.

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

So many choices. I'm going to go with my best buddies, fellow Maeve accomplices Mano Le Tough, Baikal and Lil Dave. 

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

I had an old version of Ableton that i used to play around with and this funny lil midi controller I used called the Hercules. I had CDJ 800s, basically obsolete now as I'm not burning CDs. I have 1 Technics 1210.

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

You are only as good as your last track!

What were the first and last records you bought?

Michael Jackson – Bad
Forever Sound – Tiles.

Digital of an old mini Album he did on Cocktail D'Amour. I love his music, check it out. And hunt him down for a release on the Ransom Note label. 

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

Papaya fruit

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Balinese Monkey

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

Otis Redding – Try a Little Tenderness. Impossible to mix as it has to be played from start to finish always. No mixing involved or needed. Ever. 

Upcoming in the world of… 

Looking forward to playing the new Tuff Club in Singapore this Friday.

Maeve ADE 19th October we have a big showcase that we're very excited about. Our guests include Jennifer Cardini, Tijana T, Bwana aka Nathan Micay, Map.ache (live) and Mattheis B2B Oberman.  

Also next release on Maeve we have a great techno EP coming from our longtime friend Chymera. I have remixes coming soon of Shiffer and Kieran Apter. Also I'm really enjoying doing my monthly Cast Adrift radio show on Dublin Digital Radio. Check it!

Anything else we need to discuss?

Just want to say keep up the great work on the Ransom Note label. I love the variety from Ambient to techno and everything in between.

And here's the tracklist:

Roman Flügel – Good Beat #2
Ben Caldwell – Ping Pong
Jac The Disco – Breathe
Il Est Vilaine – Fahrenheit 451
Richard Fearless – Gamma Ray
The Golden Filter – Life / Love
ASA MOTO – Hynek Maneuvre
Chateau Flight – Crazy (Dam House Remix)
Woman – Love (Christian S Remix)
Sahib Muhammad – My Dirty Soul (Maurice Fulton Remix)
Iron Curtis – WERC WERC WERC
Gen Ludd – Potnia Theron
Young Wolf – Kabuki (Spiritual Version)

Follow The Drifter on Facebook HERE.