Andy Butler: The Ransom Note Mix

Both solo, and as the driving force behind Hercules & Love Affair – a project that scans as a love letter to classic house and disco – Andy Butler has been responsible for some of the best dance music of the 21st century. But as you will undoubtedly know, he's also a bloody talented DJ – from his teenage years playing underground leather nights in his native Denver, right through to the present day and being booked for pretty much every major club around the world.

Ahead of his appearance at fabric on 24th February – he's playing in Room One along with Bicep and Gideön – Andy has provided us with this most excellent Ransom Note mix. Classic sounds with fresh energy – a timeless combination. Listen / download below, and read on for the Q&A…

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

Andy Butler, in my living room, I am a human being, sometimes grumpy often wild.

What does your music sound like?

My music smells like frankincence, my armpits not so much.

Where was the mix recorded?

In the attic.

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

While mobile, if you have a car you can listen to it there but you really should take the bus.

What should we be wearing?

I don't like telling people what to wear other than my husband.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix?

Beanbags, friends sitting around – specifically my dear friend Jeffrey Hinton – and some psychedelics for the listeners.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

The two that I end with are the bee's knees.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Maybe Smylonylon 29 though the rave tapes of teenage years were often major.

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

I don't like blind dates.

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

Two Technics and a Radio Shack mixer – now it's CDJs, Allen & Heath and a turntable or two.

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

Hard to say, but I'd say that first step is most significant.

What were the first and last records you bought?

first: Meat Beat Manifesto – Helter Skelter/Radio Babylon purchased at Wax Trax Denver

last: A Split-Second – Smell of Buddha bought at an antiques/thrift store

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

Goodness, whatever it is it's not gluten free.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Fat fluffy cat is my stock answer.

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

There's always a moment for every record.

Upcoming in the world of Andy Butler?

Always making lots of music, and videos now, some remixes and vids for the last Hercules album coming soon, and very inspiring side projects.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Too much time is spent on talking.

Lead image: Alexander Nussbaumer

Andy Butler plays fabric on 24th Feb, tickets available here.