Art Alfie: The Ransom Note Mix

Scandinavia is home to a remarkable collection of dj’s and producers who have crafted a fun filled take on dance and club music across decades. 

As the co-founder of Karlovak Records and the label boss behind Velvet Pony, Art Alfie has been a crucial figure in the evolution of the leftfield house and techno community in both his native Stockholm and beyond. His sound has been well received and championed by a way of chance taking promoters and dj’s who have warmed to his creative experimentation and playful take on the genre.

Over the years he has released numerous EP’s via the likes of Toy Tonics, Howl Records and many more. He has also collaborated prominently alongside close friend Mr Tophat and the pair have released a splendid array of music through Junk Yard Connections, Bass Culture Records and beyond. 

In 2017 Art Alfie released his debut album via the acclaimed Studio Barnhus label and ever since has been experimenting with the leanings and evolution of that record since. 

We invited him to record a mix for Ransom Note and we weren’t quite sure what we were going to get. That’s part of the excitement Art Alfie brings to the forefront and why we are delighted to welcome him to the series. 

Listen and read the interview below:

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)? 

I can describe it! It would be a collage, using pix of everyday urban settings and a somewhat organic dirty earthy color scheme with occasional flares of brighter colours.

Where was the mix recorded?

At my friend’s rehearsal space/studio. Shout out to the Sunkissed crew and Off The Meds for letting me use it!!

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

It’s definitely a nighttime mix. It’s also a bit dopey and rowdy. I’d say a kinda intimate party after 2 am before 5 am with low lights. 

What should we be wearing?

Your best party mood!! 

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

It would probably be in a club with a good crowd and do a long recording and then cut an hour or two. 4 digit decks and two turntables. Maybe at fabric, love that dj both and soundsytem.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Bobby Salaam – Ocean Deep

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I really can’t answer that. 

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

I would love to play with Cosmic DJ after his yearly set at Fusion. 

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

Two Denon S-1000 and a basic Denon 2 channel mixer. The mixer is quite nice. Now I don’t have a setup at home. Just a Technics 1210 and bluetooth speakers. 

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

The one you end on for sure!! It’s not how you start, is how you finish. Even though a cool start can be quite nice. 

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record I bought was New Kids On The Block “Step By Step” using a gift certificate when I was six or seven or so. I can’t remember the last one, it was probably bulk from the internetz. I haven’t bought records now in some time due to a strained personal economy.

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

Beef noodles. The good kind. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

Probably a panther. 

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

There’s no such record, you can always mix in one way or the other. But yeah, some are harder than others.

Upcoming in the world of Art Alfie?

I just released two records on my label Velvet Pony. Classy house from Bobby Salaam and dusty house beats from Bella Boo, Mr. Tophat, Måns Glaeser and myself. It’s easily some of the best music I ever had the honour of releasing. It’s the first original music from myself since 2018 and the first from me and Tophat since 4-5 years. 

Anything else we need to discuss? 

Let’s hope this lockdown leads to some positive change in our community. Maybe stronger local scenes, musical progress due extra time and focus and perhaps a few new clubs!

Follow Art Alfie on Facebook HERE.