Calibre: The 'Monday Is Okay' Mix

Music

Cold air hangs thick in the early days of December, winter is here and we have a soundtrack to accompany the tone.

Calibre is regarded as one of the most innovative and prolific producers within electronic music, over the years he has become a definitive figure in Drum & Bass, having elevated the genre in a way in which is celebrated and adored. Originating from Belfast he has recorded music which has tugged at the heartstrings, encouraging a new chain of thought associated with the sound. Albums like "Musique Concrete" and "Second Sun" remain some of the most crucial and important pieces of work to emerge from the Northern Irish producer and he is widely considered to be one of the most significant electronic artists of the past twenty years.

At the tail end of last week Dominick Martin released a new album through his own imprint, Signature Records. It showcases a change of pace for the producer as he focusses on ambient textures and the poignancy of life. It was recorded across a four year period following the passing of a close friend and as such a sombre, humble sense of honest self expression runs throughout. Titled "Planet Hearth" the album was written in Valentia on Ireland's west coast. It's a beautiful record which highlights his own approach to music and offers an insight into the soul of a musician who has contributed so much.

We are hugely honoured to be able to present a mix from Calibre which showcases ambient music, past and present.

Listen and read the interview below:

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

My artist name is Calibre and my real name is Dominick Martin, I'm known mostly as a drum and bass producer. I am currently residing in Cologne Germany and to what I am? I think I am an artist doing various things and this mix is one of them.

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)?

From what i'm told it is a deep experience. I was drawing before I made music so its the other way around I guess.

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded in Cologne Germany.

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

I've been listening to this mix mostly in the bath.

What should we be wearing?

Nothing unless you like a bit of shrinking.

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

Probably somewhere near Valentia on the west coast of Ireland.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

I really love all of them but the Sunggun Jang track Figure 1 has a very beautiful simplicity that puts in me in another place.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Laurent Garnier's Xmix2.

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

John Peel.

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

My brother Chris had belt driven gemini decks both with a faulty pitch and now I am using a Pioneer set up in Germany.

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

I think it changes from gig to gig so its difficult to say.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record I bought was UB40 signing off in a long disappeared shop in Belfast, and the last record I bought was Joachim Witt Goldener Reiter a pop tune from the early 80s in Germany, my daughter always sings along in German which I love!!

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

Meze a selection of dips.

If it was an animal what would it be?

An Octopus.

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

Buddhas of Golden Light the track Sukirti.

Upcoming in the world of…

Ive just released a new album entitled Planet Hearth, I have another Shelflife album consisting of unreleased DNB tracks plus a 140 project coming along nicely…and also some other exciting stuff.