Capitol K: The ‘Monday Is Okay’ Mix

Kristian Craig Robinson has been a familiar face amidst the London musical community for many years having released a sprawling back catalogue of music on the likes of XL Recordings, Planet Mu and Faith & Industry. He has long been acclaimed for his contribution to experimental electronic music and has remained a key figure amidst the local community working in various studios and under the guise of various projects. Until recently he was involved in the running of the studio operating out of the Total Refreshment Centre. Last month marked the release of a new album which he unveiled on his own label, the release was titled "Goatherder" and was a tripped out journey between abstract soundscapes and ethereal experimentalism. 

We invited him to record a Monday mix for us. 

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself…

My name is Kristian Craig Robinson aka Capitol K

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Musician, producer, recording engineer, studio manager (Total Refreshment Studio) and label boss (Faith and Industry). I’m based in London, of mixed Maltese / British descent.

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)? 

Primitive and melodic pagan Mediterranean inspired electronic music for the twilight hours. With lots of flute. A Maltese artist Chris Binachi has been working on imagery in parallel to the music. The album cover to Goatherder was developed over many months, each element another layer of code, a new folk(ish) semeiotic game play. Much like the album it self.

Where was the mix recorded?

At home, in London from vinyl.

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

Late in the day, it’s quite a solitary mix.

What should we be wearing?

No shoes, anything else goes.

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

My favourite DJ sets are performed at Kinemastik Short Film festival, Malta in an ancient graveyard surrounded by crumbling tombs and carob trees, a light breeze breaking the relentless summer heat. Vinyl is my preferred audio but usually I'm just on digital.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Andrea Daltro — Kiua and Lord Tusk – Beyond Limitation are rocking my world right now.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I don't have favourites, currently I find Lena Willikens has been one DJ who i’ve listen to lots, generally her more esoteric mixes for Comeme.

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

–

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

I still have the same set up (2x tectonics) that i’ve lugged around for the last 20 years but one decks bust and in deep storage. Now my laptop goes everywhere.

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

The Start.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Abba and Blondie was the first and Lee Gamble – Mnestic Pressure the last.

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

Artichokes in the oven with potato and Fennel seeds

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Gecko

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

I’ll put anything in a mix, I'm not very kind on my audience. I’m always switching tangent. 

Upcoming in the world of… 

My new album Goatherder has just come out. I’m playing a gig in a Cave in Malta on the 3rd August. Gonna build some new flutes for that. Some shows in London and Cologne in discussion for October. I’m also producing the new Flamingods album and about to go to mix on that. Also got a few new releases being mastered for the Faith And Industry label 'Champagne Dub' a new project from Betamax (The Comet Is Coming) and Ruth Goller. New Album from Blue House and just tracked a great New Wave band Dry Cleaning that are putting a Cassette tape EP out.

Visit the Capitol K bandcamp HERE.