Charles Drakeford: The Ransom Note Mix

 
Music

This past year has been an interesting term for electronic music. Some are calling for a new lease of life, others contest that there is more good out there than ever before. Both opinions are valid, however, one constant which sometimes goes amiss from this conversation is the view that the underground exists for a reason. If the underground was to become overground, if you will, then it would not maintain the ethos and spirit which many have come to dedicate their time to across the years. 

Charles Drakeford is familiar with the best of both worlds. Having spent many years behind the scenes of Boiler Room he was granted insight into an industry which allowed him to witness all types. Now, he has made his choice. From The Depths was founded in 2014, since then it has released music from the likes of Gramrcy, Niagara, DJML and Lutto Lento, The latter of which has just returned to the label for the first time since. Someone once said in some hip hop track that 'only the real survive'. It would seem that way. 

Here is his contribution to The Ransom Note mix. Read and listen below…


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

This is awkward. I'm Charles, how do you do? 

What was the inspiration behind launching From The Depths?

The idea of starting a label had been kicking around in the back of my mind for years. Though it was upon first hearing Lutto Lento's music that I though this would make a good release. 

What would you say is the goal and focus of the label?

To put out records I like, that I feel like not many other people would. I like to think FTD wouldn't put out just another boring house record, but maybe we will one day. 

The Principals crew has been important to London’s culture for many years, at what point did you guys make the conscious decision to form independent labels rather than forming one from the roots of the party?

We talked about doing something though it never came to fruition. We've all got slightly different tastes, which is what makes the parties fun I think. It wouldn't have necessarily worked for a label though. 

Top 100 DJ’s poll in one word?

I think it's totally fine. People vote, the people with lots of votes place highly in there. Some of them I don't think are very good, but lots of other people really like them. 

Where was the mix recorded?

In my living room. 

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

In the bath. 

What should we be wearing?

Chaps

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

In Plastic People, a few years before it closed. The mix would be dreadful as it was a nightmare mixing in there, but being back there one last time would be really dope. 

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

I love all my children equally. 

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

First one was 2x technics and a very average Behringer mixer. Now it's the same turntables and a Allen & Heath ( I think it's a Xone 42). I recently got a space echo pedal as well, which is endless fun but fairly stupid. 

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

The track you end on for sure. You're only as good as your last record. 

What were the first and last records you bought?

First one was Run DMC vs Jason Nevins. Last one was the two most recent records on Offen Music as I missed those this year. 

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

Pastel De Nata. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

Red Panda

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

A friend gave me a 7" of sound recordings of a piano falling down some stairs. I'm yet to find a blend for that one.  

Upcoming in the world of…

Pickling 

Anything else we need to discuss?

No, I have to leave now. 


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