Dj Karl Karlson: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Music

Yasssssss. Roll up, roll up as the next feature in our illustrious mix series comes from a familiar face. Dj Karl Karlson is one of the men behind the Feelings institution, a series of parties turned record label come record show he has been steadily involved in the production of some of the best parties in the capital across the last few years. As a disc jockey he plays a broad spectrum which is perhaps best showcased on the regular Feelings radio show on Rinse FM whilst the record label is utilised to focus on club focused derivatives. So far the likes of both Kasra V and Keith Lorraine have appeared on the up and coming imprint.

We have been a fan of Karl's for quite some time now and it is about time we hit the spotlight over here.

Listen and read the interview below:

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

Hello – long time listener, first time caller! My name is Karl or Fuller or Karlson. At the time of writing this I'm a little bit further than horizontal on my sofa in Hackney, London and I am a Karl or Fuller or Karlson.

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)?

Guide us through the inspiration behind feelings and where to next?

To be a break from a lot of the single dimensional dance music parties about… We were inspired by the origins of dance music and the fact that these origins are often overlooked in lot of areas of the dance music scene. The aim was to highlight some of the pioneers that today's audience might not know about, pair them with current artists to show that the roots of dance music are as relevant as ever.

Moving forward with things, we'll continue the DJing, parties, label, radio and keep the OG flag flying, but perhaps with a bit of extra focus on bringing through new shit that we feel is still keeping that original flame alive.

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded in the little back room of the flat I share with my girlfriend. A pair of CDJs which I borrowed off my mate Jimmy VERY last minute, my own DJM900, 1210s, a few vinyl and a whole bunch of digital files. 320 minimum I promise 😉

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

Somewhere between the initial rush of an ecstacy come up and the darkness of a K hole.

What should we be wearing?

One of those padded suits dog trainers wear. Maybe some goggles too.

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

I'm pretty happy so long where and what… so long as everything works and the sound isn't so poor it damages my ears… Oh and loads of filters on the mixer to cover my shit mixing.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Marky Mark Is Here – Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch / Funnybones intro

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I dig a lot of the old Spectrum mixes I've listened to. The mixing is raw and full of surprise, dynamics and different BPMs. Plus a big range of sounds that the pillars of dance music were built on.

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

Anyone of that kinda stature, I'd just sit back and drink it in.

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

Some gemini mixer and gemini turntables that said direct drive on them but I swear they weren't. I bought them off some guy at school for not much money. See above for my current set up.

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

I'd say ender at a party. Start on a mix?

What were the first and last records you bought?

First few that I remember specifically getting were a bunch of US skate punk bits; NOFX, Bad Religion and things like that. The last I got was the Ex terrestrial on NAFF I think. Having a bit of a dry spell at the moment :'(

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

If it was an animal what would it be?

Not strictly an animal but it would be like a kid with ADHD on an all nighter, trying to finish a project for the next day 😉

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

Anfield rap. Why it's in my collection who knows, but no one would wanna mix that…

Upcoming in the world of…

We've just dropped a new record from our main Parisian man Larry Houl on our Feelings Worldwide label. Next weekend we have a party with Telephones, The Pilotwings, iona and us lot at a brand new space in Tottenham called The Cause. The booth is in a cage so come check that out.