Dj Normal 4: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Music

In an age of odd dj names there is little as bizarre as that of Dj Normal 4. The mysterious producer has amassed a reputation as a bit of a breakbeat connoisseur in recent months having released music on Klasse Wrecks and Brothers From Different Mothers. More recently he has also featured collaboratively alongside Luca Lozano and Bufiman. His sound quite clearly draws upon influences found amongst the golden days of rave culture. Old school samples and broken percussion feature heavily amongst his sets and in much of his own music.

His online presence would indicate that he might not take himself too seriously, which in a time when techno dj's seem to be becoming increasingly moody is much appreciated.

We are delighted to be able to welcome Dj Normal 4 to our mix series for an edition which is anything but predictable.

Listen and download below:

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

I am DJ Normal 4, i am at home now (Germany) and i am a human being (sometimes).

When did you first start producing music?

Around 2007.

What was the influence behind the name Normal 4?

Soundcloud and my view of Normality.

You have recently collaborated with Bufiman, how did that collaboration come to light?

Bufiman is a big buddy, we DJ together sometimes for several years now and it was time to do some music together 🙂

What influence does early rave and jungle play in your musical process?

It was a total mind change to produce tracks with rough breakbeats and to combine Mickey Mouse voices with gated Jazz chords, followed by a didgeridoo or ancient japanese flutes and chimes on top morphing into a mellow kind of pad soundscape.

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded at the Normal 4 cave nearby Düsseldorf dungeons.

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

Some proper speakers would be good i would say. Furthermore some other dancers around.

What should we be wearing?

All kind of rave gear, probably reflective vests, white gloves and a road cone as hat but baggy pants, XXL Stüssy shirt and a Junglist Movement cap could fit too. Def. some comfortable Sneakers!

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

A spaceship would be nice. Personally i never played at a spaceship but a old dusty fabric kinda venue with some spaceship visuals would work too.

Which track in the mix is your current favorite?

Kid Lib – Absent Awareness.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Well that's hard to say but Dave Clarke's X-MIX from 1996 would be a candidate.

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

DJ David or Qbert & Mix Master Mike aka Dream Team, Jeff Mills would be fine too or Dave Clarke. Certainly to improve my skills / Turntablism.

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

2 plastic Numark turntables were the first, after that i bought 2 Reloop RP 6000 which are not that bad to be honest, i bought them back in 2004/2005, they were used on several parties outside and had a beer shower but still are working fine. Besides that i use an old Pioneer mixer with faders and crossfader!