Eric Cloutier: Brainsurgery Beat Science Mix

Music

Not one to shout too loud or make a scene, Eric Cloutier is a resilient disc jockey and producer who perhaps represents techno and its truth in the most humanistic and humble of senses.

For many years he has worked tirelessly perfecting his craft and for anyone who has witnessed him dj, they will know that the intricacy, dedication and commitment is meticulous.

His sets are free roaming, fast paced and wild. They are designed to encourage as much provocative thought as they are to move the feet and sound best played loudly beneath the cloak of darkness.

This special mix which he has recorded for us is no exception to that. A pensive, beat juggling affair which blurs the lines between techno, IDM and dub. It’s a real treat and we are humbled and delighted to be able to feature him as part of our Ransom Note mix series.

Listen and read the interview below:

Ransom Note · Eric Cloutier: Brainsurgery Beat Science Mix

Please introduce yourself…

Oh…hello there…

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

My name is Eric Cloutier, I’m originally from Detroit but currently living in Berlin, and I’m a human of scintillating mystery.

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)?

Where was the mix recorded?

Two floors down in my building, where my buddy Miguel resides. He has two CDJ’s and a Rane 2016 and I don’t, so I crashed his flat while he was finishing some work.

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

Somewhere comfortable, but with space to wiggle just in case the vibes get you doing a little dance on the couch cushion.

What should we be wearing?

Your second favorite pair of comfy clothes. First would be ruined after this.

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

Just to record a mix, I’m well fine with it being at home where I won’t be bothered, but I don’t have all the tools I would want to make it proper. Until I can buy myself a pair of CDJ2000NX2’s and a Formula Sound FF4.2 that won’t be “the best setup possible,” so I just work with what I can beg, borrow or steal.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

The one with the funky beat and the wiggly bassline.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Easily “Decks, EFX + 909” by Richie Hawtin. This I think everyone knows by now…

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

I honestly really hate doing back to backs and I rarely do them and only with people that I really trust, so…I can’t really answer this because I can’t speculate on how I’d get along with someone that I’ve never met.

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

Two Stanton STR8-80’s, a Stanton RM3-S mixer, and some Ortofon DJS carts. The turntables were belt drive but with a pretty solid pitch control, so I learned very, very fast how to mix without touching the platter. Presently, however, I have two borrowed 1200’s that are in the shop getting tuned up since they’re both about 30+ years old, and an Ecler Nuo.4 mixer and my very reliable Shure M44-7’s, though I need new stylii and they don’t make them anymore.

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

With a podcast I think it’s the first. I sometimes wonder if people even make it to the end of some of my mixes, especially the longer ones…

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record like ever ever? I think that was LFO vs. F.U.S.E. “Loop” or possibly G-Man’s first EP with “Quo Vadis” on it. Not sure. Most recent purchase, however, was Unionmaide #04.