Estelle Birch: The 'Wednesday Alternative' Mix

Music

London-based Estelle Birch is a writer, sound artist and radio producer who's work explores memory and identity through short stories and sound works. Recently her work in sound has taken her to Somerset House, where she presented an installation in the show 'Dreaming / Diasporas' as part of the 'Get Up, Stand Up Now' event series, while her musical activities have seen her play live at the Tate for Uniqlo's Tate Lates.

This year she joined NTS for a monthly residency where she considers the common thread between jazz, dubwise and experimental music. Perfectly placed to get us over that mid week hump, Estelle treds a similar path to her radio show, weaving together atmospheric soundscapes and experimental electronics…

Please introduce yourself.. who are you, where are you and what are you?

I’m Estelle, I’m a radio producer, writer and sound artist living in South London

Where was the mix recorded?

At NTS Radio

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

In a large hall with a very LOUD sound-system!

What should we be wearing?

Anything comfortable

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

John Tchicai’s – "Lied". It’s so warming in every way

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I’m not sure I have a favourite mix but I always enjoy listening to Fragrant Sacrifice with Naima Karlsson. Naima has a riveting and harmonious way of exploring various tones and textures throughout spiritual and free jazz. Her mixes always resonate with me

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

I don’t currently have a set up at the home but I’m lucky to be able to use the NTS studio equipment when it's available.

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

I think they’re both equally important. But I suppose the first track starts the story…

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first album I ever bought was Aquarium by Aqua! The last record was Ariel Kalma ‎– An Evolutionary Music (Original Recordings: 1972-1979)

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

I reckon some thick, flavoursome homemade gravy!

If it was an animal what would it be?

Any type of fish that can swim deep under water

Upcoming in the world of Estelle Birch…

I am currently working on a few short stories, sound installations and a release on Tobago Tracks due in 2020. I’ve also just finished working on an audio piece for BBC Sounds, so that should be online sometime soon too.