Hercules and Love Affair: The Ransom Note Mix

They returned at the tail end of 2025, now as we approach summer a new remix package has been announced which includes contributions from the likes of Ciel, Luke Solomon and Mystery Affair. However, as mentioned above, their connection to the underground and origins of the sound has afforded them the rare privilege of a remix from none other than Larry Heard under the Mr Fingers alias.

In celebration of this, here is a rare mix from Hercules and Love Affair, a homage to house music and the direction of travel as we proceed.

What inspired the formation of Hercules and Love Affair, and how did the original concept differ from what it has become today?

The inspiration for the formation of Hercules & Love Affair was inspired by groups that focused on collaboration- everything from Massive Attack to Ministry. The original concept differs today a bit in that over the years, you find artists like Hips & Lips aka Elin Ey- whose forthcoming project is incredible, and I am super excited for- become naturally recurring collaborators (and dear friends), but beyond that, not much.  I was always going to express myself through a range of sound and emotion, and that has stayed consistent, with the songs being at the forefront. I am not a fan of the cult of personality, or fame.

Many of your songs explore themes of love, identity, and transformation—how personal are these narratives?

Extremely personal, and I am still on the journey and the journey has been beyond my wildest dreams, and I am sure it will change, as that is natural.

How has queer culture influenced your music and visual aesthetic?

The very first song I wrote “for” Hercules was “Blind”- a song about a gay boy running both from a place and feelings to a place that he thought would offer answers, only it didn’t. The work and answers were inside not outside. From there, the songs were inspired by the feminine, implied in the band name alone, so it is imbued with my and many others queer experiences.

Do you see your work as political, or more emotional and introspective?

Both, the personal is political for many queer people, if they live their authentic selves. It feels impossible to not live out loud, without feeling deep empathy for those others living under oppression- though it can happen sadly.

What keeps you creatively motivated after so many years?

The constant unfolding of beauty and love all around me.

Are there any risks you took that ended up redefining your sound?

Yes every record sounds different. I tend to risk, but it does not feel like risk, but just being honest. I am not interested in manufactured feelings.

What’s something people might not realise or know about the project?

There’s a lot. But a lot of it is born out of dreams and metaphysics, and many songs are dedicated to specific people or entities.

What was it like to have Larry Heard contribute to the new remix package?

It is an absolute honor, as Larry defined the sound of house music in a very comprehensive way- you can hear it in the way he plays with acid, his delicacy and deepness and jazziness, his fun drum programming. It is surreal to have someone whose mark is so indelible participate in reimagining my music.