In Fields - The Ransom Note 'Shine A Light On' Mixtape

Music

Keeping themselves to themselves, London duo In Fields aren't your typical electronic collaboration and the mixtape they've put together for us is a testament to this. Full of well known tracks that either inspire creation or cause a massacre of gear and dreams, the mix features classics from Michael Jackson, James Brown and Stevie Wonder whilst also addressing current pioneers Jamie XX and Daft Punk.

Their debut album Phantoms has just hit shelves via Desire Records after Ed Cox reached out to the label due to his adoration of Ricardo Tobar’s Treillis, which was released via Desire.

Give the 'intimidating' bittersweet mix a listen below as we talk Ed's ears off;

Who are you:

Ed Cox.

Where are you:

In my studio.

What are you:

One half of In Fields.

When did you decide you wanted to get involved in music? Is there a certain moment that made you realise this was what you wanted?

No, it just crept up on me. But there was a moment when I was 11 and my parents had bought me this little Yamaha keyboard with tiny keys (PSS570, I still have it). I worked out that I didn’t have to play the melody that was written in the music over the automated chords and it still sounded okay. That was a big thing. I still remember how liberating that felt.

What was the first electronic record you ever heard? How did it make you feel?

The Prodigy’s first album. It made me feel confused. I didn’t know how to listen to it.

You seem to keep quite a low public profile, is there any reasoning behind this?

Yes, we make tunes that are (more often than not) just one lost moment in a lost night’s soundtrack. We’re just as happy to be lost in the haze as our music. We’re happy if people ask about us and stuff like this is great to do, but we do feel uncomfortable being too public. It doesn’t sit quite right with the music we make.

How and when did you both [Raoul Marks] realise you had a creative music making bond?

For me, it was the moment we started talking about music and the moment we had our first studio session. I hope it’s the same for Raoul, or this could be awkward.

What were you listening to when you initially began ‘In Fields’?

A lot of Arthur Russell, Metronomy, Nicolas Jaar and 'Swim' by Caribou on repeat.

You’re only just starting to get out and play live gigs, how are you finding it?

Pretty easy. That’ll come back to bite me, but so far the main challenges have been technical. The music just feels kind of right in the live show right now. Of me and Raoul, only I play live – with my friend Sascha on drums. He’s the perfect drummer for the sound, hits nice and hard which is just what you need to get a bit of air moving and add some physicality to the show.

You’ve described ambiguity as a key factor in what makes a great night out for you. How do you or would you portray this in your own live shows?

Dark lights. Dark clothes. Not too much playing to the crowd. Should do the trick.

With releases on multiple labels such as Rawax, I’m A Cliché, Throne of Blood, La Belle, Moshi Moshi and No Pain In Pop, what made you choose Desire for your debut Album Phantoms?

Ricardo Tobar’s Treillis. For me, one of the best records of the last few years. The moment I heard it I knew we wanted to be on the same label. I nervously emailed Desire with our record and two days later Jerome at the label replied saying he wanted to sign it. It was kind of a dream really.