Jon Dixon: The Ransom Note Mix

As a producer his style is deep and in parts dubbed out. It’s emotive and helps to communicate the raw undercurrent of the city in the truest sense.

This mix features a number of his own cuts, versions, originals and collaborations cementing his place amidst the greats.

Listen below:

Please introduce yourself…

My name is Jon Dixon! 

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

I am a Detroit-born and raised musician, producer, educator, and music therapist.

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)?

It sounds like me, or at least that’s what people tell me. I wish I could put it into words, but just as our feelings and moods can change from day to day, so does the music I make. In terms of how it looks, see the attached picture. Dali is one of the artists I’m currently fascinated by. You must live with some things (music, art, the landscape of a new city) before it makes more sense or becomes more enjoyable. For some, my music may be enjoyed the first time you hear it. Maybe it’ll take a few years to enjoy it or maybe it’s something you’ll never like. But with all art, everything isn’t for everyone.

Where was the mix recorded?

This mix was recorded in my studio.

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

Anywhere with warm weather! Riding in your car with the windows down, or outside with a glass of your favorite drink! 

What should we be wearing?

That all depends on the individual. I’d say whatever is most comfortable for you.

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

 Outdoors with an amazing view of something epic! Mt. Fuji, The Dolomite Mountains, on the Island of Kauai, or even Mont Blanc. Get me 3 or 4 of my favorite keyboards, my computer, interface, and I’m good to go!

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Professor Gemini. It’s a song that features one of my close friends Kris Johnson on trumpet, who also happens to be a student of our late mentor, the June-born Gemini, Marcus Belgrave. 

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

That’s hard to say! If I had to choose, there’s a mix by DJ Jazzy Jeff in London. I think it was a Boiler Room maybe. He starts with Happy by Pharell and just goes everywhere! He’s a master of the craft! 

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

I would choose Goldie, DJ Marky, Joe Claussell, Theo Parrish, Rick Wilhite, or Moodymann! Only, instead of CDJs or turntables, I’d have 4 keyboards. They’re all such great storytellers behind the decks and to be able to share the stage with them in that capacity would be incredible. They’re all good friends so maybe I need to make some calls after this hahahaha! 

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

It was a laptop and Traktor in my mid/late college years. It was a way for me to kill time between classes or when on flights back in the UR days. This was back in 2009 or so. Currently, I use 2 CDJs, a mixer, and a keyboard or 2. When I play live it can range up to two keyboards and maybe an additional synth or two. 

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

They’re both equally important to me, but finding what to start with is hardest because you want to make sure you’re setting the tone right, which can vary from setting to setting.

What were the first and last records you bought?

So I’ll give 3 answers for this. The first piece of music I bought was a single of Busta Rhymes on tape back in the mid-90s. The first piece of vinyl was Pharcyde’s Can’t Keep Running Away. The last piece of vinyl was Les McCann’s ‘The Man’. 

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

It would taste good hahaha. There are two types of food in my opinion, good, and bad. Nobody gets excited about going to a restaurant where the food is “not bad” or “just ok”. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

I’d choose a black widow spider. Though it’s not an animal, it can be just as deadly despite its size and being hard to spot. 

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Nothing! There’s always a way!

Anything else we need to discuss?

My album is almost finished and after working on it these past 4 years I’m excited to share it with the world! 

Buy the new release HERE.