Nachtbraker: The Ransom Note Mix

 
Music

Maurits Verwoerd is a producer and dj based in Amsterdam, in recent years he has released music beneath the guise of Nachtbraker, a carefully assorted catalogue of house, breaks and general oddball club music.

His label has become prominent and his music has found its way into the bags of a broad array of dj’s worldwide – it does not sit politely within one such sub domain of electronic music but leaps forth boldly into all. Across the years he has released music via the likes of Heist, Dirt Crew, Quartet Series and more. 

There is a sense of fun and personality at the core of his music and he brings this energy to life when dj’ing himself, as you are about to find out. This mix was recorded recently and reflects a humble, present state of mind which twists and turns as it skips between breaks, garage, house and beyond. 

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself…

Ba dumtss

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

I’m Nachtbraker (Dutch for Night Owl), born in 91 as Maurits Verwoerd. I’m in Amsterdam.

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)?

I always identify my music with dreams. That’s also where I get my inspiration from. In no way I want to compare myself to him, but as I suck at drawing. Here’s one of my favourite’s from Dali (who is also my favourite artist).

Where was the mix recorded?

At home in my living room.

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

With mates

What should we be wearing?

Light comfy clothes

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

Sunset, beach, soft wind in my face, drinking loads of beers without having to go to the toilet all the time, bare feet in sand, bunch of likeminded and good humoured people, friends (should also be in a good mood), wind is soft enough to play vinyl only, just a pair of Technics and a Xone mixer.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

There’s two tracks by Patrizio Gabrielli of his Comfortable Disharmony Ep on Heko Records in this mix. That whole record has been my favourite since it was announced for release a few months back.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Thats always my latest mix, so that would be this one.

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

Donato Dozzy. I’d be super nervous as this guy plays anything, at an insanely good level.

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

Laptop, Traktor a Nuo 5 Ecler mixer and two X1 Traktor controllers. Loved playing 4 tech house loops at the same time. Now I have two Technics SL 1210 MKII, a Xone:23 mixer and one Pioneer XDJ 700 on an Ikea Kallax.

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

I guess the one you start with as the majority of the people don’t finish listening a whole mix.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Let me check my Discogs.. First one is Dream House Volume 1.4 on Blind Jacks Journey. Last one is Magma – Relax-In on Wonka Beats. Picked that one up at Killacutz here in Amsterdam.

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

A pasta with tomato sauce. Because I can eat that every time of the day, every day. Just like this mix I could play or listen to every time of the day.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A doggo

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

Tough one, but I guess I have a couple of Gost Zvuk records I’d love to mix in sometimes but just can’t get it right.

Upcoming in the world of…

Hopefully a more climate aware international policy

Anything else we need to discuss?

Well, I just released my Bay Be Blu EP. Which you can get HERE