Not An Animal: The ‘Ransom Note’ Mix

Together friends and cosmic Mackems Andy Bainbridge and Chris Stoker run Not An Animal Records, a label born from the debris of their Bad Passion parties that they once threw around the city in various spaces and places. 

After eight years of parties they decided to embark on a new chapter and so Not An Animal was born, primarily as a space to support their pal's music as well as elevate their own musings. Since starting they've released music from Bogdan, Que Sakamoto, Ian Blevins and Man Power, as well as they're own productions under their separate projects; Andy as one half of Machete Savane and Chris as one half of Ess O Ess. 

We've given them the reigns for this week's Ransom Note mix which floats through a blissful blend of hazy, melodic breaks. We've also heard on the grapevine that they've got a rather large arsenal of music perfect for celebratory occasions, like birthday parties. Coming to a birthday party near you in the not-so-distant future…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

We’re Not an Animal Records….. aka Andy Bainbridge & Chris Stoker and we’re currently at Andy’s house having just finished the mix. Our music sounds like a happy accident. 

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's a Swiss army mix, suitable for all occasions. If ever I’m asked to draw anything the child in me can’t help but draw a cock…. so there you have it. The mix looks like a crudely drawn Penis.

Where was the mix recorded?

The first attempt was recorded at our friend Ali’s house….. but as ever, cocked that one up so second time around at Andy's place.

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

Good after party mix I suppose. It's not too heavy so can bubble along nicley without upsetting too many people.

What should we be wearing?

Socks, suspenders & your dancing shoes. Clothing optional.

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

Hmm I really like playing outside in the summer round a pool on a good system with mates.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Patrick Conway, Cobby & his Animal & Breach, Turtle Dance (There are two of us so we get two swings of the axe on that question)

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Pretty obvs but the first Renaissance Sasha & Digweed and Paul Oakendolds JBDJ pretty much soundtracked the afterparties in my youth.

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

Obvs Chris but if he was unavailable then maybe Danny Tenaglia at Twilo.

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

Then – first time around 2 belt drive Soundlab decks, KAM Made2Fade GM25 mixer Now Technincs 1210’s, Pioneer XDJs, an ARS 9000 mixer.

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

The bits in between and getting to the end without arguing.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Last – King Sunny Ade & His African Beats – Ja Funmi remix

First record – Adam & The Ants – Strip

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

A Disco Biscuit. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

An unidentified object on a bathroom floor that looks a bit like a upside down steak and kidney pie with bevelled edges and with white bits in and around it.

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

Have you heard our mixing?! They’re all an uphill struggle, each one more difficult than the rest.

Upcoming in the world of Not An Animal…

Our next release sees Ian Blevins returning to the label along with remixes from Chida and Discodromo. Other than that we’ll take a little breather over winter then we've got a label party at Closer in Kiev with ourselves and Tornado Wallace.

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