Remotif: The Ransom Note Mix

Earlier this year marked the release of a new EP by a producer who has made a remarkable transformation in respect of sound design and creative process. When chatting with Joe, who operates under the guise of Remotif, he describes himself as having realised his process and the type of music that he wants to make. It’s always inspiring to observe the evolution of a musician and in his case this year seems as though it may very well be definitive in his progression as an artist. 

Based in Bristol Remotif has released music on the likes of air miles and his own Familiar Strangers label. 2021 is set to be busy for the up and coming producer with a number of crucial releases lined up in the coming months. 

As a DJ he draws for an eclectic selection of house, techno and beyond. He pays particular focus to textures and melody, using it to often guide the narrative of his sets, telling a story through sound. This mix showcases Remotif at his very best as he meanders between genres into a climax with a big Friday night feeling. 

Listen and read the interview below:

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

I’m Joe, I’m sat in my PJs on the sofa, and I’m very hungover.


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)? 


Where was the mix recorded?

At my flat in Bristol – shout out to Benny J for the CDJ loan!


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


Press it to acetate, chop finely and fry over a medium heat with a little butter, garlic and a dash of lemon juice

What should we be wearing?

Men are advised to wear a dinner jacket with matching trousers, a pleated white shirt, black formal shoes, and a bow tie. Optionally, they can also wear a cummerbund or a waistcoat. For women, we would suggest a floor-length dress or gown, but cocktail dresses are also acceptable.


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


I have a playlist called ‘sunrise’ and it’s full of the most haunting, beautiful house/techno tearjerker bangers. I’d love to play it to a happily dazed small-ish crowd around 6am on an outdoor stage on the last day of a festival, think Meadows in the Mountain, Nachtdigital or Nation of Gondwana. Lots of long, drawn out minimal-ish tracks like Sprinkle’s ‘Ambient Ballroom’ remix of Seashore by Oh Yoko – that kinda vibe. I think I’d probably cry.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Moon Diagrams – The Ghost and the Host – the track that starts at 56m. Dark 14 minute prog-dub-techno odyssey. I wish I could make music like that!


What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I don’t know if it’s my favourite per se as I don’t really listen to this style of music any more, but Soul of Man’s 2007 Essential Mix is definitely the one that had the biggest impact on me growing up. Hearing that style of ravey dance music at the age of 15/16 was absolutely electrifying to me, and set me on the path I’m on today.


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


DJ Smile, the main man from Huddersfield who’s going to be supplying for a while

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


Then: 2x CDJ 800 Mk1s and an Ecler Nuo 2 (such an underrated mixer) 

Now: ummm I literally own just one turntable hahaha that’s it. Borrowing everything (CDJ2000s, DJM 950, another turntable) else from various people!

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


I always start and finish with Darude – Sandstorm so this question is irrelevant to me.

What were the first and last records you bought?


First: I think the first CD I ever owned was by The Electric Lobsters, a roots/ceilidh band fronted by my primary school teacher – shouts to Mr Freeman

Last: Plush Managements – Magic Plush. Go listen to Mr Mailman and prepare to have those lyrics rattling around your head for days

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


Crispy duck pancakes with copious amounts of hoi sin sauce

If it was an animal what would it be?


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


Everything is impossible to mix if you’re shit enough! 

Upcoming in the world of Remotif
…

Lots! At least three more EPs this year (you can hear lots of the forthcoming tracks in this mix) some more remixes, and god willing, some more Familiar Strangers parties (!).

Anything else we need to discuss?

If you’ve read this far and enjoyed the mix, please consider booking me to play to play at your club night, wedding or bar mitzvah. Thanks for having me RSN! It’s an honour.. 

Follow Remotif on Facebook HERE.