Rosie Ama: The Ransom Note Mix

Having cut her teeth as a writer and editor for online music platforms Stamp The Wax and this here Ransom Note, Rosie demonstrated such exemplary dedication to underground culture that we eventually had to take disciplinary action against her. The subsequent court settlement led to the founding of Human Endeavour; sometimes the best label launches emerge from legal disputes, rather than business plans.

Officially launching in 2022 (once the legal paperwork was finalised), it serves as a platform for artists operating in the deep, dark and hypnotic corners of electronic music and has welcomed artists like Anastasia Zems, Justine Forever, Nandele, Medicine 8 and Thomass Jackson over the years.

Before doing her own thing, Rosie made up one half of Kiara Scuro alongside friend Nadia, a DJ and production partnership that released music on Fabric Originals, Ritmo Fatale and Faux Poly, as well as long-standing radio residencies on Rinse FM and Balamii Radio. After a decade together, she’s gone solo turning her full attention to the label and her monthly Noods radio show, Melodic Odds, that showcases her love for sleazy low-slung chuggers, leftfield acid house and synth-driven 3am groovers.

Whilst I’d never tell her this to her face, it’s actually a delight to welcome her back to the fold – this time without the need for lawyers – for a mix that captures her hypnotic, trippy vision of what dance music can be when nobody’s watching the figures…

Let’s get going then, shall we…

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

I’m Rosie Ama. Just another DJ based in London. Former Ransom Note deputy editor turned label marketing manager. I also run my own label, Human Endeavour, and host a monthly radio show on Noods.

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’ve always been into those weird surrealist collages. Trippy, freaky, sleazy…

Where was the mix recorded?

In my front room trying not to annoy my housemates.

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

Warming up for a big night out on the tiles.

What should we be wearing?

Whatever you want babes.

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

Nothing fancy, just a nice, intimate club setting with a good system and all my friends and family on the dancefloor.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

There’s a forthcoming track on Human Endeavour in there which is coming out next year. Also a wicked edit of Guided By Voices from my friend James and a couple of unreleased tunes from Miles J Paralysis, one of my favourite producers at the moment.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Difficult to single one out… I love Kasra V’s mixes when I need to get myself pumped. Not mixes per se but David Holme’s God’s Waiting Room show on NTS is a firm favourite.

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

I used to be the one conducting these interviews so I know how many people have picked this gent but hey, call me a sheep… It would of course be the late, great Andrew Weatherall.

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

I had a controller then I upgraded to two 1210s. I still have those and a pair of XDJs and a DJM.

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

I always think about the opening track way more than the closer. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can’t remember the first record I bought but it was probably a CD by Sum 41 or Wheatus. Record-wise some sort of greatest hits LP by The Kinks or someone from a charity shop. The last one was Insecure Men’s eponymous album. I’m about to cop their new album too.

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

Something you’d have to chew slowly for a while to break it down, and it’ll probably get stuck in your teeth, like a toffee.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Something slithery… Maybe a slug. I can be pretty slug-adjacent sometimes.

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

I guess you can “mix” anything with a bit of reverb or echo.

Upcoming in the world of…

Some fun gigs coming up with Decius and Optimo over the coming weeks, including my first time playing at the Golden Lion which I’m very excited about.

The next EP on my label from a Mexican producer called TataGaya is dropping soon, and next year I have some amazing releases planned that I can’t wait to share with you.

Lastly, my friend Harry James and I recently launched a party called Pleasure Unit and we have a few exciting ideas in the pipeline for 2026.

Anything else we need to discuss?

I think at this point it should really go without saying, but anyone with a voice or platform should be using it to condemn the atrocities being committed in Gaza by the state of Israel. Free Palestine.