Ryan Dahl – The ‘Friday Feeling’ Ransom Note Mix

As the weekend begins to peek a smiling head around the corner, we've been on the look out for something to give us that 'Friday Feeling' for this week and we think we might just have found it. This mix from Detroit's Ryan Dahl is sure to get a grin plastered across your face, leaving you feeling nothing but joy as you head out into the unknown. He's over in London for the next Night Sheen outing on 17th October so we thought we'd rope in in for a mix just in time. The man has a serious knack for putting together a selection of top tunes so let this mix clean your ears right out and read on as we have a chat to the curator;

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

Hey there. My name is Ryan Dahl, I am from Detroit and I love sexy basslines. I just arrived in Amsterdam and am pumped for ADE. Excited to play my friend Josh Caffe’s night in London and my trip to Berlin! 

What was the first electronic record you ever heard? How did it make you feel?

The first electronic album I ever heard was a Model 500 record. I didn’t know anything about Detroit Techno, but I instantly fell in love with the sexy groove and eery sounds that Juan and his crew were making back in the 80s and 90s. 

How did you get your break in the industry? 

Everything in this industry is about forming relationships. My first gig came from a friend who threw an after party for Movement Electronic Festival in Detroit. The party was a huge flop, but all 15 of my friends showed up and one of which was a friend who happened to be a promoter, Zay Crescendo who I work with today, throwing events in Detroit. 

If your sound was a visual thing, what would it look like?

A big ghetto booty. Hahah. I love big techno basslines, but they have to be sexy. That’s the thing I never understood about some Techno, Tech House, House, etc. Some of it can be so repetitive, thin, and boring to me. But the good shit has that thick bassy sound, and really represents a real sexual sound on the dancefloor. I guess you could say I like my basslines how I like my women. hah

What was the music of your teenage rebellion?

I used to be really into blues guitar. I got really into punk and psychedelic rock like Hendrix, Moody Blues and especially Pink Floyd. Was a massive influence on me. 

First and last record bought?

First: Green Day – Dookie. Last: Roy Ayers – Ubiquity.

Who was your first great inspiration?

Jeeze, what a question. I’ll tell you who is my current strongest inspiration, is Stacey Pullen. Nobody has inspired me like Stacey. I used to really dislike a lot of Techno music and never really felt like I understood it. To me, it was repetitive and very boring. For a long time, I was very one sided into classic House and Disco, until I saw Stacey live. Stacey’s tracks combine classic Techno influences with deep, dark sexy Tech Housy basslines. Nobody plays like my man Stacey Pullen. 

Who inspires you now?

Anybody who brings some color and drive to their music. I can be extremely ADD when listening to sets and shows, but I think most people should be. My gut never lies, and only a few people can really keep my attention. Lately, I’ve been into Nathan Barato, Metodi Hristov, Stacey of course, Kerri Chandler (always Kerri!). 

What’s the best piece of music you’ve ever heard?

I love classic house and R&B, and am a massive fan of Motown and Soul music. This question is ridiculous and impossible, but there’s this sexy ass track that my friend Peter Croce dropped that I’m a huge fan of: Roy Davis Jr. – Don’t you dare stop loving – live disco garage mix. If we’re talking on the harder side, I once heard Seth drop this Anthony Rother track called “Destroy him My Robots.” Mind blowing. 

What's the hottest thing in Detroit right now?

After parties. There is nothing like curating your own event free of rules, restrictions, and ending times. I will forever be grateful for living in my amazing city of Detroit. Detroit may have gone bankrupt, but the amount of creative freedom that exists in the city is quite amazing really. The less control there is in any environment, the more room you have to be creative. 

Long shot – are you related in any way to Roald Dahl?

So funny. You’re the 2000th person to ask. 

If you were a cat, what type would you be?

I’m allergic. My room mate has one, and I’m a dog person all the way. 

Which synth do you wish you owned if money were no object?

Roland Jupiter 8!!! Prices for that baby are insane. 8-10,000 USD. 

What are you obsessed with at the moment?

I love meeting people whom I’m on the same wavelength with. I love discussing personal development. Ways to improve our lifestyles. Beat our bad habits. Be more social. Network better. Balance partying and work. Stay happy. Etc etc etc. 

What’s your favourite place on earth?

So far, it’s Tulum Mexico. Amazing.  

When was the last time you played a good game of table tennis?

When was the last time you played a good game of hopscotch? 

Onto the mix… Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded in my living room where I watched the sunrise along the beautiful Detroit river. 

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

After hours always. 5-6am. 

What should we be wearing?

Wearing? Who said you’d be wearing clothing? (We never said it would be clothing…)

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

I’m a huge fan of the after party experience. In Detroit, the bars close at 2am. But normally we are just starting. 3-6 is normally our peak time. Followed by the sunrise set from about 7-9am. 

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

&Me – Empire State. This one has fantastic drums and a pumping bassline. I love this type of music.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Jeeze! You guys are hitting me hard. Hahah – Kerri Chandler RA Podcast is quite amazing. 

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

I’d love to see the original Sven Vath parties. I listened to his RA Exchange and it was quite amazing. I’m also a massive fan of Move D. 

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

First DJ Setup was on two Denon DN-S1200’s. They served their purpose at the time for sure. I’m a big proponent on trying everything available out to see what fits your needs best. Currently I play vinyl records and CDJ-2000’s back and forth. I want to get back into using more effects, so Traktor might be an option for that in the future. 

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

Start! Set that mood baby!

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

Music to me can be a very sexual experience. Use your imagination on that one. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

Tiger.

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

Aux 88 – Direct Drive. It’s an amazing record. I love classic Electro. But it’s like 134 BPM. I have nothing else that fast. Ridiculous! 

Upcoming in the world of Ryan Dahl? 

I’ve been producing my own music for a while now and I am ready to release it! Keep your eyes out for some tracks of mine coming out. I am also really excited to be in Amsterdam and get my smoke on. Cheers!

See Ryan Dahl at Night Sheen on 17th October at East Bloc – find out more here.