Samson A.K: The Ransom Note Mix

This mix reflects that ethos, powering its way through a heady assortment of jackin’ house, techno, bass and the spaces which sit in between. Its rough as f**k. Just how we like it.

Listen and read the interview below:

First of all tell us about how you approached the mix?

I wanted to record something that’s a little more on the clubbier side. It’s a mixture of tracks that I’ve been feeling lately – mostly newer ones, but with a few older favourites thrown in too. It’s driving and distorted in some places, and dubby and more restrained in others.

To set the tone and ease us in I opted for some spoken-word and drone-type pieces, coming from the likes of TERSKOL, Wolf Eyes and Lifers Group.

You draw a lot of inspiration from old Hip Hop mixtapes, complete with skits, interludes and all – why is this an influence for you?

That definitely applies to my first cassette release on MAL Recordings, which was heavily influenced by ’90s beat tapes, old mixtapes and skate videos that I used to watch religiously as a kid. I haven’t really explored that approach as much since then, but I do still love digging around for obscure things to sample.

Your own music is often dark and abstract, what draws you to this style?

I think a lot of it comes from growing up watching those same skate videos I just mentioned. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, in a small village in Dorset, so a lot of the music I discovered came from those. Alongside the hip-hop influences mentioned a moment ago, there was also a lot of metal, punk, hardcore and heavier music in them. I got really into that kind of stuff during those earlier years, which probably explains a lot.

I’ve also spent years collecting obscure cassettes and records, particularly industrial, post-punk and experimental ones from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and I’d definitely say some of that filters through to my own music too.

What role does noise play in your production and approach?

Yeah that’s a pretty huge part of my sound. I don’t like things to sound too clean or overly polished. I’m much more interested in distortion, noise and imperfections. To me, those things add character.

You’ve worked in various spheres of electronic music behind the scenes, what do you love and hate about it?

That’s true, I’ve worn quite a few different hats over the years. I’ve worked at Phonica Records, run my own events, run my own labels, spent a brief amount of time as a booking agent, dabbled in music PR and music publishing, worked with audio brands and promoters, and probably a few other things I’m forgetting.

What I’ve always loved is supporting the underground in whatever way I can, whether that’s buying records from emerging artists and labels, supporting independent record shops, grassroots venues, community radio stations or small promoters. What frustrates me is how difficult it’s become for a lot of those spaces to survive. Independent venues, record shops and community-led projects are super important, but they’re often operating on a knife edge. I’d hate to see these disappear. Go support!

What’s something we might misunderstand about your music?

People might assume that because some of my releases lean towards darker, more industrial sounds, that’s all I’m interested in. The reality is that my influences are far-reaching and I don’t really worry too much about genres. This probably explains why the next record I’m putting out sounds significantly different to the last one. I’ve never been particularly interested in staying in one lane.

What comes next?

I’m looking forward to quite a few fun things; I’ve got another record of my own lined up for release on my label, Ideal State, featuring a pair of deadly remixes from two of my favourite producers. There are more records planned beyond that too. I’ve also recently finished a remix for someone else’s project, which should be out in the coming months.

On the DJ and live performance side, I’ve got shows coming up at Vespers and Palais in London, Meakusma Festival in Belgium, and another live date in Berlin that’s yet to be announced.

But generally speaking, I just want to keep making music, gigging, doing radio shows, meeting interesting people and staying inspired. If I can keep doing that then I’m good!