Mondowski – SHINE A LIGHT ON… R$N ‘Un-Mixed’ mix

 
Music

A child of the 90s, born some distance away from any clubs, Mondowski isn't the likeliest of candidates for a purveyor of repetitive beats in dark, smoke-filled rooms… hang on scrub that, I was brought up in the middle of nowhere and all I wanted to do was get the f^&% out of there and work out what all this fuss was about with dancing late into the night in small rooms. So yeah he is pretty likely I'd say.

Growing up on the Creation Records back catalogue – check – and Depeche Mode, Jesus & Mary Chain and The Cure – I can see we're going to get along famously – it was around 2004, after listening a Death In Vegas record – I feel I'm re-living my childhood 10 years on – that he had the revelation to explore further electronic horizons. His sound was most influenced however by the likes of Jennifer Cardini, Andrew Weatherall and Ivan Smagghe – I think we need to go and grab a beer mate.

A great starting point for us then as you may have gathered. Taking inspiration from everything from techno to new-wave and electro and acid house he's now a resident at Bordeaux's iBoat,  with his own Shadowplay night. He's also released a couple of rather great EPs already and there's a third one on the way very soon.

He provides us with this week's Shine A Light On Mix – only available on Mixcloud kids because the powers that be have deemed Gina X, included on the mix, to be an infringement of copywrite. There's also a handy interview accompaniment, which you can get your eyes round below. But first get your ears round this;

Who are you:

I'm Baptiste, the kid that everybody called Mondowski.

Where are you:

In my flat in the center of Bordeaux.

What are you:

I'm a musician, producer and DJ.

What’s your earliest memory of music?

As long as I can remember it was in my mother's car, a red Golf. She had a cassette which only had disco on it. I went crazy when she played it.

What was the first electronic music you ever heard and how did it make you feel?

I can't remember the first but I was crazy when I listened to the first Kasabian album. I was 11. They are not very "electronic" I know, but they put a lot of synthesisers and machines in their songs (I.D for an example). It was totally new for me, I found it very interesting.

In your eyes, how has the music scene changed in Bordeaux over the last ten years?

Ten years ago I was 12 so I can't say how it has changed. There are a lot of young DJ's but unfortunately not too many producers.

Who would you say were your biggest influences and what else informs and influences your sound? 

I draw influence from a lot of 80's music. I grew up by listening to new-wave because of my parents. That's why I choose certain drums or synthesiser sounds etc…

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first was 'What's The Story Morning Glory' by Oasis, and the last one is the re-mastered 12" of Liaisons Dangereuses.

Rather an obvious question but we’re assuming you must be quite the wine connoisseur…any tips on selecting a fine wine?

Ahahah, it's funny because I hate wine. Maybe because I drank too much when I was kid! But when I invite artists around I always choose a Pessac.

IBoat – where you’re a resident – seems to be on fire at the moment. What makes it so special? Do you ever get seasick?

First, why it's so special (in my eyes) is definitely the sound. It's amazing. The new 'dnb' sound system is absolutely the best I've ever heard in a club. I've never seen anyone get seasick, but puked due to drink…yes ahah. You don't really feel like you're on a boat when you're on board.

When did you have your "I want to be a DJ" moment?

When I saw Vitalic at a festival. I didn't know that just one guy could make a crowd dance like that!

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

Last month with my little brother.

If someone turns up late at your party, what would you like them to bring as an apology gift?

A drink and a smile.

Onto the mix…

Where was the mix recorded?

In my flat, between my machines and my kitchen.

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

I don't know, I hate listening to my own mixes. I've always found them annoying.

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

On the IBoat would be perfect.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

'Now It's Over' by A Place To Bury Strangers. Their new album is my favorite at the moment.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Optimo B2B Ivan Smagghe at the IBoat. Six hour mix, I was there and it was totally amazing. 

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

Ivan for sure, but I don't think I'm at his level!

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

All tracks are important! 

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

A rusty fork.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A bat.

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

No records are impossible to mix.

Upcoming in the world of Mondowski?

I have an original that will be released on the new Rock To The Beat compilation next month, it's featured with Justine.


Find Mondowski on Soundcloud. Do this now.