Simon Baker – The ‘Go Doof Doof’ Ransom Note Mix

 
Music

Simon Baker flitters between techno and house like a synth-obsessed butterfly, his deft touch behind the decks is also somewhat reminiscent of our winged friends. He's just released the debut offering on his brand new label, suitably named Simon Baker Presents BKR Projekt, which sees a return to his techno roots. To celebrate this aural rebirth, we asked Mr Baker to supply us with an hour of aural goodness filled with bigger beats than you'll know what to do with.

That's right, it's time to go DOOF DOOF and get the roof clinging on for dear life. Crack this mix right open as we natter on with its curator.

Plus, if that weren't quite enough for you, a little further down the page you can check out 'Buff' from the new EP for the very first time. Keep your eyes peeled;

Please introduce yourself:

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Simon Baker, one of those DJ/Producer types. London. Supposedly a sarky dry Northerner!?

You’ve been hopping back and forth all over the world all year, are you enjoying it or do you never want to see a plane again?

Bit of both. Don’t like the actual planes themselves. Busy, smelly old things with no elbow room and shit food, but the end result is usually great when you eventually get off the things. 

What did you enjoy about playing in Honduras?

The people there were wicked and the setting next to a waterfall was pretty special especially when the sun came up. Was one to remember! 

What about Jordan, what was that like?

Jordan was on the Red Sea front over-looking Egypt. Was years ago to be honest, I barely remember yesterday. I do remember it been an eye opener as I’d never been to that part of the world, I also remember having fun and again the promoters and crew were totally sound! (means a lot) 

Have you ever accidentally played the wrong track during a DJ set and completely cocked up the vibe?

Loads of times! 

Do you plan on doing this anytime soon?

Probably! 

How many PPI-related phone calls do you receive a day?

Not sure as I never answer any weird numbers, guessing 3 or 4 today by the looks. 

What inspired you to return to techno after quite a foray into house music?

Evolving… I got very bored with what was going on around me and wanted to go back to a tougher sound. Bit like how I started out. More stripped back techno stuff. 

What’s the difference between house and techno?

Not that much to that average man on the street, but the sounds and production techniques are different. I would say SOME of my new BKR stuff is still house. Just tough house! New genre for you there. 

If that’s the case, what is tech-house?

Lets say for arguements sake that Techno is Detroit, Chicago is house, well Tech-house is just down the road half way between the two. If I was describing it to my mum! 

Complete the sentence I’m proper techno because…

My mum told me I was!

Are you kick drum, a hi hat or a snare?  

Kick. They are my thing. 

What do you think is going to be the next big thing in electronic music?

Boshing techno. Already is. Usually goes the other end of the spectrum from where it was. I am very much over the generic deep tech house stuff knocking about. 

What beverage would you serve with this mix?

Pint of Guinness with a vodka shot. 

When was the last time you asked the crowd whether they were having a good time? Were you having a good time?

I haven’t ever got on the mic to be honest, not really into it. Call me an old stick in the mud! I like to just hear the music. 

What can we expect to hear on the Ebony EP?

Grooving stripped back techno and “Tough House”! 

Are there any sounds or sensations that set your teeth on edge?

I love what Mr Tophat and Art Alfie are doing. Straddling house techno and disco. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring new producers?

Yeh, stick at it, don’t follow the crowd and get a few select outboard bits rather than using loads of generic plug ins. 

Onto the mix…

Where was the mix recorded?

Studio.

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

Party or gym.

What should we be wearing? 

Anything but a white vest and army shorts. 

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

Fabric room 1 around 4am-8am. 

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Fort Romeau – 'Cloche' (Tuff City Kids Club Mix)

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Use to love the Tyrant mixes from Craig Richards and Lee Burridge. Still stand up now.

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

Laurent Garnier would be fun. I like crossing over into different genres. 

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

First was 2 technics and a fairly crap mixer, now its 2 x technics and a fairly crap mixer.

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

Both have some importance but end probably. 

What were the first and last records you bought?  

First was Duran Duran – Wild Boys and L.B. Dub Corp – So much (Berghain 07) 

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

Yorkshire pudding.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Yorkshire Terrier.

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

Pretty much all my disco stuff that isn’t sequenced. All over the shop! You have to be quick and good with your fingers. Duran Duran – 'Wild Boys' 7" aint the easiest either đŸ˜‰ 

Upcoming in the world of Simon Baker?

Simon Baker Presents BKR Projekt. New sounds, new label, new project, Yorkshire Terrier techno!!! 

Anything else we need to discuss?

BKR 001 is out on vinyl now, lovingly hand stamped with a dancing Yorkshire terrier funnily enough. Digital is August 3rd. Also a BKR remix coming up on Moonharbour, and a BKR single just out on Drumcode. Just joined TSA agency for a fresh start with the new music. 


Ebony is out now on vinyl.