Wolf Muller: The Ransom Note Mix

This month saw the release of a collaborative project on International Feel. 'The Sound Of Glades' is a joint effort of Jan Schulte and Niklas Rehme-Schlüter: a collection of ambient soundscapes, subtle pads, field recordings and soft drums. Jan Schulte aka Wolf Müller has amassed a reputation as a crafty producer without borders. From worldy percussion, eccentric wobbles and soothing melodies he has honed his sound, undpredictable by nature, each record is often different from the last. We caught up with him following the album release for an assorted mix of music which inspired the record – "music to do the sound of glades to" , as he puts it. Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself…

My name is Wolf Müller, I produce drum music for peace.

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

I come from Düsseldorf, Germany and I am a professional jaw-harp-player.

How did you first begin to form a relationship with Mark from International Feel?

International Feel asked me to do a remix for Cafe Del Mar legend Jose Padilla, and in the end I even made 2 mixes for them and produced for Jose's album.

How would you describe ‘The Sound Of Glades’ as a release?

Deep and dreamy, melancholic and euphoric at the same time.

You dabble and experiment across many genres, who are your musical influences?

Europeans that tried to make non-european music, and non-europeans that tried to make european music

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)? 

My music sounds like dances in imaginary places, these imaginary worlds change with every listening so no single image would capture the spirit of it.

Where was the mix recorded?

In my studio, the Wolf Müller Flanger Studio, in Düsseldorf.

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

I would leave this open to decide to the listener. Anywhere where you can take a deep breath.

What should we be wearing?

Headphones, if you want to.

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

I once played an ambient set in the middle of the Estonian countryside, surrounded by butterflies and breathy summer winds. That was one of the most beautiful locations ever, but i am sure some beautiful setups will follow in the future.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Yello – Homer Hossa, an alltime favourite of mine.

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

I would love to be able to listen to the sets of Beppe Loda, Dj Mozart, Danielle Baldelli and the rest of the italian Afro-Cosmic DJ's in the early 80s. Their style of playing records at the wrong speed, always tribal and psychedelic, is something that still influences my sets.

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

I started with a crappy Numark turntable and a borrowed Vestax turntable, accompanied by a borrowed vestax battle mixer. Now i use 2 Technics MK2's, and an Ecler mixer.

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

In these days where tons of DJ-mixes are loaded up to the internet every day i think the opening track is of more importance.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record was Zeb Roc Ski & Stieber Twins – B-Boys Revenge, the last was Hans Zimmer – Interstellar Soundtrack.

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

Something fresh and self-made.

If it were an animal what would it be?

Totoro.

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

Steve Reich – Music For 18 Musicians

Upcoming in the world of Wolf Müller:

With Montezumas Rache, one of my other projects, we are releasing an EP with Dominik Von Senger, legendary guitarist from Phantom Band & Dunkelziffer, which will be out soon.

Buy the release HERE. Wolf Müller will play at Dance Tunnel on the 29th of July. Tickets HERE.