8 Tracks: For Home Improvements with Ross From Friends

Music

Few have caused as much disruption and commotion as Ross From Friends, the playful musician and producer has evolved sporadically through the ranks having mutated into a forward thinking talent now releasing music on Brainfeeder. He's come a long way from the days of youtube house and dusty samples, that's for sure.

The record label, run by Flying Lotus, has taken a shine to his fun fuelled take on electronic music. Not confined by genre, restraints or rules he approaches music as something best toyed with and explored. As such his own output has been varied, drawing influence from hip hop, skate soundtracks, mixtapes and club sounds. It is not one thing but a lot.

His new EP on the label is a welcome release from much of the mundane. There is a humble, personal connection to the music he has made which he describes as being the result of “getting into a lot of woodwork, DIY and furniture". As a result there are wholesome, crafty textures dotted throughout which he describes as follows:

“I constantly wanted to take a step back and think about the structures in a more conventional sense. I spent a lot of time making it sound like it could be played in a club, particularly with ‘Phantom Ratio’ – I wanted to challenge myself to make a weird club track with that one.”

We invited Ross from Friends, real name Felix, to guide us through his soundtrack to home improvement. It sounds nothing like Grand Designs…

Buy HERE.

LISTEN

Dj Psychiatre - Pie?Ce 01

This track is an absolutely gorgeous drum-less tune. The arp will send you into a trance that once emerged from you will have unconsciously painted an entire wall.

Dj Psychiatre - Pie?Ce 01

This track is an absolutely gorgeous drum-less tune. The arp will send you into a trance that once emerged from you will have unconsciously painted an entire wall.
Robert Crosbie / Geisha - So Good To Be Home

This tune is so relaxed and ‘sunny’. The background noises here are ones of a perfect family day in the garden. Great to take your eyes away from a screen for a while and dream of a sunny picnic with the kids.
Eskostatic - Serpentines & Valleys

Another hypnotic number. A bit darker and moody this one. The pipes need looking at in the basement.
Aus - Fake Five

It’s got this bit in it that sounds like a hammer hitting the ground in a hallway. This should pull you out of that trance I set you in just earlier too. It’s in an unconventional time signature so it’ll throw you off a bit if you’re tying to get into the groove.
Sasha - Cloud Cuckoo

This one, so robotic in feel, chugs away like a 20 year-old table saw. Really good for metalwork/welding. Give it a try.
Kate Bush - Breathing

Remember to wear a mask when you’re doing carpentry, otherwise you’ll be breathing in sawdust. I did that one afternoon when I was sanding a bench and it gave me a horrible nosebleed. Kate Bush will teach you how to breathe.
Camp Lo - Luchini Aka This Is It

Just some fun this one really, because although DIY can be stressful, it’s a hobby! You’re supposed to have fun!
Home Improvement Theme

A flute whistles as you and Tim Allen make the final touches to the patio. Job done!