Jezebell – The Ransom Note Mix

Machine-Funk that has even the most emotionless of automaton overlords shuffling on the spot in time to the inimitable rhythm. And to boot they’re ace DJs…with all that in mind we asked them to put together a selection which comprises productions and remixes all their own.

It’s a joy to invite someone with a sense of humour to answer all our nonsense too.

Listen and read the interview below:

Who are you

Jesse: The Jesse half
Darren: The Bell half

Where are you

Jesse: Up in the Sky
Darren: In Studland

And what are you

Jesse: Hungry
Darren: Full of it

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)?

How does your brain work when making music? how does it work when you aren’t?

Jesse: by sending chemical transmitters across the gaps in a large network of neurons, I think.
Darren: I have a lot rattling about in my head and feels like I spew ideas and suggestions, but we seem to be doing ok.

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

Jesse: The first one that mattered to me was probably Jam On It by Newcleus. It made me feel like I was trapped in a tin can. I’ve never been free of reverb since.

Darren: It was Computer world By Kraftwerk that I borrowed from my local Library in Vauxhall. I was instantly attracted to the cover and has put me in good company ever since.

Where was the mix recorded?
Jesse: In a barn in Devon where the Coldstream Guards used to stable their horses.
Darren: What Jesse said, The floor is a death-trap and must have played havoc with the horses.

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

Jesse: A barn in Devon where the Coldstream Guards used to stable their horses.
Darren : With headphones on, in a deep bath, with a capful of Dettol.

What should we be wearing?

Jesse: Sensible shoes.
Darren: A towel.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?
Jesse: Just some decent monitors and a happy crowd please.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Jesse: I can’t pick a favourite child. But if I had to I’d pick Autostrada of course.
Darren: It changes daily but Autostrada is my favourite offspring at the moment

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Jesse: Scott Hardkiss “Live From Room Zero Chapters 1-5). Seven-and-a-half hours of perfection, recorded not long before the great man passed.

Darren Bell: Streetsounds Crucial Electro 1 : Perfection from start to finish

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

Jesse: The late Tor Thorsen from the Cracker Jack crew in San Francisco. Because I miss him.
Darren : DJ Kool Herc. Would love to see that Streetlight setup.

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

Jesse: Technics 1200s, Vestax mixer, the basics. Now I just have a Pioneer DDJ like everyone else I guess?
Darren: I used to smuggle our family turntable upstairs at any opportunity to put alongside my Turntable I begged all year for Christmas. I actually have video footage of me scratching on them upstairs at age 13.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?
Jesse: Ender for sure.
Darren: Start for me. It can act as the perfect reset and set the mood again.

What were the first and last records you bought?
Jesse: First record was “I Love Rock’n’Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 7”. Still have it, and would still consider playing it out. The last unit of music I bought (digital) was Ian Vale’s “Many Times”. The Alan Mackenzie remix is a beast of Underwordly brilliance. To be precise I think I bought Duncan Gray’s new album Five Fathoms Full on the same day.
Darren Bell: First record I bought was Streetsounds Electro 1. Last record I bought was A Charlie Brown Christmas reissue.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?
Jesse: Nerds candy.
Darren: Sinew and chocolate

If it was an animal what would it be?
Jesse: An octopus.
Darren : Bugs Bunny when he dresses up in a skirt and lipstick.

Jesse: Can I change mine to Darren’s answer?

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?
Jesse: Oh man, DJ Stonie’s “Ray of Sunshine” used to drive me nuts. Such a perfect raw California acid track, sounds like two machines ticking along, what could go wrong? But it’s not programmed properly, it will defeat your best efforts to keep it beatmatched.

Darren: Classic Dub is a continual nightmare. Damn those drummers were toasted.

Am I going to my dream job?
Am I being compensated fairly for the value I bring to my job?
Do I feel energised, rested, and confident?
Jesse: err…

You just had a fight with the person you are closest to. do you not speak to them until they apologise…or do you apologise first?
Jesse: I apologise first, no doubt.
Darren: I never apologise. Sorry, its just something I can’t do.

If you were trapped on a desert island with one other person, who would you choose? how long would it be before you eat them?
Jesse: Mr. Potato Head sounds like a wise choice.

Darren Bell : Mayor Mc cheese. I would smash him in seconds.

Your doctor says you need more exercise….what do you take up for exercise?
Jesse: I do a lot more exercise than my doctor does.
Darren : I think my right arm can answer that.

If you could travel in time…where in time would you go? why?
Jesse: I feel like I just went back in time to the last time you asked me this question.
Darren: 1995. Mcdonalds did the Mc Rib for a limited period and not a day goes by I don’t miss it.

Upcoming in the world of Jezebell
Jesse: R$N 45 is what we’re most excited about. “Autostrada” into the world! We have a few killer remixes for others on the way too … and have even sorted some Christmas plans…
Darren: Big things coming. Watch this space and hit the subscribe button guys.

Jezebell’s Weekend Machines is Out Now on R$N Records. Order here

Tracklisting:

1. Jezebell – Dancing (Not Fighting) – Unreleased Mix
2. Jezebell – Autostrada
3. Jezebell – The Jezebell Spirit – Unreleased Mix
4. Jezebell – Perfect Din
5. Jezebell – Trading Places (2AM)
6. Pim Secle and Orchid – Trinity (Jezebell’s Undivided Mix)
7. Jezebell – Darren’s Theme (Forthcoming)
8. Jezebell – Weekend Machines
9. Jezebell – Citric
10. Jezebell – Dumbell – Unreleased Mix
11. Jezebell – The Big Time (Forthcoming)