Matt Cowell: The Ransom Note Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

It runs deep in the family you know.

Matt Cowell is the co founder of longstanding web zine meets label Viscera as well as a resident of London based party Optick.

Having been heavily involved in electronic music for many years he has fronted several parties and become a familiar face in the East end of the city having moved to the big smoke from the coast a few years back.

He brought with him a cheeky smile and a record bag full of exquisite House and Techno which demonstrates a depth and maturity in the dance.

A keen champion of friends and a familiar face front left, his taste is broad and eclectic, lending itself perfectly to deeper, longer sets of which he has become a stalwart of as a resident for Ransom Note.

This mix demonstrates a deep rooted knowledge in respect to selection – weaving its way through a number of key moments and creating a cathartic well rounded soundtrack which few DJ’s are able to achieve.

Listen below:

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

Matt Cowell, London, table tennis player and occasional mascot.

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)?

It sounds like everything else combined.

Where was the mix recorded?

In Jess’ kitchen, where I am most relaxed.

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

In headphones on the tube.

What should we be wearing?

In general? I think it would have to be the one and only Magic Castles.

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

I’m still searching for my dream setting, but for now in Jess’ kitchen, on my set up, for Ransom Note.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Housey Doingz – Brothers. I keep finding myself coming back to this one, gets everyone going and myself.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Andrew Weatherall – Massive Mellow Mix. I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to this mix and it’s something I always come back to. You can put this on at any time of the day really. Also, another enjoyable one

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

The Dresden duo and I think you know why. Imagine what it would have been like?!

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

Then: Numark Mixtrack and virtual DJ
Now: 1210mk2s, XDJ700s, Allen & Heath Xone 23

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

I think it’s all of them, the starting track may be completely different to the end track as you’re always learning on the way and making the journey. If you’re playing to an empty room or a full room, it still matters what you start with and the same with the end.

What were the first and last records you bought?

On CD it has to be Shaggy – Hot Shot. Has all the essential jams. And on Vinyl it was definitely Arctic Monkeys ‎– Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. Most recent purchase has been from the amazing Folly Group with their debut album Down There!

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

Not any easy one to answer this, but I reckon a gurt big Cornish pasty.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A big toothed walrus, smiley and unexpected.

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

A few are in there, but if playing b2b I reckon if you leave someone on Maxxi & Zeus – MZ Medley you’re definitely going to get some smiles.

Upcoming in the world of…

Viscera Transmissions and Optick? What would you like to know. More releases, more parties, more everything.

Anything else we need to discuss?

I think we’ve covered most of it but you can ask me anything 🙂