Bawrut: The 'Wednesday Alternative' Mix

Music

What else is there left to say? We've said it all…

Bawrut is a hero of ours, a brother and a friend – he was the first man to feature on the label and has since gone on to roaring success with his music having been championed by everyone from Avalon Emerson to Skream, Andrew Weatherall to Patrick Topping, Optimo to Roman Flugel and beyond. His sound seems to find wide appeal across a spectrum of genres and sits firmly atop the niche – universally danceable and endlessly fun. He's made many friends along the way and his energetic, warm hearted approach to dance music is exactly what is needed in the current climate of seriousness and fabrication.

His new EP is set for release on Ransom Note Records and 'Pronto Arpeggio' has already been a roaring success across the clubs and festivals this summer – he smashed it. The release is rounded off with remixes from KiNK and Ruf Dug and it's about as big as they come.

Those who have watched Bawrut dj will know what to expect here – fun, fast paced and lively music built for the party. Lock in and get ready for the launch…

Please introduce yourself…

Hi I’m Bawrut / Hola soy Bawrut / Ciao sono Bawrut.

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

I’m on my sofa here in Madrid, it’s 5:13 am and i've just finished the mix and answering the questions now. I was sure the deadline was tomorrow. I’m Italian, born in the north east in a city divided by the border with Slovenia and now based in Madrid. I make music, play it sometimes and I also work as standard bearer for Ransom Note when i’m around.

I’m too old for being nostalgic.

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)?Where was the mix recorded?

A friend of mine defined my music as “sloppy house”, a nice guy that I met this summer in Croatia told me my music is punk. So both definitions are cool and maybe they don’t define my style very well but in the end i’m ok with that. I don’t think it's possible to create something new today but at least I try to look forward (making music that sounds like 20 years ago is boring) and I mix all my influences in a sloppy or punk way.

I think this picture is perfect for my music, until the next rainstorm.

I recorded this mix in my studio, I started to think about the tracks 2 weeks ago in Ibiza, it’s not a balearic mix with chill vibes and marimbas but the first part, and maybe the last, were inspired but those lazy, sunny, beautiful days.

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

If you are just coming back from vacation put the mix on in your headphones and like the girl in Groove Armada’s “My Friend” video listen to it thinking about the great time you had. Tears included. Or just get ready for the weekend. There are 2 tracks of the forthcoming EP “Pronto Arpeggio” (Ransom Note Rec) so go on band camp and pre order your copy!

What should we be wearing?

I like to play records barefoot when it’s possible, so in this case no sneakers and a soft carpet.

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

Would be cool to record your perfect mix in a proper DJ Booth with a good analog mixer plus an fx box like Teil1 by TEILE, Isolator Gary Stewart Audio and a couple of days for trying all the tracks and the mixes.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Shooree, one of the tracks on the new EP. It’s 3 years old or more but i still love it. A lot of space and acidness, after 4 minutes the kick arrives and “te rabalta a scrivania” (literally “overturn your desk” in italian). This is the feedback Fango gave me when he finished mixing the track and it’s true.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

This Thomas Bangalter mix was very important for me, tons of masterpieces from different styles (first time i listened to Josh One’s Contemplation – King Britt Funke remix) and great attitude

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

Kemistry and Zdar are the first that came up in my mind. No specific reason, i would just have them here with us.

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

A cheap mixer, a pair of Gemini CDJs and 2 Cheap Stanton turntables. Mixed on a ironing board. Now a mixer and 2 turntables but I mix my music with Ableton Live.

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

In a mix? Both. A DJ law says that you can play a very flat and anonymous set but if you close with the right track, maybe something classic and maybe little cheesy the crowd will remember your set for the last song (great, in the end the DJ played Sweet Dreams ¯_(ツ)_/¯ ). Anyway when you start to play, if it’s a warm up nobody’s there so the first track has no sense. I always start with something pop or weird though. If you take the booth after someone the first track will be something in between the two styles so it may be something remarkable or maybe not. Anyway i don’t like to cut the vibes the other DJs built up, better slowly cross to my path.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record i remember was Phreek by Patrick Adams but i was conscious, i’m sure La Lambada and Smurfs OST arrived before. Last record i don’t remember, something from Phonica i guess.

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

Something with the fabulous Za’atar i bought in Jordan last week. I bought 2 kilos, one of Syrian origin and one of Palestinian origin and they are amazing and super acidic. Let’s say a meze.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A greyhound chased by a donkey.

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

Original disco is always a mess with tempo changes but missing the beat isn't a drama, playing crap is.

Upcoming in the world of…

New EP on Ransom Note of course out in few weeks, another EP on Life and Death but not sure about the release date yet, maybe December? A track for new Correspondant Compilation and a couple of new remixes. I also have 10 or more tracks for a new album, maybe next year i will have finished everything. Gigs around the globe and a Boiler Room service in the club where i’m the resident here in Madrid, Mondo, this Thursday.