James Bangura: The Ransom Note Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

Written by Alasdair King

Hard working or hard at work? James Bangura is and does both.

This year it’s been nice to see James Bangura get the props and respect that he deserves. For many years he has been hustling behind the scenes, releasing music and pushing forward a keen sense of community and collaborative energy which has afforded him many friends and admirers. He is now finally getting the credit that’s long been due.

James has been incredibly busy over the past few years, since 2020 he has released records on the likes of Mister Saturday Night, Art E Fax and World Building.

These records have cemented him as a producer but behind the decks James remains a force to be reckoned with.

He is also one of the co founders of the longstanding group ““Black Rave Culture” which has helped champion and pioneer an array of musicians via collaborations and beyond.

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

I’m James Bangura and I reside fulltime in Washington D.C. I’d say I’m just a regular person that really loves music a lot.

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 a brandy-soaked barrel in a distillery with a few notes of cinnamon.

Where was the mix recorded?

Mix was recorded at Refuge WorldWide in Berlin.

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

Definitely listen to the mix at the house right before you’re about to go out.

What should we be wearing?

You need to be wearing your best fit, like the type of fit where you see yourself in the mirror and you say “damn”.

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

Honestly, at the crib. There’s nothing more comfortable than mixing at your house. The system and format doesn’t hold a lot of weight for me but a standard club setup would make it even better.

Which track in the mix is your current favorite?

There weren’t any absolute favorites but I do feel each track held the same weight throughout for me.

What’s your favorite recorded mix of all time?

Wow, this is a hard question, I have so many! I will say as of late I’ve been going back to Tim Reaper’s essential mix.

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

DJ Bone, he’s just cold with it.

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

My first DJ setup was two Technics with a Vestax battle mixer that I got after selling a pair of deadstock Jordans aha. My current DJ setup at home hasn’t changed that much besides the mixer, I now run a pioneer djm 900 nexus.

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

Definitely the track you start with, it sets the vibe.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I think the first records I ever had were actually given to me by a neighbor of mine but they got stolen after having a house party. The last record I bought was a Marcellus Pittman 12 inch at Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

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

A well curated cheese plate.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Shiba Inu, they have a lot of personality and that’s what this mix has.

Upcoming in the world of…Anything else we need to discuss?

Just want to say thank you for having me on and buy my latest record on Incienso!