Kasper Bjorke: The Ransom Note Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

Revered Danish electronic producer Kasper Bjørke has quietly been a consistent force over decades, steadily rising in the ranks with his eclectic and artful approach to disco and all that falls around it.

His latest album, “Puzzles,” was released earlier this year and showcases further versatility and focusses on the “deep roots in the classic disco groove.”

Featuring collaborations with a diverse array of artists, the album is a testament to Bjørke’s ability to effortlessly blend genres while maintaining his signature sound – whether it’s dark and mood driven or rooted in those euphoric club moments which are soaked in synths and melody.

As a DJ he is wildly eclectic, drawing for leftfield sounds which are rooted in EBM, New Wave, Nu-Disco, House and beyond.

From classic bangers to new school disco, this one cements his longstanding presence at the forefront of indie dance and demonstrates why he is such a powerhouse in the booth.

Listen below:

Please introduce yourself… Who are you

Hi, my name is Kasper Bjørke

Where are you:

Relaxing in a hammock in a lush garden around 1,5 hours northwest of Copenhagen.

And what are you:

I’m a father, a music producer, a dj and an artist manager.

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)?

Like organic, colorful shapes. AI came up with this:

kenmol1975_83976_colorful_organic_round_shapes_1980s_italo_disc_44882024-263e-42db-b2b6-214946852a67

How does your brain work when making music?

Intuitively and focused, yet freely and calm.

How does it work when you aren’t?

Often stressed and a bit anxious but also very organized and systematic.

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

I think it was either Jean Michel Jarre´s Oxygene Pt. 4 or Kraftwerk: The Robots. I felt like I was listening to music from another dimension. Futuristic and incredibly exciting.

Where was the mix recorded?

In my studio in Copenhagen

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

I would say on a weekend before going to a club – or when you are out for a energetic run.

What should we be wearing?

Something sporty for sure.

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

I had my set recorded at Panorama Bar back in 2013, one of the four times Ive played there, so I guess I already had my dream setting for a club mix recording, hehe.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Decius: More 2 Luv. So cheeky and raw, like everything those guys are doing. Love their string of EP releases.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Must be a tie between Michael Mayers Fabric Mix and Playgroups Dj Kicks

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

Larry Levan or David Mancuso. They both represent a time that feels more true to what DJing is all about for me.I always loved playing in New York but haven’t been back since I became a father. I went to a Loft party with David Mancuso in 2006. It was so awesome. No phones, no social media and just smiling, dancing people.

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

I had a weird Vestax setup in the early 2000s. Completely useless.

Now I have 2 x Technics 1200 and an old Pioneer Mixer. Been thinking about buying a rotary mixer for years but still didnt get around to it.

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

It’s not about the beginning or the end, its about the journey.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record was Beverly Hills Cop Soundtrack (I was around 12 years old)

Latest record was Floating Points & Pharaoh Sanders: Promises (a couple of months ago)

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

A bag of mixed candy

If it was an animal what would it be?

A dolphin

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

Maybe The Sorcerer with Miles Davis though there is probably still a fun way to mix with that one.

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?

I’m a fairly stubborn person but Im not afraid to apologise when Im wrong.

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?

My girlfriend… I don’t eat meat, so she will be safe lol

Your doctor says you need more exercise….what do you take up for exercise?

Tennis!

If you could travel in time…where in time would you go? why?

Back to when the fossil fuel industry started to lie to the whole world about the damage oil and coal is doing to the climate and make sure they never got to get away with it and then I would implement all the renewable energy sources that would make the world steer clear of global warming. While I was

Upcoming in the world of…

…families traveling abroad with their children.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Stop the genocide. Free Palestine.