Lewis G. Burton: The ‘Ransom Note’ Mix

Music

Lewis G. Burton has played an integral role in spotlighting the new wave of trans+, non-binary and femme identifying artists in London and beyond.

Through their infamous techno party and art platform Inferno, which has been running since 2015, they’ve championed DJs, producers and performers who are bubbling up in London’s queer scene, and in turn have created a forward-thinking and inclusive space for self-expression in the capital.

As a DJ, producer and performer themselves, Lewis takes a no holds barred approach, rattling through hard, furious and infectious sonics that’ll have you dripping with sweat.

On top of their musical endeavours, Lewis is a staunch activist for trans+, intersex and non-binary rights, which sees them helping to organise protests and marches at London Trans+ Pride every year – the next of which will take place 8th July (go and march!!).

Off the back of Inferno’s programming at ICA’s 75th birthday (the home of many of their parties), Lewis brings the energy for their Ransom Note mix, and wastes no time blowing away any residual cobwebs from the weekend. Strap yourself in.

Ransom Note · Lewis G. Burton: The ‘Ransom Note’ Mix

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

My name is Lewis G. Burton and I am a DJ and performance artist. I’m currently lying in bed listening to the sound of the April rain tap against my bedroom window.

What am I? It depends whom you ask. Some of the kids call me MOTHER. Some people would call me a cunt! But since you’re asking me what I am I would say I’m a nice, creative and kind person.

What does your music sound like?

My music sounds like INFERNO. The LGBTQ+ club night, art platform and collective that has been throwing events in London for over eight years now. You can see all the mayhem we cause over here.

Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

Brother of Set shot by Roxy Lee.

Where was the mix recorded?

Never you bloody mind you nosey parker!

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

Listen to it where ever tickles your fancy. Doing the hoovering? Pre-drinks? At the gym? Chilling in the park in the sunshine? Shagging? At the afters?

What should we be wearing?

I am not here to dictate what you should be wearing. Wear whatever you want as long as it makes you feel good and you’re not being mean to anyone.

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

I work best when I have the community and crowd to vibe off. I honestly feel grateful to get to do this at INFERNO every other month.

I would need three Pioneer CDJ3000s and a Pioneer DJM900 mixer and a decent sound system to make it all happen though!

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Need Your Love by CLAIR is probably my favourite track right now that I used in the mix.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Oh that’s a tough one but probably my mix I did for Boiler Room’s Hard Dance series just before the pandemic hit in 2020.

Boiler Room · HARD DANCE 044: LEWIS G. BURTON

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

It would have to be my sis Wax Wings. We always have THE most fun and so does the crowd! We did a spontaneous b2b set at Body Movements festival last year and it was honestly the only time I’ve enjoyed playing b2b with someone more than playing alone.

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

People can afford to DJ from home? Girl, I’m too working-class for that shit. I learnt by playing the opening slot of my weekly club night Grunge at East Bloc nine years ago.

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

They are both equally as important but for different reasons.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first single I bought was Barbie Girl by Aqua on cassette aged 5. The first Album I bought was Fallen by Evanescence when I was 11.

The last single I bought was Ascender by Louisahhh!!! and Maelstrom and the last album I bought in its entirety was BXTCH SLÅP by Jasmine Infiniti.

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

Chewits Xtreme extremely sour apple chews.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Portuguese Man’O’War

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

Spit by NAKED

Upcoming in the world of Lewis G. Burton.

INFERNO is happening on Friday 12th May and Friday 14th July. You can follow us for updates.

I’m currently expanding upon my latest performance piece TRANSPHORIA which was performed at the ICA in December. You can watch it here…

Anything else we need to discuss?

London Trans+ Pride is happening on Saturday 8th July. Make sure you come down and support the community that is undergoing horrific and inhumane attacks from the Tories and TERFs at the EHRC. Things are looking bleak for trans+ folk in the UK right now. Show up and march in solidarity with us all we need support now, more than ever before!