Mystic Bill: The Ransom Note Mix

There are few who can claim to have been as active and dedicated to the progression of dance and electronic music as that of the Chicago based producer, label boss and disc jockey Mystic Bill. The revered producer maintains a low profile but has lived through some of the most interesting and progressive periods within dance music culture. From the glory days of Chicago and Detroit to the present he has observed with a watchful eye, taking in music with a keen sense of intrigue and a solitary sense of thought. As a producer he has released on the likes of Trax Records, Relief and Crimes of the Future. He has recently launched a new label inspired by the early days of The Musik Box and Ron Hardy – Gavin Guthrie was the first artist enlisted to appear. 

We are excited to have him contribute to our mix series. Listen and read the interview below: 

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

Bill Torres aka Mystic Bill (amongst other aka’s) Currently in Miami, but getting ready to head to Colombia for a gig.

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?

At my studio in Miami

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

This is a great Workout mix, maybe prior to going out.

What should we be wearing?

Something comfortable, Gym shoes and some loose fitting clothes.

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

As far as location I’d say the former Saint in NYC, Sound/Equipment, i’d be happy with a Graebar, Rosner or Richard Long System, an ARS, Bozak, or Eurie Rotary with an ARS or GSA Crossover. I prefer faders to rotaries, but still haven’t found a standard mixer worth mentioning. Format would really depend on my surrounding/and or mood.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

They’re all great tracks, but I would say the new 2AMFM on Secret Studio, it captures that classic Detroit sound which I really love.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

My most popular was Melody 2 Mind back in the 90’s, but I really like my mix for Société Perrier, as well as another one I did for Upperberry in Berlin.

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

Well recently I did a back to back with Mike Servito at Panorama Bar that was off the hook, but if I were to go back, I’d have to say the late Ron Hardy cause he really knew how to beat the box.

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

Before was Realistic Mixing Console,, Technic SLD2’s and some speakers by Crappy. Now Pionner PLX 1000’s, Technic 1210’s, XDJ-1000 Decks, A&H Zone 92 Mixer, Custom built Realtek Monitors.

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

Hmmm both can be very important, It’s like the beginning and end of a story. Both are equally important.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First was the “The Jackson 5 – Dancing Machine”, and last was “Rhyw – Cave Walls EP (Pt 1)”

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

Fire Balls

If it was an animal what would it be?

Bat

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

Instant Funk – Wide World Of Sports.

Upcoming in the world of…

New Mystic Bill LP in the works, Gavin Guthrie’s – Children Of The Box EP is now out on my new label “Children Of The Box”. Also 2nd release on my “Chicago Revisited” label is due out this Winter. It’s By Bernard Badie, & it was written by him & Dajae. The song is called “Crazy For Your Love”.

Follow Mystic Bill on Facebook HERE.