Ribeka: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

Originating from Glasgow, Becky Marshall was raised on an eclectic mixture of avant garde electronics and techno which was rooted in parties and culture across the city at the time. Some refer to it as some sort of 'golden age' whilst others simply reflect on the good times and the musical legacy it left behind. To this day there are "classic" mixtapes which float amidst circles in the city, tales of mixes and sets from parties long ago – memories from the likes of Club 69 in Paisley, Pure in Edinburgh and vintage university radio recordings. 

All of the above has helped formulate an eclectic breadth of musical knowledge, one which is perhaps best showcased through Ribeka's collaborative monthly radio show alongside Sofay on NTS. She often focusses on the darker fringes of electronic music – exploring the far flung reaches of dub, krautrock, wave, techno and beyond. 

Ribeka has also played a prominent figure amidst the wider musical community in Glasgow, as a respected DJ she has hosted parties, held down residencies and been a source of musical education in a city which is ever changing. 

We are delighted to be able to pull her away from a hectic day job to record a mix. 

Listen and read the interview below:

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

Hello, I’m Becky Marshall or Ribeka. I’m a documentary producer and sometimes DJ/radio host/runner of nights, from Glasgow.

What does your music sound like?

Very varied but I suppose the music I enjoy playing most tends to be at the darker, dubbier end of the scale. Thank you all the producers past and present making those kinds of things. Where was the mix recorded? In one take, at home, after work. Shout out Tom for the lending me his CDJs.

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

It’s the most club friendly mix i’ve recorded in a while, but more first hour than peak time, so perhaps as a pre-club aperitif. What would be your dream setting to record a mix:

Location/system/format?

At home, with a technical friend on hand to help with set up and monitor levels, and some other pals to chill with.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

The Project Undark track at the start – an incredible collaboration between Dieter Moebius, Phew and Erika Kobayashi.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Very difficult. The one that changed my life was probably Optimo – How To Kill The DJ [Part Two], which I bought on CD when I was 13. It completely altered how I thought about music. There’s an Derrick May recording from Pure in Edinburgh in (I think) 1992, that also sticks with me. There are quite a few old tapes that have done the rounds in Glasgow over the years that I really love – I had a pretty great time nice time last weekend sitting up listening to an old Marty McKay (Rubadub) mix, which my friend Natalie recorded off Subcity Radio many years ago.

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

I bought a set of 1210s and a xone 32 from a friend of a friend in 2014 and still have the same set up, but with a xone 23 on back up as the 32 is quite old and dusty.

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

I always find it important to set my mind with an opening track, but if I’m closing a club then final track is a big one for me. I have a folder of favourites (the most played being the Martin Gore piano demo of Enjoy The Silence).

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can’t remember the first record I bought, but i’m pretty sure the first CD I bought was Cleopatra – Comin’ Atcha. The last record I bought was an Alternative TV thing.

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

An oyster?

If it was an animal what would it be?

I’d like it to be an otter.

Upcoming in the world of…

I’m pretty busy with my day job at the moment but some nice gigs here and there, a mix or two forthcoming, and a new year of NTS radio with Sofay. I’m also planning on starting a night named after the best ever Crufts character, Kratu the happy-go-lucky rescue dog.

Follow Ribeka on Soundcloud HERE.