Space Ghost: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

 
Music
 

Space Ghost has been hard at it for over a decade.

The Oakland-based producer and DJ, real name Sudi Wachspress, also shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Favouring the long player format, he’s already got over 10 albums under his belt compared to a handful of EPs, and has struck up a fruitful relationship with Tartelet Records, the home of several of his musings, as well as reputed imprints like PPU and Apron.

 

His latest album, Private Paradise, is a tribute to Sea Ranch on the Northern California coast, a place he and his partner spent some time secluded from the outside world. A collection of deep, restorative ambient, downtempo and house, it marks his debut on DJ D.Dee’s Pacific Rhythm imprint, a perfect home for Space Ghost’s breezy productions.

Just like his own output, his mixes are full of tranquil atmospheres, lush pads and gentle drums, which are the sounds that form the basis of his mix for us today. Perfect for long drives, sun-soaked early morning or, as Space Ghost recommends, in a hot tub or somewhere with a nice view, this hour and a half of music is guaranteed to whisk you away to another plain…

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

I’m Sudi, I’m in my house in Oakland, and I’m just livin.

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’s always tricky to describe your own music/art, but I would say my recorded music sounds peaceful, relaxed, meditative, sometimes energetic, reflective. It is often very synthy and melodic, perhaps lush.

Where was the mix recorded?

My mix was recorded in my home studio in East Oakland.

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

Honestly where ever feels right for you. I’ve listened to it on a few drives and also while I’ve lazed around the house. It would probably feel very nice in a hot tub or somewhere with a good view.

What should we be wearing?

Dude put some clothes on.

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

I’m very practical so probably just in my own studio where it’s easy to record and edit if necessary.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Perhaps 3.11 – Celeste, I’ve been listening to that album nonstop these past few months. I can’t comprehend how good it is, the moods are so subtle and peaceful. Same goes for that Jean F. Cochois track, so mellow and beautifully subtle. Also the last track by MLO really blows me away every time I listen. Who am I kidding, these are all my current favs, that’s why they’re in the mix >:)

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Now why you gonna go and ask me a thing like that.. hmmm. I can’t really choose my favorite of all time, thats just a nutty idea, but I will say that one of my favs in the last few years has been DJ D.Dee’s Music From Memory Mix. I was listening to that a lot during the beginning of the pandemic. Just a really unique meditative eclectic mix in my opinion.

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

My dad used to DJ on the radio in the late 60s while he was in the Navy, playing music on the ships. I wouldn’t mind sitting in the room and experiencing that, maybe drop a house track or two to shake things up.

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

I used to DJ solely off of Ableton using an APC40, probably 10+ years ago. Now I have two technics 1200s, two XDJ-700s, and a Xone:23 Mixer.  DJing off CDJs is still new to me, mostly been vinyl only for the last 5-7 years. But I recently acquired my xdjs and it feels good!

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

I can’t decide, I think they’re both equally important. I like starting strong and give a lil sample of what to expect, but I also want to end on a good note giving the listener something to think about. Mixes can take you on a journey and tell a story, so I think you need both.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record I ever bought was the Hanson Brothers tape when I was six. I just ordered the new Jack J LP recently. Its been a journey…

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

Hmm… let’s say a refreshing iced tea.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A chill bird.

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

Probably any old disco record I happen to grab off the shelf. Recently was having trouble mixing Evelyn King Champagne – Shame, I thought it was easier to mix, what a shame…

Upcoming in the world of … 

Go listen to my new album with Pacific Rhythm, take a lil shrooms or something.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Not really, I’ve always got new music on the horizon but for now enjoy the released tunes and drop me a line if you’re enjoying the vibe. Thanks.