Steve Rachmad: The Ransom Note Mix

Don't say we aren't good to you. Ending the year with a bang we bring you a special mix from the one and only Steve Rachmad, the longstanding Dutch techno veteran. A pivotal figure in dance and electronic music, he has cast a spell upon techno in a manner unlike any other, his music championed far and wide by a sprawling array of dj's. Never one to stand still he has channeled his creativity across a number of personalities and guises having released as A Scorpion's Dream, Adverse Match, Black Scorpion, Continuous Cool and of course Sterac. 

His music is machine driven, drawn on a wealth of experience and experimentation through hardware and analogue equipment whilst in the booth his approach as a dj is versatile and constantly changing. 

This mix was recorded at Thuishaven as part of the close of their winter season. 

Listen and download below: 

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

Hi, I am Steve Rachmad, a Dutch producer and DJ; right now I am in Amsterdam, making music in my studio. 

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)? 

My music sounds like a big compilation of all the music that ever got to me in life and blended. Hard to draw my own music, but probably something roundish, something organic.

Where was the mix recorded?

The set was recorded at Thuishaven in Amsterdam.

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

At a nice party, indoors or outdoors, can also be in the car or at home.

What should we be wearing?

Your funkiest colourful outfit and good dancing shoes.

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

I’m really simple in that. As long as it has the best sounding system and monitors, then I’m happy man.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Anton Pieete – Sept F

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Hard one since I barely listen to mixes. One I did play at home a lot was the Basic Channel mix of DJ Pete on Tresor CD.

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

I could say Ricardo Villalobos – which I’ve already done. He is one of the greatest musical minds of our time. One that I haven’t done it yet with would be Laurent Garnier – another musical wunderkind with a wide taste and knowledge of music. Both are also very sweet people, which is also important for me.

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

First setup at home was when I was about 12 years old. I had a mixer with no headphone input and two decks but only one with pitch control. Both were Akai I think. Soon after I took over 2 SL-1310’s. You don’t see those a lot with digital pitch plus screen and going up to +/- 9.9. I have one connected in the studio. Now I have three CDJs Pioneer 2000 Nexus, two Technics turntables and Allen & Heath DB4 mixer. But they are not hooked up, but stored in a flight case for when I need them.

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

I find them equally important. With an opening track I set the base of the story I will tell, and with a closing track I add the cherry to the pie.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first one was The Commodores – Lady (You Bring Me Up) but the last one is a hard to tell since I barely buy vinyl anymore. Aah, yes, it was the last Basic Channel record Q-Loop that got released a while ago. 

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

A very creamy strawberry cheesecake.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Black panther.

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

Hmm, I guess I have many of those but that’s due to the fact that they are drummed live so slightly to very off sometimes. But still I try sometimes anyway haha.

Upcoming in the world of… 

A track on Reclaim Your City, a remix for Detroit Swindle, and an avalanche of my own stuff which I am trying to finish off in my studio as we speak.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Sure, can you please send the questions next time a bit more ahead of time? You know, I am very slow, you really push my buttons when you give me a sharp deadline 

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