Sylvere: The Ransom Note Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

Heavy hitting bass driven music built for weighty soundsystems and dark rooms.

Paris has been a city closely linked with electronic music for many years. It has acted as the birthplace of many a project, many a record label and many a sound. However, in recent times it has perhaps fallen into a trap of its own making in which Techno and Tech House has become supreme and somewhat domineering. That’s not to say that there is anything wrong with this but it’s always nice to rock the boat…

That’s where Sylvere comes in, a producer on the rise he focusses on fast paced, heavy hitting bass inspired music more akin to that of early soundsystem culture in the UK. Think dubstep meets jungle meets grime meets gqom meets classic techno and everything in between.

Over the past two years he has made a home for himself on Monkeytown Records, the prolific label run by Modeselektor. This is praise in and of itself and joining a ranks of a label which has released some of the most innovative in electronic music over the past ten odd years shows that he might just be on to something. We certainly think so anyway…

This mix is as exciting as they come, a rare glimpse into the booming sound of underground Paris and a statement of intent…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you? 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 name is Sylvere, real name Sylvère. I am from Paris, I am very tall and I produce electronic music. I recently signed to Monkeytown Records, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful achievements of my life! My music is percussive, raw, spontaneous, and you can more or less feel sometimes my Caribbean roots. I’m fascinated by rave culture, Techno music, all kinds of electronic music from the UK. I guess you can feel it too when listening to what I do.

Finally, my music should sound like this. I think I’m better at music than drawing, and I would like to apologise to Pfadpfinderei for this poor attempt.

Where was the mix recorded?

I recorded it at mine on a Tuesday morning.

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

At work to give you a boost, at home to give you a boost, at your party this could lead to some dance steps or serious head nodding. If you are on public transport, I think it will certainly help you to escape.

What should we be wearing?

Listen to it as you are, my music is not into dress codes.

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

Every Sunday in the French Caribbean, people come with their soundsystem on the beach (not massive but enough to hear it everywhere). So yeah, it could be nice to record it on the beach on a sunday!

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Complicated question. I would probably say Who-is from Errorsmith, I am such a fan of this artist, and Planetary Assault Systems – Say It Loud: exactly the kind of Techno which appeals to me greatly.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I can tell you that Jam City’s Earthly mix series made a strong impression on me. I remember I was listening to the first one everyday and I knew everything about it from A to Z.

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

What about Jeff Mills? I would love to. If Jeff Mills is not up for it, I would really like to do a B2B session with Peder Mannerfelt, I love his music. Also him and Pär Grindvik (that I love as much) recently joined Monkeytown with a new sick project called Aasthma.I also wanna do this 100bpm B2B session with Gernot! I am terrible at making choices I’m afraid.

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

I started at 17 years old with Behringer Turntables and two really crappy CD Decks, I don’t even remember the brand, I am pretty sure it doesn’t exist anymore today. Now I’ve moved forwards I don’t even have a Dj Set Up at mine anymore. I prefer to keep some space for my home studio.

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

Definitely the track I start!

What were the first and last records you bought?

This first one was a various artist compilation of 90’s Techno that I bought when I was 7 year old with the money I saved. Manix – 88 to Piano was on it, I love this track.

I think the last one is the vinyl of Modeselektor’s mixtape Extended. I picked it up directly from the Monkeytown office when I was in Berlin. The team was a bit surprised that I bought it even though I’m now part of the label, but I am also a fan, and it was important to me.

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

Sweet and sour.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A flying fish, the kind of animal that goes off the beaten track.

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

There is always a way to mix even the weirdest records together.

Upcoming in the world of… Anything else we need to discuss?

Big up Ransom Note I love you guys!

Buy the new EP HERE.