The Umlauts: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

The group introduced their sound to the masses last year with the release of their debut EP Ü on PRAH, and have since gained a devoted following, not only for their recordings but their captivating, frenetic live shows which see the four-piece expand to a healthy line up of eight musicians on stage.

The hype is only growing. They’ve just released Another Fact, the latest outing in their catalogue and are currently in the throes of their first headline tour, which will see them stop in cities like Leeds, Glasgow and Manchester. To give us a taste of the sounds that fuel their own musical melting pot, they’ve shared a mix featuring music from Sophie Du Palais, Nina Hagen and more, put together with love by vocalist Annabelle.

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

We are The Umlauts, a group of people that make music together, based in SE London. Speaking here is Annabelle – one of the vocalists

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?

This mix was recorded in my kitchen.

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

Ideally, the listener would be on their way to Europe in an overnight coach or at a really angsty pre drinks lol. I personally listened back to it when I was cooking pasta which also worked perfectly fine.

What should we be wearing?

Anything you like to wear! Although silly hats are always appreciated.

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

I think recording mixes in the comfort of home or in a familiar studio is already so great. It’s all about enjoying the music you play imo – which for me works best in familiar environments. Some nice decs would obviously be nice to have though.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

I’d have to say Geh Duschen by Malaria! I’ve been listening to it since meeting the other Umlauts members back at Uni years ago. Lots of those Post Punk records gave me the encouragement I needed to perform like I do today.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

There’s a mix on NTS that Lucretia Dalt did a couple of years ago and I think about that one quite a lot.

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

Delia Derbyshire

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

Sadly, I don’t own anything. Sponsor me 😉

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

Both have such an impact I think. Usually I’d say the opener is more important, but for this specific mix the last song is definitely the star – Nina Hagen is a really inspirational vocalist to me.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can still remember buying Umbrella by Rhianna for my first ever iPod on Apple Music haha. Recently I bought an Album by IC-Red called GOODFUN

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

Pitted black olives

If it was an animal what would it be?

A lizard

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

4’33” by John Cage

Upcoming in the world of The Umlauts!

We are going on our first UK tour in November. Come see us!

Anything else we need to discuss?

Is chin scratching a form of dance? Please mail your answers to theumlautsband@gmail.com.

Tracklist
Der Plan – Adrenalin lässt das Blut kochen
Moebius & Beerbohm – Subito
Plus Instrument – Vom Ertrunkenen Mädchen
Malaria – Geh duschen
Brigitte Fontaine – Conne
Leben und Arbeiten – Amanita
The Umlauts – Der Fuchs (Live Venue MOT)
Yoko Ono – Why
Deli Girls – Officer
Pelada – A Mí Me Juzgan Por Ser Mujer
Dame Area – Respira
The Umlauts – Another Fact (Maria Uzor Remix)
Sophie Du Palais – Slow Steady Cum (B.F.E. Records)
Nina Hagen – Naturträne (Rockpalast)