The Bees – The ‘Monday Is OK’ Mix
“The Bees sound comes from all the psychedelic seasons.”
21 years on from its original release – and after years of being out of print – The Bees’ Mercury Music Prize nominated debut LP “Sunshine Hit Me” is getting a re-release and a remaster. Drawing from various musical spheres including Jamaican roots and Brazilian Tropicalia it was a timeless mixtape that echoed the 1960s and 1970s.
Released originally by Wall of Sound’s sublabel We Love You in 2002, the album was recorded and produced in a home garden studio – aka The Shed – on the Isle of Wight. This reissue includes with six bonus tracks, including the unreleased “Seeds.”
With all that in mind, we thought how about a Bees mixtape for a Monday… so here we are.
Listen and read the interview below:
Please introduce yourself?
It’s The Bees!
Who are you, where are you and what are you?
I’m Aaron Fletcher, I’m in Hangleton, Hove. I’m one of the two founders of The Bees.
What does your music sound like?
The Bees sound comes from all the psychedelic seasons. Yeah, it’s always been hard to say, so this is the answer today. However, this is an all JA roots, versions & dub mix. Jamaican music is the best and I want to celebrate it
Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us?
Yes…
Where was the mix recorded?
In my loft between two cheese plants.
What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?
Hmm, with good friends with great sound. End of the day, nibbles and the kids running around in the garden. The doors are open and it sounds just as good outside as it does inside.
What should we be wearing?
Wallabies, loose cords, fresh denim shirt with the sleeves rolled and your fav hat. You can hold it or wear it.
What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/ system/format?
NYC on a Garrad turntable with a Space Echo. All 7’s!
Which track in the mix is your current favourite?
Cus Cus – Horace Andy
What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?
Monsterism Island by Pete Fowler
If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?
John Peel, he had an ear and I loved it when he played records at the wrong speed.
What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?
Pair of 1210’s & some weird 4 channel mixer. I always wanted the Jazzy Jeff Gemini mixer. My mate had one, I loved it! Now i run a single 1210 through a cambridge audio converter into a bose mini. We have a boombox made out of a Gusto box that the bose mini speaker sits in for psuedo effect. It’s what you do with what you’ve got, right.
What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?
End one, when playing live and all of them when you’re recording a mix. It’s the journey so you get to maintain interest, bring surprises and fill the floor with smiles.
What were the first and last records you bought?
Superman by Black Lace was the first and the last was The Gaurdian Angel Is Watching Over Us by Golden Flamingo Orchestra.
If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?
French Toast
If it was an animal what would it be?
Baddass donkey
One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into?
That would be my warped copy of For The Love Of Money by The O’Jays
Anything else we need to discuss?
Sunshine Dub Me is on its way. That’s what inspired this mix. We used to listen to a lot of roots in the early days of The Bees. Clev, our drummer ran a sound and he had the best natural rhythm and killer taste in tunes. He was all roots, lovly man who introduced many good people to great music. Jamaican music is a big inspiration on our song writing, our playing and production style. If you purchase the new reissue of Sunshine Hit Me (I mean that is why we are here..) then you can pick up the download code for two dubs as a taster for the release. It’s an essential release for any Bees fan and I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes down.
If you could travel in time…where in time would you go? why?
NYC meet Basqaiut, Warhole, Haring and look up Lou. I’d love to go to the early house music parties in the states. NYC parties or at the moments in Detriot or Chicago when it all unfolded. I would really love to be involved in that world now, have a taster. Must have been so exciting!
What was the first electronic record you heard and how did it make you feel?
Probably Man Parrish, Hip Hop Be Bop. It made we want to body pop.
How does your brain work when making music? how does it work when you aren’t?
Interesting fact, i was told recently that we act on a subconscious basis 97% of the time. My brain loves making music, it makes it even when it shouldn’t be.
Am I excited to dive into the challenges that i have lined up for the week?
Yes, this week is a great week. 21 years later we got to reissue our debut. Wild! I had a mint choc chip gelato in the sun to cheer in this Monday morning.
Am I looking forward to engaging with the people i am meeting or working with?
Yes, team Bees is strong. Ideas happen and the tim eit takes to make choices is minimal.
Am I going to my dream job?
I can’t deny it, I really can’t
Am I being compensated fairly for the value i bring to my job?
Depends on the goals and roles. I
Do I feel energised, rested, and confident?
Nope, had a big release party on Saturday at Capsule Records in Brighton. Was so much fun!
If you were trapped on a desert island with one other person, who would you choose? How long would it be before you eat them?
Harry HIll. couple of years
Your doctor says you need more exercise….what do you take up for exercise?
Lane swimming.
Sunshine Hit Me is available in limited coloured vinyl, deluxe CD, and digital formats. Order here.
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