At the start of 2015 Innervisions released a new EP from Rancido, a relatively unknown producer who, up to that stage, only had a handful of releases to his name. ‘The Journey’ EP featured 4 beautifully crafted tracks, showcasing Rancido’s penchant for longing melodies and soft beats. It’s these soft rhythms that demand the most attention; listen closely, tucked away between the grooves you’ll notice the gentle pulse of Africa-influenced percussive flair. Taking inspiration not just from the mother continent, the Rotterdam-based producer’s first release was a track called ‘Salsa Sundae’, more evidence that the producer favours interesting rhythms over the more standard house structures. His predilection for loose percussion were always going to attract interest from a certain sect within the industry, and, true to form, he has worked with acts and brands who love a bit of swing in their music: Black Coffee, Louie Vega, Boddhi Satva and DJ Gregory are just some of the names he has collaborated or worked with. With such a wide ranging interest in different rhythms, and his ability to craft a 10/10 melody, it’s easy to see why Rancido would be picked up by one of the most important labels going around. But don’t expect this podcast to be a throwback to early African House, his mix is as contemporary as any of our past mixes: Rancido has put together a masterful journey which features as much brood as it does interesting drum patterns….
Balance Selections Q+A
Name:
Randy Tjon-A-Fon
Location:
Rotterdam
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/rancidomusic/?fref=ts
Soundcloud:
soundcloud.com/rancidomusic
Alias/Producer name:
Rancido
Labels affiliated with:
Innervisions, Connaisseur Recordings
My last 3 releases:
Sum Over Histories, Innervisions
What music did you listen too as a child?
I listened to loads of different kinds of music. But the sounds that stuck back then were more electronic (see my answer to the next question). Also I have three siblings and all three have different tastes, when It comes to music. So we grew up listening to house, jazz, pop, rnb, funk and soul.
When was the first time that you realized that you liked electronic music?
When is was around 4 or 5 and I heard the soundtrack for the movie ‘Beat Street’. House music did not exist back then, so I think that soundtrack was the first touch with electronic music.
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I grew up with a lot of genres, but the artist that impacted me the most was Michael Jackson. I can’t remember the first time I heard him, all I know is that I’ve watched ‘Moonwalker’ and still play his records from time to time. Nowadays I look for uniqueness in an artist or a dj. Because there are so many dj’s and producers, I tend look for the one who can give me that feeling, it does not even matter what genre.
What was the last album that you downloaded/bought?
The last album I bought is ‘RY X – Dawn’. I bought this album simply because I love his style of vocals. I also own ‘Howling – Sacred Ground’ and ‘The Acid – Liminal’, two albums which he is also part of. His album ‘Dawn’ did not disappoint at all. I definitely recommend it.
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
My setup is very simple. I tend to work a lot with software synths and effects. My preferable DAW is FL Studio. When I produce I don’t really have favourite§ synth, but I tend to use Lennar Digital ‘Sylenth1’ a lot! That also goes for Audio Damage ‘Roughrider’. I started out with vinyl, played with cd’s and now I play with usb’s. I enjoy playing with vinyl or cd’s, but I also enjoy not carrying any crates or wallets :P.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
There are loads of things, that I have laying around, that need some finishing touches. I Have an EP coming out on Connaisseur Recordings this December. Be on the lookout for my label Gwaisa Hedera, which is coming soon!!
Where can we hear you perform?
I have a monthly club night called ‘Night Owls’, at the Sugar Factory in Amsterdam. You can see me perform there every first Thursday of the month. Besides my monthly resident, I play all over the globe when possible. My latest travels were Switserland, Monaco, Germany and India.
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
In them mix I made for Balance, I mixed genres and styles that are close to me. Genres that I play or produce are: Techno, Deep, House with an African Twist. The track that stands out in this mix is ‘Skena – Reality’ which will come out on my label called ‘Gwaisa Hedera’. I made this mix live using my Pioneer XDJ-RX. Great little tool when It comes to making a podcast
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ wallet currently is: It will always be ‘Soha – Les Enfants Du Bled’. A golden oldie for me.
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be: I would recommend ‘Rancido – Thief’. The reason why I choose this track, is because of the combination of styles it represents.
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be: That would be ‘Stevie Wonder – Rocket Love’. Gets me every time.
My favourite Balance mix is:
The one from Eagles and Butterlfies.
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
Ocean’s Eleven.
My favourite TV show:
Simple… Narcos!
If I could choose anyone to compile a Balance comp it would be:
Culoe de Song
Tracklisting
1. Jose Padilla & Chris Zippel – Akamundo (Joe Morris Remix) [Secret Life]
2. Moscoman & Red Axes – Dikembe Manutu [ESP Institute]
3. ZK Bucket – Ululation [Zaun Records]
4. Trikk – General System (Main Dub) [Optimo Trax]
5. Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Hour After Hour [Diynamic]
6. Douglas Greed – Barcelona [Plangent]
7. The Element MT & Musumeci – Demiurgo [Connaisseur]
8. Frankey & Sandrino – Izar [Kompakt]
9. Gardens Of God – Montana [Ellum]
10. Skena – Memory
11. Leif – Macro Beat [Galdoors]
