February has arrived and we’ve decided to go with something a little different for episode 21 of the Phonica Mix Series. Andrew Weatherall is a legend of the UK music scene and also one of our regulars here at the shop. We’ve always considered him to have a finely tuned ear and he loves to dig for music across all genres and styles. We always wanted him to contribute to the series and this month’s episode is one of the most original submissions we’ve had as it doesn’t contain a single track of House & Techno which is arguably the main sound our shop has become associated with. There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about this legendary producer, DJ and master remixer so we’ve decided to let the music do the talking here. Down below you’ll find an eclectic mix that includes everything from slow-mo Patrick Cowley cuts to afro rhythms from William Onyeabor and mid 80’s cold wave from Nagamatzu. Full tracklist down below and since this is Andrew’s ‘Phonic-a-delic (A Trip Through the Back Wall)’ mix, you’ll find that all of these records were selected from the back wall of phonica and some are still in stock! Enjoy!
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Hey Andrew, how have you been doing?
A few tedious interviews and questionnaires to attend to but I’m not letting it get me down. A sometimes necessary part of an otherwise extremely enjoyable job.
Could you tell us about the mix you prepared for us today?
It was lovingly prepared using vinyl and is designed to show that there is more to Phonica than that frightful “oompty-boompty” music.
You’re one of our regulars here at Phonica and you always grab a wide spectrum of music across the board. Care to share any recent finds?
“Youth Stand Up“, an all analogue recording project between Green Door Studio in Glasgow, Lebeha drumming school in Belize and the Tafi Cultural Institute in Ghana.
The most recent release we’ve had of yours is a collaboration with Nina Walsh titled ‘The Phoenix Suburb (And Other Stories)’. We know you’ve collaborated with her in the past and also worked together on your forthcoming Convenanza LP so could you tell us a little more about your relationship together and why it works so well in the studio?
Our relationship is purely professional and based largely on laughter. That’s why it works so well.
Over the years we’ve heard a bit about the “the Scrutton St axis” and how its acted as a creative hub for the likes of Timothy J Fairplay and Scott Fraser. Are you all still making tunes together down there and what gives it such a creative vibe?
Sadly the axis has been rent asunder by commercial forces beyond our control. The “creative vibe” is alive but dispersed.
Have there been anymore collaborations in the works we should keep an ear tuned to?
The Woodleigh Research Facility has collaborated with the poet Joe Duggan on a release that will hopefully see the light of day in the not too distant future.
We know you’re a real book worm and also write a thing or two from time to time. What’s the best thing you’ve read recently?
A long out of print book from 1956 called “Viper:The Confessions Of A Drug Addict”. A story of Soho’s demi-monde, a dark but ultimately redemptive snapshot of a slowly disappearing Bohemia. I’ve also been gorging on the oeuvre of Stefan Zweig, particularly his analysis and account of the life and works of 16th century French philosopher Michel de Montaigne.
Dub and Rockabilly are two forms of music close to your heart. What are two cuts from each genre that are inspiring you at the moment?
“All I Can Do Is Cry” by Wayne Walker and the “Trojan Records Nyahbinghi Box Set”.
You’ve been in the game for longer than some of our customers have been alive… what advice would you give to young producers coming up in the world?
If you’re in a hurry to share your art destroy it and start again as it’s bound to be sub-standard.
Andrew Weatherall’s Convenanza LP is released on Vinyl & CD on the 26th of February. Reserve your copy now.
TRACKLIST:
01. Patrick Cowley – Cat’s Eye
