music is something, like words, that can have a lot of power. 

When I was growing up I really struggled with having confidence in myself, and feeling okay with who I was as a person. I often still feel like this, and am not overly sure whether somedays I even like myself or not. I think it is because I suffer from a lot of insecurity and lack of confidence, that I care a lot about the negative thoughts people may have of me or the things I create, so I choose to point out my flaws or put myself down first before others can. But being in Chewin the Fat, and other close friends have helped me realise that we do these things because we love them and it brings us joy. Not to appeal to others only. 

Dj'ing, playing music, creating music, anything creative really is something I can't always express in words to the level of joy it brings me in life.  There's something truly special about being behind the decks and dancing with an uncontrollable grin on your face that reminds you that there are bright days now and bright days ahead. Seeing the power of music and random vibrations in the air is truly special. It brings people together. Turns strangers into friends. Create's new movements, spreads joy. Music and mateship can do so much, and Chewin the Fat has helped me realise that. This sense of community and love that is has brought has created so much joy for me and really aided me on my mental health journey. I have a long way to go still, but that is why it's a journey. 

Of course my mental health isn't always good, and has a lot of room for improvement. I think I get more benefit out of trying to help others if I can rather than helping or doing things for myself. But I realise at the end of the day the most important relationship we have in life is with ourselves. The songs in this mix are sparked from moments of ambient bliss, nostalgic joy, curiosity and love of others. Without that love I could honestly say that I wouldn't be here, just like so many people in the world. These songs were shown to me by people who had or still have a large impact on my life, and i'll always cherish the memory of those people and these songs. I'm so grateful for chewin the fat and the people i've met these past few years. You're all amazing people. 

The last two songs in this curation are chosen because of my parents, who showed me Paul Kelly when I was young and started my love of music, without their love and them caring about me I doubt i'd be here still. And also to our beautiful best friend Liam (Gunta). Liam was one of the big reasons why we started Chewin the Fat, after he tragically lost his battle with mental health 3 years ago. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about him, like so many would. His infectious love and support for others and obsession with music is a big value of Chewin the Fat, and is why Maggot Brain is the last song of this mix. Liam bought me that record for my 21st, and i'll always think of what life would be like with him still here. 

Reach out if you need, always. People love you, and always will. No matter what the dark thoughts can say sometimes we are never alone. Someone will always miss you. Always. It is never weak to show and have emotions, it just makes us human. It means we are alive still. Please speak up if you are suffering. We are always here if anyone needs, as so many people are. There is so much joy in the world waiting to be discovered, like new music for starts. 

Love yourself and your friends and family. Love your brain. Music can help, as can seeking out help. I hope if anyone listens they enjoy this mix as much as I did making it. Of course it's just putting songs together, but it was still a calming experience.

Thankyou and keep chewin the fat x

In the Mix with CTF - Bryn D

Ham’s earthy and percussive heavy tunas span alienesque electro and breaks, to downtempo ventures of spacey jazz, hip hop, trip hop and atmospheric broken beat.

Curations have featured on radio and d-floors inc LA’s Dub Lab, Strawberry Fields Festival, FHUO, MFB, Bali’s Headstream, Sky Lab and The Late Show. Supports for DJ Stingray, DJ Hybrid, Tornado Wallace, Manifesto +. 

She holds monthly residencies at Revolver Upstairs and on Space Jams, Area3000.

Former ventures running Beat Magazine's @beatsbybeat, New Rhythms and written yarns for Thump, Noisey, VICE, Stoney Roads & Headthreads Magazine.

@hamsalad000
sam@puff.studio

Banner art: Mimi Libro @grem_mim

In the Mix with CTF - Bryn D

Chewin The Fat