Read more: https://ra.co/podcast/811

@sound-metaphors

RA podcast

RA.811 Sound Metaphors

There was a long time I considered Raymond Richards the ultimate secret weapon. There were sounds he could make that other people just couldn’t. Pure, whole, yet complex sounds. The pedal steel is an extremely niche instrument outside of its Country confines, but its sheer and transcendent depth has never failed to floor me. Raymond’s ear for implementing the steel into literally 'anything' has always been uncanny. After decades of being savvy to his work ethic, multi-faceted studio skills and overall sense of musical honesty, it became a priority for me to channel some of this into narratives through the ESP Institute and get his stories told. Without further recounting the history and trajectory of our musical relationship (see the press release for 2020’s critically-acclaimed album 'The Lost Art Of Wandering'), I can whole-heartedly confirm this sophomore release, 'Sand Paintings', opens an even wider door into Raymond’s visceral, contemplative world. The cast of players has elaborated to include Calexico’s John Convertino on drums and percussion, a bevy of eccentric stringed instruments and even a hint of brass to collectively stratify context for the pedal steel. Through diversifying the timbral palette, we invite an increased soundstage acuity but also reveal untapped wells of emotion for the listener, perhaps even testing cultural literacies. One foot remains in our established ambient realm, while the other steps toward grand cinematic gestures, and despite the dense, insurmountable emotion in these songs, there is a stoic singularity, like a lonesome cowboy pulling up his boot straps to endure another day. 'Badwater Basin' opens with courage, an enormous chord evoking Raymond’s image of “hard dawn”, but in navigating through the dramatic depictions of 'Monument Valley', 'Saguaro' and 'Deer On Hwy 80', we grapple with a cloaked vulnerability—weathered by the elements, beaten down and alone, yet still madly in love with the world.  —Lovefingers

[ESP081] Sand Paintings - SNIPPETS

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A3 - Monument Valley - SNIPPET

Tornado Wallace B2B Telephones All Night Long. Recorded live at Savage in Hanoi on 01.11.2024. Huge thanks to the Savage and (RE)TREAT Festival crew 😍

Tornado Wallace B2B Telephones All Night Long @ Savage, Hanoi - 01.11.24

New Sound Metaphors DJs promo mix 2025. 
Thanks for your support! ❤️

For bookings (Sound Metaphors DJs):
dominic@thepool-london.com

H.A.N.D. MIX 066 : Sound Metaphors DJs

Crown Ruler Mix #35 - Marcellus Pittman b2b DJ JNETT

A meeting of two bonafide black belts for an all out master class. 

Another highlight of Crown Ruler's 25 year celebrations & the final hit out from a crazy summer season - Detroit Jedi, Marcellus Pittman & Naarm's undisputed Queen, DJ JNETT pack all the punches on this very special, extended b2b session.

Recorded live from a bursting Night Cat, feel the sweat off the walls as two old friends & esteemed contemporaries showed out. Travelling through raw uptempo grooves, pulsing deep house, acid explorations and straight hard slapping techno, the two take it everywhere and back again - holding an enthused party in the palm of their hands.

While the sounds of this raucous crowd was not recorded, if you listen closely you can feel the palpable energy as the lightly audible noise of jubilated dancers come through the stylus. Jammed and hot from an hour in and thick til close, this is audio proof of the way two very perceptive DJs can grab hold and take you to higher places.

@marcellus-pittman
@djjnett

Crown Ruler Mix #35 - Marcellus Pittman b2b DJ JNETT

Marsha Stern, the gift that keeps on giving <3 another generous offering from her sacred Roy Thode vault of recordings from a very golden age of dance floor culture. It’s a tremendous honour to be able to house this recording on our Soundcloud page, an untouched time capsule from almost half a century ago, allowing us the luxury of re-living that moment in that room with Roy Thode holding court behind the booth, providing the soundtrack to what would have been a wonderful night in a very special place. 1980, no smart phones, no discogs, no social media, CDJS or sync/loop buttons, the profession of DJing was still in its early beginnings of being defined and Roy’s dedication to the craft certainly helped define it. 
In a time where it’s not always so easy to feel proud of being “a DJ”, it’s inspiring to look back at the origins of dance floor culture, one of them being extremely dedicated, self-educated and oppressed homosexuals in New York who took it upon themselves to explore the aesthetics of music on the dance floor to extreme levels. This recording should give you a glimpse into what that might have sounded like. Please take a moment to listen carefully and allow yourself to understand the genius of Roy Thode’s craft as a DJ. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us. On this day, Roy would have become 76 years of age, long live his memory, thank you for the music and inspiring dedication to the craft. Happy Birthday Roy!

Roy Thode recorded at the Ice Palace, Fire Island May 17, 1980

Welcome to Episode 01 of the Balearic London mix series, where we introduce you to our favourite selectors. Starting strong with one of our favourite DJs Lovefingers, recorded live during our takeover at Multi Multi in July 2024. We were hanging on every track he played in the Hackney Wick sunshine and we're so happy to share this recording with you.

We're back at Multi Multi 2025, taking over the GROW Terrace in the sunshine from midday-4pm on Saturday 12 July. Get 20% off tickets here https://ra.co/events/1964567?p=BALEARIC

@lovefingers
https://www.instagram.com/lovefingers/

Balearic London Episode 01: Lovefingers

Part of the NTS family since day dot, Moxie has held her Wednesday show since the stations first broadcasts. Inviting esteemed guests for interviews & mixes and breaking new, unreleased music, she’s got your Wednesday afternoons covered... Tune in to hear anything from Soulful House, Garage, Afro beats and all the way through to rolling techno. 
Find the full tracklist and related episodes on NTS: https://www.nts.live/shows/moxie/episodes/moxie-16th-july-2025

Make A Dance 160725

Locomotion @ Doka was the absolute best time in the booth. 3 best friends sharing their best tunes, more friends & family on the dancefloor💕

Shoutout to the Doka staff for taking care of us on this 7hr journey🔊

Our hearts are full. Thank you everyone that came down. Enjoy this beauty of a mix, we are very happy & proud of the result. And leave a comment if you listen please💕

Ps: The next edition will be our last one at NAR in Utrecht HoneyBun all the way from NYC!! 
August 7 bit.ly/LMHBAUG

Locomotion #24 - Merchant b3b DJ Tracksuit - Doka, July '25

Floating in on the warm waves, Skopje based DJ Soul Case serves up a laid back blend perfect for slow afternoons and sun faded evenings. Known for his work behind Amok Radio, Oubli, and the YouTube channel 50eurogigs, Bojan brings his ear for overlooked gems into sharp focus here. The mix drifts through a wedge of new finds from a recent trip to Brazil, weaving in Hip Hop, R&B, Street Soul, and downtempo disco, stitched together in a relaxed manner. It's the sound of summer on plastic chairs, with an ice cold one in your hand.

@musicsoulcase

LIFE CLASSICS 78 SOUL CASE

Re-edit king Mark E pulls together a hypnotic downtempo mix on this week's RA podcast.

RA.112 Mark E

Welcome to the ESP Institute. Please remove your shoes at the door. Thank you.

A3 - Monument Valley - SNIPPET

ESP Institute

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