DJ Harvey  Sonic Disco #2

Today marks what would have been the Guv'nor's 60th birthday.

As a little nod to the late great Andrew Weatherall we've re-sharing an old mix of his alongside Sean Johnston, recorded in the lead up to Electric Elephant 11 years ago, which was only previously available on Mixcloud.

This came just a year into the duo's journey as ALFOS and their now infamous project which Andrew described as “an oasis of slowness in a world of increasing velocity”.

A solid slice of oompty boompty music to see you into the weekend. Stick it on and raise a glass to the chairman!

Andrew Weatherall: 'A Love From Outer Space' Electric Elephant mix [R$N Exclusive 2012]

Optimo live from The Beach Stage at Love International 2023. 

First 3 hours of their 6 hour set on the Beach.

Live from the Adriatic 2023: Optimo

Nick The Record — Forbidden Fruit — Wonderfruit 2024

The first half of RA.996 is Ron Trent's take on luxurious house.

As part of our countdown to RA.1000, a milestone in the 24-year history of RA's weekly mix series, we're switching up the usual format. The next few editions will pair two acts who complement each other's strengths, offering a fresh take on a particular community, scene or style. 

This week, we're zeroing in on Ron Trent and Ash Lauryn, two names who fly the flag high for old-school US house—a foundational pillar of the electronic underground. 

Trent takes the A-side. Hailing from Chicago, the birthplace of house, the pioneer is a master of finding the sweet spot where machine music meets organic instrumentation.  Listen to any DJ set or record in his extensive back catalogue and you'll find a wealth of exquisitely expressive melodies and deep, spiritual frequencies, making him the ideal narrator for any survey on house. (If you've only got a moment, sink into "Morning Factory," nine minutes of perfection.) 

Trent's return to the RA Podcast, 19 years after his debut in 2006, represents his many decades of expertise in fusing funk with gorgeous musicianship under the umbrella of heart-stirring house. Some may call it a masterclass but to us, it's just Trent doing what he does best.

Listened to as a whole, RA.996 is a powerful snapshot of house's elegance, class and most importantly, understated yet innately euphoric joy.

Find the interview and tracklist at ra.co/podcast/997

RA.996 Ron Trent

Draaimolen Festival was a revelation for not only as a event dedicated to producing top quality sound and vibes to fans but also the pristine, forest environment it was set in. The atmosphere combined with the sound system inspired the set Eris and I were able to create that day. Hope you dig it!

Eris Drew B2B Mark Farina - Draaimolen Festival - Sept 6 2025

Social Media links:
Soundcloud:
@about-river
@bespoke-musik

Facebook:
@bespokemusik
@aboutriver

Instagram:
@bespokemusik
@about.river.music

Premiere: about : river - Sweet Monkey [Bespoke Musik]

This week's podcast is a double dose of house from Chicago legend Ron Trent.

RA.066 Ron Trent

@andrew-weatherall all night long at ReSolute on Oct 8th, 2016.
Part 2

Live at ReSolute

Eight Hours of Andrew Weatherall at ReSolute - Part 2

The power of music to unite us in joy is unparalleled. That was particularly evident during Optimo's closing set at last year's festival. Every face in the crowd was grinning from ear to ear as they slung out two hours of belters from across the musical spectrum as only they can.

It feels like we need a bit of that joy right now, so @Twitch & Wilkes have been kind enough to let us share the recording for you to listen at your socially-distancing leisure.

Look after yourselves and those around you, we'll get through this if we all stick together. Love to you all, from everyone at Skye Live.

Photo: Tim Craig — instagram.com/_scot.sman_

Optimo (Espacio) | Skye Live 2019

Ransom Note is an online music, arts and culture magazine. We provide a home for readers and writers with boundless enthusiasm, esoteric knowledge, fierce opinions and impeccable taste.

With our core team immersed in all aspects of dance music, we publish news, articles, and interviews covering the greatest in innovative, underground culture from across the globe. We offer regular, exclusive music and mixtapes from our favourite artists, and publish features shining a light on everything from the freshest new artists to the untold tales from rave history.

Alongside this we offer musings on film, books, life, and art, generating some context and controversy as an antidote to the reheated PR that clogs up the internet. Our office is fuelled by Tunnock’s Bars, cat memes, hangovers and a ridiculous, never ending love for our culture.

We're always interested in getting new writers on board – feel free to get in touch if you’ve got a story to tell.

With love until the grave.