Through his musical pursuits Rotterdam-based DJ and producer Najel Monteiro is exploring the African rhythms that soundtracked his youth, but approached through a contemporary electronic lens.

Whilst these influences are present in much of Monteiro's music, like his inspirations that came before him - principally Detroit techno pioneers Jeff Mills and Robert Hood - his mission is to use his music as a vehicle to “challenge the status-quo”, channeling this into authentic and forward-thinking electronics.

With several releases under his belt, landing on the likes of DNA REC, Forte Techno, Induxtriall, Motech Records and most recently on Carista’s Modern Intimacy compilation, we expect it won’t be long before we’re hearing a lot more of Monteiro’s name.

Ahead of the release of Modern Intimacy, we invited him to take care of this week's Shine A Light On mix. So lock in and get yourself aquainted...

Najel Monteiro: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Ronald Fabbro is a dedicated DJ with an love for electronic music. He has embarked on a never-ending quest to collect and curate tracks. With an extensive collection spanning both vinyl and digital, he explores the diverse genres that make this genre so captivating. What sets him apart is his unwavering enthusiasm for thinking outside the box. While his music ranges from Deep House to Melodic and Afro, it also encompasses the realms of Breakbeat, Electro, and Techno. His versatile taste allows him to weave together a rich tapestry of sounds, always infusing warmth and melody into each mix. To share his passion with a wider audience, he as created his own SoundCloud platform, called 'Home Studio Recordings'. Through this channel, he takes immense pleasure in curating and delivering sets.

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.