Bristol is a music maker’s heaven. While London’s scene can be fractious and hard to pin down at times, Bristol has always maintained a sense of togetherness, uniting its musicians and encouraging cross-pollination. Pinched into the south-west corner of England, it’s a place where there are more musicians relative to population size than anywhere else in the British Isles. A region with a rich history of producing internationally renowned musicians – à la Tricky, Roni Size and Massive Attack – and as the stable incubator for trip-hop and dubstep’s growth beyond its Croydon roots.
House music has definitely had its Bristol fix too. The likes of club night-cum-record label Futureboogie, Julio Bashmore and a certain Shanti Celeste have been ardently twirling the four-to-the-floor flag in recent years. Celeste has rightfully seen her reputation soar. Born in Chile, she now lays her head in Bristol, eventually becoming a key member of the Idle Hands record store in Stokes Croft. Her first 12-inch, Need Your Lovin’ (Baby), came out on BRSTL – the imprint that she co-runs with Idle Hands boss, Chris Farrell – and the follow up arrived on Idle Hands’ very own eponymous label. Both set out a very clear, and exciting blueprint: super respectful of the genre’s Detroit/Chi-town heritage, yet fresh and regularly bathed in warm, glowing tones.
Tomorrow’s Ray-Ban and Boiler Room #Campaign4Change event is anchored by the notion of remixing tradition; championing never seen before DJ sets and unique B2B sessions. Getting a record store and DJing guru to choose her favourite remix purchases from the store over the past four years was a no-brainer. Refresh your Discogs wantlist as you see fit.
Maurizio “Domina (C.Craig‘s Mind Mix)”
AAAAAHHHH!! This is probably one of my favourite tunes. It’s so hypnotic and tough at the same time and has an amazing bass line. Normally I get bored when a vocal sample is repeated all the way through a track to the extent that this one does… but not with this.
New Musik “Warp (Ilo Edit)”
I love this one because its really unique. Chris and I were listening to a DJ Sotofett Trushmix one day and this tune was in it. We were both like ‘what the f*** is this??!!’
Strategy “Return To The Stars (Pev‘s Jerky Remix)”
This came out on Idle Hands a couple of years ago. I’m always a fan of Pev. I put it in my first ever mix/interview feature for Stamp The Wax. I love the way he creates his bass lines and drums. I always have to spend some time figuring out on what beat to cue up his tunes. Got this one figured out now and it’s so good.
Mike Grant “The Struggle Of My People (Mr G‘s There’s Hope Mix)”
This is a banger! I’ve played this a lot since I bought the 2013 repress. It subtly builds and builds so its good to get the energy going in the room!
Fur “Pulp (Linkwood Stargazer Mix)”
All the releases on this label have amazing hand screen printed covers and all the music is amazing too, so I always try and snap them up when they come out. It’s nice to have such a beautiful object that is great musically as well! The piano in it is so lovely!
Sade “SAD Edit 01”
Sade is one of my favourites so any edit, if well executed, I’m down.
SSOL “Untitled A1”
First heard this in Idle Hands when I was buying records. As soon as I heard the drop at the start I was sold. Goes off every time I play it and the original is also one of my favourites.
Adjowa “Red Leather (FunkinEven Remix)”
Came across this as it came out on Happy Skull which is a record label ran by a friend of mine. For me it’s a good tune to start things off with as I usually play a bit faster. Always look out for releases on this label because its killer.
Pev & Kowton “Raw Code (Surgeon Remix)”
I like this four to the floor version of “Raw Code” as it’s something that fits in better with what I play. Here’s an ‘interesting fact’ – the year this came out is the same year that my good friend Tess Redburn started doing the artwork for the label, which is wicked too!
– Shanti Celeste goes back to back with Julio Bashmore for the Ray-Ban and Boiler Room #Campaign4Change event in London on July 23rd. Head here for more info & RSVP –
