The Selector is a new regular series where we commission a continuous mix from an electronic artist and then talk to them about what inspired it. There are no rules. Each artist can base their mix around a theme, around a feeling or sound, or just whatever music they’re excited to share.
The third instalment of The Selector comes courtesy of rising producer creshord (aka Sofie Mikhaylova). As creshord, Mikhaylova makes immersive instrumental sonic explorations — think ambient soundscapes driven by techno rhythms. Mikhaylova is also the founder of Biblioteka Records, a Toronto-based label that focuses on instrumental electronic music made by queer, non-binary and trans-identifying artists worldwide.
Though the label’s only been in operation for about a year, they’ve got a number of digital releases under their belt and an ever-expanding roster of talent. Given that the label’s focus is on instrumental music, it’s fitting that Mikhaylova’s mix builds on that theme, though with a few deviations. If you need to buckle down and get a solid 45 minutes of work done, then this is the mix for you. In our conversation she revealed making this mix was a good opportunity to dig into her favorite tracks that she rarely gets to play when DJing. We also talked about the origins and aims of Biblioteka and what we can expect to hear from them in the coming year.
Do you have a specific concept for this mix? What is it and why?
Figuring out the sound of this mix was a bit of a struggle for me because I felt like there was a lot I wanted to say with my music selection, and I was finding it difficult to get the songs to work and harmonize together. I created a mix that, for me, is study, focus, and concentration music. The overall concept, I think, and what makes me proud of it is that this mix is very quintessentially me. As a DJ, I often (and understandably) find myself playing for the crowd. When producing my own music and playing tracks for my friends, I have more freedom and creativity to put together a song or a mix that’s particular to my taste (which can be a bit bizarre).
I was excited to work on this mix because I played tracks that mean something to me, tracks that I always want to play for a crowd but don’t always get the chance to. Here I was able to share some songs I absolutely love, as well as a track we released on Biblioteka Records (“Vendetta” by Tenebris) and a song by a couple of friends of mine that I really like (“Bonesaw” by Audio Insurgency). My favorite part of music is sharing it with people, which I guess makes the concept for this mix “Sofie’s Favourite Songs And I Hope You’ll Like Them Too.”
I’d really like to do something different with DJing. I think this mix was a good, somewhat unusual curation of tracks that maybe one wouldn’t normally see together or side by side. As I continue to practice and become a better DJ, I’d still want to keep my raw sound, my not-always-perfect transitions. I like mistakes. I think they’re honest. I am not a perfect DJ, but I think I have pretty good taste in music, and I’m always so happy to share what I’m listening to.
Was there a particular song that you knew you had to have on here? Tell me about it.
The first time I ever heard “Minipops” by Aphex Twin in 2014, I had a borderline spiritual experience. That song (really, all Aphex Twin songs) created a sensation in my body that made me feel like my heart was swelling in my chest. It made me feel like I was floating. I constantly look for opportunities to include more of my biggest influences in my playlists, and as soon as I knew I would be recording this mix, I knew I had to have “Minipops” in there.
Because the track is fairly unusual, it makes it a challenge to blend into a mix properly, or at least in a way that it doesn’t seem so alien. That said, with this mix I tried to mess around between artists and even genres (though it stays mainly electronic) and not worry too much about crazy, fancy transitions. Ultimately, my goal was to build a cool, exciting playlist that showcases some of the best songs I know.
What’s the ideal environment to enjoy this mix? Are people going to want to party or kick back?
This is a focus music mix. This is for sitting and focusing on your work and bopping your head to the beat, at least to me. There’s definitely some high-tempo tracks in there that you could totally dance to.
Tell me about Biblioteka Records.
Biblioteka Records started out as an event production company a couple of years ago when, as a side project, I was working on some new music. A friend and I put on a few shows around the city, but I realized early on that I’d rather have a deeper involvement in the music industry. At the time, I thought I would just self-release an EP under the Biblioteka monicker, but then decided to turn it into a full-on label specializing in the genre I’m most passionate about: instrumental, experimental electronica. The next step was finding artists to work with, and I ended up posting on Craigslist boards across Canada and hoping that the right people would see the ad.
Suddenly, I was surrounded every day by some of the most exciting and beautiful music I’ve ever heard. I’m so stoked to be contributing to the world’s musical landscape and to have the opportunity to listen to cool, creative upcoming music from new artists. Biblioteka Records is meant to be an artist-run and artist-focused label, and I also would like to use the platform to help female producers and musicians, as well as queer, trans-identified, and non-binary folks get their music heard on the world stage.
What can we expect from your own project and Biblioteka in 2018?
Absolutely big things. Summer 2018 is going to be big for Biblioteka Records. Our release schedule is just getting finalized, and I’m so excited to make some announcements in the next couple of weeks. We’ve just decided to go worldwide with the label and focus on everybody’s electronic musical talent instead of just Canada, and already there’s some fantastic singles and albums scheduled to come out from artists all over the globe. We’ve got minimal, downtempo techno tracks coming out as well as dancy EDM tunes in addition to some more industrial electronic vibes from our artist HF5. I believe in this project so much. 2018 isn’t even halfway done — anything can happen.
Listen to the mix above and check out the tracklist below.
Tracklist:
Audio Insurgency – “Bonesaw”
Disclosure – “When A Fire Starts To Burn”
Tenebris – “Vendetta”
Abayomi – “Duppy”
Dirty Doering – “Cape of Good Hope”
Aphex Twin – “minipops 67 [120.1][source field mix]”
Plastikman – “Pakard”
Radiohead – “Idioteque”
Legowelt – “Teenage Romance”
Bicep – “Aura”
Osunlade – “Envision (Âme Remix)”
Stephen Biniak – “Read All About It (Bootleg)”
