Ray Mang interview 23.6.2010

 

Words: Mikko Anisimoff

 

Since the mid-90's, the London-based Ray Mang (known to his mates as Raj Gupta) has kept dancefloors busy with his disco and house jams released on such acknowledged labels as Eskimo, Noid and Nuphonic. Earlier this year one of his twelve-inches came out on DFA Records, while Ray's own Mangled imprint has also been going on for over a decade. We had a talk with the prolific Mr. Mang before his Finnish debut at Nolla on Saturday, 3rd of July.

 

You have done a bunch of releases together with The Glimmers and Idjut Boys. Is there more co-produced material to be expected with the guys in the near future? Any other new projects coming up soon?

 

– I've co-written/produced the next Glimmers album that should be coming out on Gomma around September or October time. There are a couple of new Mangled releases coming through later this year and remixes for Gorillaz, 2020 Soundsystem, Virgo 4, Mock & Toof and Free Energy among others.

 

Your track Look Into My Eyes is based on the Tangerine Dream song Love On A Real Train (known from the 1983 film Risky Business). Is that kind of early ambient/synth stuff and artists like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze or Manuel Göttsching an influence for you, probably something that you enjoy listening to a lot? Any personal favourites or recommendations from the era?

 

– Yes, for sure, I enjoy listening to that stuff a lot. Definitely some influence in there too. I love the Ashra album Blackouts but all the people you've mentioned have made great records during that period. Also, If you like that Tangerine Dream track, have you listened to the Steve Reich piece Music For 18 Musicians? Particularly sections VI & VII!

 

What are your favourite cities or clubs to play at?

 

– Well, to be honest there are still so many cities and clubs I haven't played yet (Helsinki included!), that I'm perhaps not a great judge for that question. I always really enjoy playing LOOP in Tokyo and I had a great time playing with DJ Brka for Disco Not Disco in Belgrade. I played a great little party with friends Mehmet and Emrah in Istanbul the other week. On the home front Manchester and Glasgow are always good fun, and there's lots happening in London of course!

 

Any clubs, parties or bars you would recommend for people visiting London? Do you spin regularly at some spot?

 

– I don't have a residency in London but I've been playing lots of parties mainly in the Shoreditch area over the last couple of years like Sweatshop, Hoodwink, Mondo Disco, Discovery, Secret Weapons, Cut & Shut, Jisco Music, Hunted, Shameless Disco, etc. If you're a disco fan visiting London I'd say check out Horse Meat Disco or a Low Life party.

 

What would your "dream party" be like?

 

– Well, I'd love to go and play in Brazil. So maybe my dream party would be to play in Rio on the beach for an afternoon through 'til the early hours. Maybe with an interlude or two from a Samba School and perhaps some guest appearances from some of my favourite singer friends!  But really, I've never even been to Brazil so it truly is a dream!

 

How do you like to spend your time when you're not making music or djing?

 

– Mainly being a daddy! But I love cooking, eating and drinking. And some sports too when I get the time!

 

Have you been watching the Football World Cup? Who's gonna win?

 

– Yes, but not as much as I would like to! It's looking like it could be Spain, Brazil or Argentina. Or maybe Portugal after their last game (7–0 against Korea DPR)! But really, who knows! There's a long way to go still...

 

Thanks for the interview! Could you give us your Top 5 tracks you like to play out at the moment?

 

1. Marcus Marr - Well Alright

2. Marbeya Sound - Non Reciprocal (Rayko Remix)

3. Stupid Human - Swamp Funk

4. Soupaczar - So Mr. Leary (Ray Mang Remix)

5. Gentle - Bionic Lover

 

 

 

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