Six Of One: Ryan James Ford
Ahead of his debut Australian tour, the Marcel Dettmann-supported artist runs us through a very forward-thinking Six Of One selection…
Calgary in Canada would probably be the last place on earth that comes to mind when you think of artists to release on Marcel Dettmann’s MDR imprint (actually, Kabul in Afghanistan or Bloemfontein in South Africa would probably be the last), but that is where Ryan James Ford is from. Calgary might seem secluded from the global scene when you look at a world map, but don’t let its location fool you; Ford’s musical upbringing includes a very respectable who’s who of high calibre electronic music and IDM labels: Warp, Skam, Talkin’ Loud, Metalheads, Novamute and Downwards are all name-checked.
For many techno purists, the Canadian is a leading light of the underground techno scene. Resident Advisor calls his music ‘tense and atmospheric, but also punchy and light on their feet, perfect for setting a dark mood without bogging things down’, while Inverted Audio praise him for ‘constantly finding ways to keep his take on future-proof, melancholic rave fresh and full of audible splendour’. We tend to agree, his music is exceptionally striking.
Ahead of his Australian debut performances in Melbourne and Sydney (see bottom of article for events details), we delved deeper into what makes him tick musically…
THE TRACK THAT GOT ME INTO TECHNO:
Polygon Window - Quoth
‘I was first introduced to electronic music through UK Hardcore, Breakbeat, and very early Jungle. At the time I had not heard so much straight 4/4 techno. The power and drive of this track hit me like a ton of bricks. It is quite natural, raw, and delicate, all at the same time. This had me hooked as much then as it does now. Any chance I can get to play it I take it.’
THE LAST TRACK I RELEASED:
Ryan James Ford – Guzzi
‘I made this many years ago. Its born from some experiments I had a bit with an Arturia Micro Brute at home. I loved the rawness of the screaming synth line and the heft of the beat, also don’t forget the camera click.’
A TECHNO TRACK FROM MY FAVOURITE CANADIAN PRODUCER:
Minimal Violence - MVX
‘The texture and emotion in their music is raw and full of life. It works on the dancefloor, but has a much more cerebral feel. I’m always very interested and excited to see what they release next. Canada rules. So many great artists Ciel, PLO Man, Tim Hecker… too many to name!’
To date MY FAVOURITE TRACK OF 2018 IS:
Lanark Artefax – Touch Absence
‘This track has it all: Freshness mixed with classic timelessness. I love it when a young artist flips the script and just does something that is so original. I will be able to play this track forever.’
A TRACK I LIKE OUTSIDE OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC:
Radiohead – Idioteque
‘Not much to say here, if you don’t like this one you’re dead inside.’ :)
WHEN I THINK OF IDM THIS TRACK COMES TO MIND:
Autechre – AcroyearII
‘When I heard LP 5 after I instantly knew that Autechre were taking their sound to a new dimension, and that IDM had officially become kind of fad, journalist trend, or it was just dead. Autechre are my favourite artists of all time and they have basically pushed every boundary in electronic music successfully. THE BEST.’
