Music stories from clients who trusted Mind The Wax to press their music on vinyl!
Blend Mishkin is a Greek producer, DJ, and composer whose musical journey spans over three decades. Known for his versatility, he has worked across genres like reggae, dub, soul, funk, and world music, collaborating with a diverse array of artists and contributing to more than 50 singles and 16 albums . Rather than confining himself to a single genre, Mishkin embraces a dynamic approach to music-making. From producing the new record for punk band Stress, or taking part in a project where he composed music inspired by sculptures, and making an album with a Kanun virtuoso, Blend Mishkin keeps things interesting and fresh by discovering new territories.
This commitment to exploration is evident in his latest project, Theory of Mind, a collaboration with Soul Sugar that blends jazz, soul, reggae, afrobeat, and elements from 70s b-movie soundtracks. The album is released on wax by Boom Selectach records.
What genres, artists, or life experiences have shaped your sound the most?
I am heavily influenced by 60s-70s Jamaican Dub music because of it’s innovative approach to sound. At the same time my philosophy as a creative is based on punk culture’s DIY, which emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence. Punk’s rejection of mainstream conventions as well its ethos of taking control of one’s artistic expression has had a big impact on me and also shapes the way I feel about the music industry.
Musically i’m deeply inspired by jazz and soul music from the 60s and 70s, African music, early reggae, ska and rub-a-dub. I started to produce music in the 90s so at the time my main influences were the early trip hop pioneers like DJ Krush, K&D and Fila Brazilia.
What’s one unexpected influence that might surprise listeners?
Nothing comes to mind as unexpected, I believe that music influences are boundless and interconnected. Personally when it comes to drawing inspiration every genre, style, and artist can trigger creativity.
What’s the heart of this album — the story or theme that ties it together?
We initially started working for a five track EP but the process felt so natural that in no time we found ourselves having enough tracks for an album.
Guillaume is a master of the B3 Hammond Organ who also studied the instrument with the great Dr Lonnie Smith so it was obvious that the Organ was going to lead the album. And it is also the heart of this album, the sound of the organ is what ties together the tracks and gives the album its cohesion.
“A soundtrack for an erotic b-movie no one ever watched”
How did the collaboration between you and Soul Sugar happened and was there a specific moment or turning point that sparked the creation of this album?
We knew we had to work together as we share so many influences in music. It is almost like paying homage to our favourite artists, genres, or eras and this has definitely shape the album’s sound.
If you had to describe this album in one quote or phrase, what would it be — and why?
It’s a soundtrack for an erotic b-movie no one ever watched.
What’s one track on this album that feels the most personal to you — and why?
I have to say Ruby’s Place. I have a huge love for 60s and 70s French and Italian movie soundtracks and this was my attempt to write music for an imaginary scene.
What gear, instruments, or software were central to the sound of this record?
The main instruments used is Hammond B3 Organ, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hohner Clavinet and Elka strings all played by Guillaume (Soul Sugar) in his studio in Paris. I played some synthesiser sounds and bass as well some percussion. Then I arranged everything in Ableton live and mixed the whole album in Pro Tools at Downstroke studio in Athens together with Thanos Amorginos using a Neve analog desk and various of analog outboard gear.
Any memorable or unexpected moments from the recording process?
Well the whole process was strange enough, being in two different studios, one in Athens and one in Paris, exchanging recording files online, but it worked well and we had zero problems in communication.
Did you collaborate with anyone on this project — musically or visually?
We had a great help from guest musicians including Vassilis Nitsakis on Electric Bass, Eugenio Negri and General Sticks on Drums, George Boukis and Fotis Tzanakis on Electric Guitars and also Georges Perin, Thaliah, Fae Simon and Jeffrey Diop on Vocals.
The cover design is by Exidas and the mastering from Pete Maher.
Was there a moment when you knew this album had to be on vinyl?
All albums deserve to be on vinyl as it offers a more physical connection to the music, artwork is more visible and just the act of placing the needle on the record adds a ceremonial energy to the whole experience.
Listening to vinyl can be a more intentional and captivating experience as listeners have to slow down and appreciate the music.
How do you feel hearing your music on vinyl for the first time?
There’s a strange feeling of anticipation every time a new record arrives from the factory. From the first moment you hold the final product in your hands till the very first needle drop its a surreal and emotional experience. It’s definitely a moment of pride and accomplishment, knowing that your music has been pressed onto a physical format that can be held and cherished.
Can you share some details about the final product — the vinyl color, weight, packaging, or any custom features?
We went for a very simple design, packaging and standard weight of 140gr on this one. Although I do tend to get impressed by various custom features in albums I also believe that music should be the main focus in a record.
What’s the ideal setting for someone to drop the needle on this record for the first time?
This is really something up to the listener to decide as it all depends on the mood and atmosphere you’re aiming to create.
Where can fans buy the vinyl or stream the album?
We have a worldwide distribution now which took the record in many shops around the world and we re also selling it ourselves through Bandcamp. You can also stream it through all the usual online streaming platforms available.
How important is physical media to you in an age of streaming?
Coming from an age where the only way to listen to music was to buy the physical product, records will always mean more than just digital media.
Are there any special editions, merch bundles, or upcoming live shows tied to the release?
No we haven’t yet made any merchandise. There are some bundle options I believe through our label’s shop boomselectah.com
What does it mean to have a tangible product your fans can hold?
We tend to make stronger connections with physical items in our lives not only in terms of collectibility but also on an emotional level, so as a creative I believe it is rather important knowing that people spent money to hold my labour of love into their collection.
Where can listeners follow you and stay in touch with your journey?
They can reach out and follow us in all the usual places.
Any upcoming news or releases fans should watch for?
We are talking about working on a second album sometime soon.
Do you want to know more about Blend Mishkin and Soul Sugar or the Boom Selectah Records label?
Click on the below links to stay connected and support their music!
Blend Mishkin
Soul Sugar
Boom Selectah Records
Vinyl pressing by Mind The Wax
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