LU54, Ainslie Ford

01. Jun, 2010 Comments

Zimbabwean born, Cape Town based DJ, Ainslie Ford, has been involved in the dance music scene since his move here in the mid-90’s.

An enthusiastic and somewhat legendary clubber, he took his passion for the electronic sound, (born many years before through the musical stylings of the legendary group, Yello) to the decks. Originally this was crafted in to a challenging and emotive progressive sound.

After picking up a sound engineering qualification, and a sojourn to the U.K, where his mettle as an artist was tested in various residencies and underground warehouse and squat parties, Ainslie returned to South Africa and successfully plied his skills in Johannesburg.

Returning to Cape Town he got involved with Rhythm is my Bitch, becoming the self-proclaimed “grumpy old man” of the team. Currently Ainslie co-hosts the Underground Sounds of Cape Town online radio show, and is a member of the collective of the same name.

Can you describe your personal sound in a bit more detail?
I have a somewhat varied personal sound which seems to be heavily influenced by the seasonal shift. Presently I am leaning towards deep tech house and tech for this winter. My subterranean progressive roots show themselves in the actual style of my mixing, which is more story-like and connected, as opposed to the layering of traditional techno.

I am also partial to a bit of the bouncy minimal / techno just to keep it fresh and upbeat but have been enjoying some of the Continent’s summer-influenced tech house that is coming through.

What/who have been Influences in your life?
I would have to say simply growing up in Zimbabwe. The combination of absolutely jaw-dropping serene beauty combined with its intensity, struggle and the natural raw power of nature. Its hard to find bigger influences.

Who are some of your favourite producers & djs?
Always a tough question to answer.

Production is a very subjective thing and releases are so hit and miss that I find myself listening to SO much music just to find a few gems. My track list probably reflects this.

But I’ll always at least listen to anything Maetrik, Spektre, Lutzenkirchen, the Kalkbrenner’s, Martin Eyerer, Butch, Layo & Bushwacka, Booka Shade, Minicoolboyz, Cardo, Dyno, Click Box, Gaiser and the like put out.

Best memories as a DJ?
My best memories would be those of some of the smallest parties I’ve played at, tiny backrooms and beat bars. Really getting the chance to connect to people – getting cheers, free beers and even tears from a intimate crowd has always felt like they are more receptive to more challenging music than those at bigger events.

What equipment do you use?
Currently running a Vestax VCI-100, Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ and laptop running Traktor.

But I should note I have only recently reluctantly decided to part with my turntables and still advocate that aspiring DJ’s should learn to beat-match and keep timing on the ones-and-twos before going digital. Old-skoolers just seem to hear “better” because of their vinyl-junkie days.

What can listeners/dance floors expect from a typical set of yours?
I tailor-make MY sound to fit an event. So you can expect something powerful, passionate, intelligent, intense, moving, humorous or a li’l cheeky, hopefully delivered with surgical precision. I like to think something which epitomises my mantra; “the heart of the sound is the sound of the heart”.

Can you give us the tracklisting for your mix?

Deeper Investigations Down the Rabbit Hole mixed by Ainslie Ford