‘Triple Vision’ 25.06.24 featuring Rainsoft [Mix + Q&A]
Joining ‘Triple Vision’ this month for a guest mix & Q&A is Shanghai’s Rainsoft.
DJ, producer & live performer who has recently released a beautiful EP via Oslated. Rainsoft finds inspiration through exploring deep ambient & organic techno music and also through a close affinity with the natural world.
Rainsoft shares some insights on how her connection with nature influences her production of electronic music, some of her upcoming projects & also highlights some of the local creative communities of her native China.
More from Rainsoft:
Soundcloud | Instagram | Bandcamp | Nature Resonance EP (Oslated)
Q&A with Rainsoft:
Lava Brain: Where was this mix recorded and was there a particular mood or feeling you hoped to express to the listener? Are there any tracks that particularly stand out for you?
Rainsoft: This mix was recorded at my home in Shanghai. I usually use Ableton Live to create my mixes. Unlike recording at a DJ booth, creating a mix with Live is more like painting because it involves drawing lines. However, this method also makes the mix more precise. A mix is like a journey; I’m just driving it, taking listeners to some imaginary spaces to relax for an hour. My favorite track in this mix is Luigi Tozzi - Head Hunt. He is one of my favorite producers.
Lava Brain: With your latest release Nature Resonance, via Oslated, it is clear that your creative output is inspired by the natural world. How does your experience with nature influence your production of electronic music?
Rainsoft: I love spending time in the mountains whenever I can, but more often, my interactions with nature happen in parks. I enjoy taking walks in the early morning or late evening. Nature is quieter, and occasionally you can hear the rustling leaves and birds chirping. People tend to listen more attentively to these sounds in the quiet, and they can discover that these sounds form a melody on their own. These sounds bring me a lot of peace, so I like to incorporate them into my music.
Lava Brain: What do you have coming up for the rest of the year?
Rainsoft: This year, I have some live performances in clubs lined up, and I’m also preparing for performances in art galleries. I’m particularly looking forward to performing in settings outside of clubs, as they offer more opportunities for interaction.
Lava Brain: Can you share some insights about what is happening in the local creative community in Shanghai & surrounds? Are there any artists/labels/projects/collectives/issues etc. which you think people should know about?
Rainsoft: Shanghai has many creative communities, each with its own charm and vibrancy.
In Shanghai, there is a music radio station called byyb. It is a small, offline station that invites musicians and DJs to perform every weekend. Their team is very professional and treats every musician with great respect.
Outside of Shanghai, there are also many communities that I like. In Changsha, there is a group of enthusiasts who favor deeper and more beautiful music. Their label is called Tomorrow's Lotus. The group consists of designers, music producers, DJs, and other professionals.
In Beijing, there is a music label called Bie Records, which was the company where I released my first vinyl. They are a rather eclectic music label. Unlike mainstream labels in China, they are open to more styles and focus on the music itself. They previously did a project for the centenary of composer Zhou Wen-chung, bringing together several musicians to create a music compilation discussing the intersection of Eastern and Western music. As we seek out new music, it's important to understand more about the past. I participated in a project where producers remixed each other’s tracks, and I was honored to be part of it. You can learn more about these two projects here & here.
To me, these music collectives are all very inclusive, genuine, and dedicated. I look forward to seeing them do even more interesting things in the future.
Lava Brain Tracklist:
Kalumet - Kronosphere (Moon Patrol Remix) [Oslated]
dBridge & Forest Drive West - Van Mij [Exit Records]
Forest On Stasys - Autóctono [Technologia Organica]
Dorisburg & Efraim Kent - Data Smuggler [Aniara Recordings]
Mwamwa - Vma [Secuencias Temporales]
shjva - Cloud Hopping [Warning]
Claudio PRC - Zenith [Warm Up Recordings]
Caldera - Warren’s Gift (LOIF remix) [Melifera Records]
Sanguine - Denture Venture [Lost Properties]
Vagantpoesi - Music Plays, Flowers Bow [Perceptual Tapes]
Rainsoft Tracklist:
01 Rrose - Undergrowth
02 Martin 'M - Walk Ahead
03 Giash - Sen_d_ingo
04 Tammo Hesselink - Not For Levi
05 Arkajo - Truth (Forest Drive West Remix)
06 Gilmer Galibard - Komorebi (Getaway to the Sun Mix)
07 Sebastian Mullaert - Windmaker (Vakula Remix)
08 Tiferet - Etheric Jungle
09 Sindh - Nun-Kun
10 Luigi Tozzi - Head Hunt
11 CTAFAD - 反光 Réfléchissant (Rainsoft Remix)
12 Svarog - The Way To
13 Rainsoft - Fog
14 Atomic Moog - On a misty night
15 Rainsoft - Deep Immersion
16 Tristan Arp - Air Portrait
