An introduction, please … who are you, where are you, and what pays the bills?
Hello everyone. My name is Hunter and I live in Portland, Oregon. Sometimes I make music under the alias Akasha System. I’m currently making a living off of my music, producing, mastering, and floating from odd job to odd job. I also run a label with my fiance called Image Research.
Where was the mix recorded, and what is the inspiration behind it?
I recorded this mix in my home studio in Portland. It was inspired by a trip I took to Mexico City a couple years ago. Recalling the city, the nightlife, the architecture, a bout with altitude sickness, the climate, the pyramids, and so many sights and sounds.
Strictly vinyl? Strictly digital? Couldn’t care less?
This mix is from my digital collection but ive been known to record a mix with tapes and records as well. Whatevers around 🙂
‘Balearic’, seems to be a somewhat overused term these days, but if you had to – and we are asking you to – describe the essence of ‘Balearic’ in one record?
Hard question! So hard to boil down into one record. I feel like some may dispute if this one’s truly a “balearic” record but i feel like Enigma’s ‘MCMXC a.d.’ paved the way for that sound in so many ways and truly led me down the path. Worldly, yet heavenly sounds. Truly a classic.
Favourite place you’ve travelled to? And why?
Mexico city is definitely at the top of my list but if i had to pick a favorite it’d probably be Kyoto. An incredibly peaceful and ancient feeling place. Amazing nature, temples, houses, food, and really good record stores.
Sunset or Sunrise? And the best place to experience it?
Being from Florida, next to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s nothing that beats a summer sunset on the beach.
Most embarrassing record(s) you’ve bought? Most expensive? And your best bargain bin finds you’ve dug out over the years?
I can’t say I remember the very first record I ever bought. Most of my early records were picked from my parents collection. Everything from Fleetwood Mac to Pink Floyd. And jazz selections like Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, and Amhad Jamal. That’s when I started to really fall in love with music.
Favourite DJ you’ve heard play out over the years?
Man this is another really tough one! In most recent memory I remember going to a legendary Daniel Avery set at Kremwerk in Seattle with a best friendof mine. He Played a lot of everything. Danced all night.
Who has had the biggest influence on your musical career over the years? And why ?
I really can’t say any one musician or style has had the biggest influence. I really try to draw from everything I hear. I feel like it’s super important to stay open minded about my listening intake. There’s always something to be learned or heard in nearly every style of music. (Ok maybe there are a few exceptions haha). If i had to pick one just from more recent times i would have to go with an artist called Tornado Wallace. He has a wonderful ability to combine and weave simple melodies with worldly overtones and always has amazing percussion. He incorporates everything from house, jazz, and even sometimes some psyche elements. His album ‘Lonely Planet’ really steered me in a certain direction as far as what i’ve been looking for and trying to accomplish with my own music. Strongly recommend it.
Anything else we should know about you or what you are up to in terms of music releases, dj stuff, what underwear you are wearing etc. ?
My last full-length came out a few months ago and is out now on our new label; Image Research Records. Our second release is coming out on 02/05/2021 and its a 6 track compilation that features a song from me as well as some other really talented producers that people should get to know! See more here.
And do you have a track listing for the mix provided?
– Chari Chari – “Night Stream”
– Farbror Resande Mac – “Mist”
– Sordid Sound System – “Keep Your Head”
– Bufiman – “News From The Treetops”
– Puma & The Dolphin – “Morning Plants”
– Atelje – “Bones”
– Giuseppe Leonardi – “Red Loft”
– Jex Opolis – “La Bellaca”
– Mark Barrott – “Cirrus & Cumulus”
– The Pilotwings – “Congo Libre”
– Paradise Cinema – “Possible Futures”
– John Carroll Kirby – “Love Theme”
– Apiento & Co. – “E.S.P.”
A huge thanks to Hunter for taking some time out to answer the above. And be sure to check out his latest album ‘Geomind’ , it’s a beauty.
