NCM GUEST MIX 017: FIELD RECORDINGS
Photo: David Arellano / @daark_creative
Andrew Taylor, who goes by Field Recordings has been quietly producing, DJing, and supporting quality underground nightlife around Salt Lake City in recent years.
A subtle force of nature, Andrew smolders with a certain sweet intensity. A deep reverence for the groove that we’ve heard many times expressed in his vinyl DJ sets, and steady music output.
As Field Recordings, he released two singles, and one LP just last year, and has two more singles out this October. He is definitely someone to keep your eye on as he takes the reigns of our 17th NCM guest mix.
How did you discover your ear for and interest in music?
My first memory of enjoying music was when I was 3 years old. My uncle (who has a more eclectic/underground taste than most people I know) burnt me a CD that was always playing as I would go to bed and in the car. My mother is also a very talented singer and music was always important to me growing up. As I started to play instruments and invest my own energy into my music collection, I knew it was what I wanted to do. It was always there to lift me up and give meaning to my world. The rest is history.
Did you have a favorite band or artist(s) in your formative years growing up?
I was an indie kid for sure. Rock was also important as I started playing guitar at a young age. The Killers were probably the first rock band I remember being into. I remember hiding in my closet listening to Hot Fuss when I was supposed to be sleeping. But I quickly started liking bands like Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, and Arcade Fire to name a few.
Are you from Utah? Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Salt Lake City?
I am from Utah. I was actually born in Roosevelt and grew up in the Uintah Basin where Vernal is located. I had a small-town upbringing and was raised Mormon. Growing up, I moved often and never had a stable friend group as I was changing schools almost every year. This is why I think music played such a big role for me. It’s what I always had. I switched high schools 4 times as my family moved from Vernal to Sat Lake and then to Oklahoma. We eventually came back to Salt Lake where I’ve been living ever since. I love this city and plan on staying.
Where did your name Field Recordings come from? What does it mean to you?
The genre of field recordings has always been something I’ve been interested in, but the deeper meaning for me is more akin to the idea that the music I’m producing is a field recording from my mind/field of consciousness and my life experiences. The music I’m producing is really coming from my soul and is a true expression of where I’m at in my personal journey. I hope that listeners can hear that and interpret the tonal and rhythmic expressions into their own journeys.
Do you have a favorite piece of gear? Or any thoughts on your production techniques or journey?
Definitely the Prophet-6. I mainly have two ways of recording; recording live one-take tracks, and sampling my analog equipment into the daw. I believe my production journey has been a clear reflection of my progression as a human being. As a jazz musician, the improvisation of recording live resonates more with me. While recording live, I believe there is an important sound of human touch that comes from being in the moment.
As I’ve been growing up and learning self-love and respect for my surroundings, my tracks have also been improving. I always plan to be evolving and becoming a better producer.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not making music?
When I’m not making music I’m listening to it, but I'm also really into fitness and health. Keeping my body and mind healthy is really important to me. I work out regularly, but the majority of my free time for the last few years has been music related.
Do you have a favorite club, dance floor, or festival memory from years past?
The happiest memory that comes to mind is when I went to Mexico for a Honne party that was located on a ranch. I have the happiest memories with my girlfriend at the time. I’ll never forget it. It was my first time going across the border and experiencing underground culture in another country. It gave me a lot more respect for what we do. I don’t have anything really interesting to say about this other than it was a really good time and a new experience for me.
What would you say to your younger (musical) self if you had the chance?
Always stay true to yourself and your sound. Don’t change for anybody. Don’t let anything or anyone cause you to doubt yourself. If it sounds good, it is good.
What would your future self say to you now?
My future self would say the same thing I would say to my younger self now. This is always something I seem to struggle with and hearing that always pushes me to do better with my self-worth.
How would you describe the mix you made for NCM? Process, selection, etc. Anything in particular?
This mix really surprised me. My crate went out the window as soon as I decided it needed an ambient break… I knew I wanted to make a set specifically for SaltLake City and the sound our community seems to enjoy. I also knew I wanted to keep it all vinyl while sticking to my sound. Trying to play all aspects of my sound was hard, but I feel like I pulled it off. I ended up not even playing the majority of the records I planned to play and went with the flow completely. I also wanted to create something that anyone could trip and dance to. Keeping things psychedelic is important to me. I hope you enjoy the progression and story of this set, it means so much to me. I have a lot of newfound creative freedom and if you like the set and need a DJ, give me a holler.
TRACKLIST:
1. Drumpattern, “Rainbow Beach” [Nitecore Records]
2. Ben Hixon, “D.Part 2” [Potions Music]
3. Body Mechanic, “Everything” [Cryovac Recordings]
4. Velour, “Luminate” (20/100 Remix) [Wolf Music Recordings]
5. Drumpattern, “Body Music” [Nitecore Records]
6. Ambient Noise Level “Syllable” [MFD rec.]
7. Nick Holder, “Da Sambafrique” (Abacus Remix) [NRK Sound Division]
8. Oscar, “Expresso Part 1” [Well Tuned]
9. Scott Grooves, “Basic Part: Finished” [Scott Grooves]
10. Phaze Dee, “It’s Just Begun” [Moods and Grooves]
11. Nick Holder, “I Once Believed In U” (Headhonchos Club Beat) [NRK Sound Division]
12. Common Factor, “Feel What I Feel” [Planet E]
13. Oscar, “The Only One” [Well Tuned]
14. Nick Curly, “Tele-Vision” (RandomPlay Rmx) [8bit Records]
15. Kerri Chandler , “Sunday Sunlight” (Delano Smith Remix) [Apollonia]
16. Norm Talley, “Cosmic Waves” [Pariter]
17. Unknown Artist, “Ijzeren Rots” [Digwah]
18. Nina Kraviz, “Aus” (Special Disco Mix) [Rosa]
19. NatureBoy, “Goin’ Thru Changes” [Frame of Mind]
20. Jason Hogans, “Sue” (feat. Paul Randolph) [Moods and Grooves]
21. Danny JD & LeeLively, “Swinging Forest” [Soiree Records International]
22. Roman IV, “Lucy” [Running Back]
23. Aubrey, “Jazz Sunrise” [Shift Imprint]
24. D-Ribeiro, “Down You Will Get” (AM Mix by DJ Sotofett) [Midlight Records]
25. Alton Miller, “Crossing” [Roots Underground]
26. The Attendants, “Star Gazing” [Inner Sunset Recordings]
27. Caulfield, “Foyer Blau” [Diät 5]