Published in the June 2008 issue of DJ Times Magazine
Volume 21 - Number 6

Adultnapper is the alter ego of Brooklyn DJ/producer Francis Harris, maker of some of the darkest, most menacing techno you’ll ever hear.

On Audiomatique Volume 2.0, the latest mix comp on Steve Bug’s Berlin-based label, Harris drops a flurry of pulsing, electronic flavors. Highlighted by minimal movers (Martinez’s “Kansas City Shuffle”) and ominous Adultnapper productions (“Madeleine” and “Juror #9,” which is expertly remixed by M_nus producer Gaiser), the CD tickles the brain and maintains a stark, hypnotic groove.

A 2008 America’s Best DJ nominee, Harris also occasionally teams up with London legend Mr. C to form Sycophant Slags, one of techno’s most capable duos. We caught up with Harris as he finished another round of European dates.

DJ Times: Explain your imprint, Ransom Note, and the concept behind it.
Harris: Ransom Note is essentially the voice of Adultnapper, who in my mind is more like a character in a graphic novel—an anti-hero of sorts with a nutty political edge. I find it fun and interesting to fictionalize oneself when creating. It’s something I’ve always done, as writing is a way of stepping outside of your identity.

DJ Times: How did you approach your latest mix?
Harris: It was a back-and-forth sort of thing, but I finally decided to go the digital route. I recorded it in Abelton, so as to use additional loops and effects in order to give it more of a live-set sort of feel. I’m very happy with it and hope it is evident for those who hear it.

DJ Times: Who are some producers you currently admire?
Harris: I’m a tremendous fan of Audion—his music is always an inspiration. I’m also a big fan of the work of Tim Hecker, Ben Frost, Fennesz, and Solo Andata.

DJ Times: And DJs?
Harris: Steve Bug, Eddie Richards, Mr. C, Andrew Weatherall, and Ivan Smagghe are all fantastic DJs. They have a real understanding of how a groove works and, more often than not, realize the true potential of dance music as a force of real emotion for its audience.

DJ Times: Favorite venues?
Harris: The End [London] for its people and its intense vibe; Cielo because it’s my home here in New York and I love its sound; Fabric [London] for bringing upfront and innovative music to the masses.

DJ Times: Your preferred DJ setup?
Harris: Mixer, two turntables, two CDJs and I’m good to go. And yes, I can play on a rotary [mixer].

DJ Times: I really like that off-kilter, almost-evil vibe on “Juror #9.” Explain your approach to a track like that.
Harris: The process has many different stages. It usually starts with making a groove I love, then I begin to hate it and myself, then a little fairy sprinkles some angel dust on my shoulders and it somehow comes together. In all seriousness, I think that track was inspired by the claustrophobic feeling I had being on the Grand Jury here in Brooklyn—that, and I had just bought a Studio Electronics SE-1 [synth], my musical savior. Some things were just meant to be.

DJ Times: Your primary studio setup?
Harris: Mac G5 running Logic Studio 7 and Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools Digi002, Nord Lead, Studio Electronics SE-1, Casio RZ-1, Elektron Machine Drum, two dbx 160-A compressors, Korg effects unit, Fender Telecaster Deluxe 1973.

DJ Times: For up-and-coming DJ/producers who want to create more minimal-sounding tracks, where should they start?
Harris: I think starting with the fundamentals of music and production is the first step. Maybe buy a keyboard or another instrument and really get into what music is all about. Get a feeling for it. I think this is essential—otherwise, you really miss out on all the real potential.
– Jim Tremayne