Sinchi & Friends 54 is London based Richard Baldwin aka the Soviet Union . We were first introduced to Rich’s music by our friends No Strings Attached and the rest as they say is history. We fell in love with his track ‘Anamnesis’ and we were proud to release as the first on the Phantasm Records vinyl label featuring a special remix from In Flagranti and one from ourselves. Get to know the man behind it all below.

Introducing

1) Who are you?

Hi I’m Rich… I’ve been fiddling around with music in some form or other as long as I can remember, and have always been fascinated by synthesizers and drum machines from a young age. I’ve made music in a meaningful fashion since I was a teenager.

2) What have been your highlights from the last 12 months?

Being asked to release Anamnesis on the brand new Phantasm Records was a definite high. The original track was recorded some time ago so it’s strange how things work out.

3) What do you have lined up for the coming year?

I’m working on a few things, mostly trying to utilize the analogue hardware I love so much. I’ve recently repaired an old Roland favourite, so will hopefully make my setup a little more permanent.

Music

4) What can you tell us about this mix? What was its inspiration?

I tend to find my inspiration can be piqued by a night out, or listening to other artists at the top of their game.

5) Which track in the mix is your favourite right now?

There are definitely too many to choose from, but I really enjoy the drive of Pardon Moi – ‘Power to the People’ remix by Damon Jee.

6) What is your favourite track of the last 12 months?

I’d probably have to say the Samarkanda EP by Cannibal Ink.

7) What is the last record you bought?

The long anticipated Cannibal Ink record above, and a pair of vintage Kraftwerk LPs I found in a Budapest second hand vinyl shop.

8) Who or what are your biggest musical influences?

This can change, but a lot of synthpop or 80s dark disco, coupled with more current artists, perhaps from the Spanish scene.

9) Do you have a ritual before you start playing or straight after?
I am resident at a regular event we organize in London and it’s very much a house party feel, so I’m usually very relaxed and don’t tend to mark any rituals as such. Although I tend to play the closing set if I can.

10) Who is your favourite DJ? Not including yourself 😉

Cannibal Ink boys have very much been my favourites for a while. GameBoyz also, and Scottish duo No Strings Attached are definitely up there.

Opinion

11) Best advice for anyone coming into the scene, either as a Producer, DJ or Promoter?

It would probably be just be to ‘do it yourself’, and use the wealth of resources out there to be self-taught.

12) Do you think there is inequality or disbalance in dance music, whether it is gender or race? If yes, what do think can be done?

At least in the circles I see in London there’s a very healthy diversity across the scene so I’d say someone’s doing something right.

13) What’s your opinion on the importance of roots , traditions, respecting originals and sources? Should all music be open source and open to editing or do you think cultural and artistic misappropriation is an issue?

I think it’s healthy and forward thinking to be able to mix all and sundry, and as long as one can acknowledge sources I can’t see a problem.

Quickfire

14) Favourite film score?

Vangelis – The Bounty

15) Favourite bit of kit?

Roland SH101, or once upon a time I had an ARP Axxe which was amazingly expressive.

16) If to live in a lost civilization or culture, which one would it be?

Ancient Rome is fascinating to me.

17) What makes you smile?

Seeing others happy.

18)Ultimate aspiration in life?

Be happy and to make those you love happy.