specter: colectivo futurecast 041

As we arrive to the hottest portion of the year, at least on our side of the planet, we present you with one of the most special editions of our Futurecast courtesy of Chicago resident Andres ‘Specter’ Ordoñez. One of house music’s most under appreciated artists, Specter has been playing records for well over two decades now and his releases on his own Tetrode, as well as on labels such as Theo Parrish’s Sound Signature or Madrid’s Downbeat are very sought after by those who consider themselves ‘in the know’. We’re also very excited to share that Specter will be joining us in London for the anniversary of our Junktion parties on July 26th at Bar A Bar. For now though, we leave you with this exclusive one hour recording of unadulterated house and disco jams.

Artwork is an exclusive piece by former colectivo futurist Bryce Wilner.

CF: How and where was this mix recorded?

This mix was recorded in my home studio using 2 Technics turntables, Rane mpd 2016, and duo isolator.

CF: How did you first get involved with electronic music? What were you inspired by when you started making and buying records?

I could probably pinpoint it back to the first time I heard Kraftwerk’s Numbers as far as the electronic influence.This was also around the time breakdancing was big in my neighborhood and some of the early house music songs were starting to surface. At that point I was just engulfed in the sound and wanted to get my hands on some turntables. But it wouldn’t be until much later when I finally did.

When I was a kid I started buying records way before I started or even wanted to be a DJ. I just wanted to collect my favorite songs and stuff I was into, everything from Rick James to Meco’s Star Wars. Just a wide variety of sounds. Some years later when house started to emerge, I was buying stuff I heard on the radio.

The inspiration for making records came from my good friend Damon Lamar aka Baby Pop. He was making trax and would let me hear stuff he was working on. But even at that point I never wanted to make music as I had no knowledge of musical theory. Damon taught me a lot and I just took it from there. I started collecting gear and was heavily inspired by B12, As One, Stasis, The Black Dog, and Carl Craig. That was the music I wanted to make.

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CF: You’ve been involved in music for a very long time. How do you keep yourself interested?

I just do my own thing and don’t follow trends or worry about anything that doesn’t concern me. Also, I still buy new music and keep an ear out for new up and coming producers. It helps to keep me on my toes. If you’re going to be in this game you have to stay current or at least know what’s coming out. Even if it’s not my thing, I’ll still give it a listen.

CF: What is it that motivates you to continue to be part of a scene that on the surfaces seems so hype driven?

I just love playing music, it’s that simple. I never once imagined that it could go this far, so it’s a blessing to be able to do this. Just stick to my guns and never compromise my sound and never get caught up in the hype. What goes up must come down. That mindset helps me keep a level head at all times.

CF: What do you normally listen to at home? What are 3 of your favorite albums past or present?

Ahhh way to many to choose from but i always seem to go back to these:

As One – Reflections
Jaylib – Champion Sound
War – All Day Music 

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CF: What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago?

I would have to say my family, we are a tight knit bunch. They have always supported me. I don’t think I could get that anywhere else but here.

CF: Your latest release is a collaboration with Jose Rico of Downbeat fame, under the Our Own Organization alias. Can you tell us a bit more about how that came about?

Well I met José through myspace some years back when he asked me to record the first downbeat e.p. He booked me to play in Madrid and we have been tight ever since. He was kind enough to let me stay in his home while I toured Europe the last couple times.

So one year when I came back to his home I saw that he gathered some nice pieces of gear. At times when I wasn’t traveling or we weren’t having beers in the center, we decided to work on music.But it was last year when we really got down. He pushed me hard to work on music when I just wanted to relax, so we belted out the trax in a couple days. Working late nights and early into the morning. José is like a mad scientist with the sound. Very passionate about his work. So it just made for a seamless collaboration. Besides sometimes wanting to throw him down the stairs, I really enjoyed working with him. Look out for much more to come.