Digging in the Qrates with Birocratic
Digging in the Qrates is a series featuring the artist and the 5 records that made them who they are today.
Born brandon rowan, nj, usa, 1993. Producer and multi-instrumentalist. armed with ableton 9, an electric bass, and limitless inspiration. Creates electronic tunes with an organic soul. Currently works in his home studio in brooklyn, nyc.
Record #1 — What’s the first record you ever bought?
Shigeto-No Better Time Than Now
Ordered this one before I even bought a turntable. Had it framed and up on my wall during college. It’s an extremely important album that was released right as I was going through an intense period of loneliness, and it’s forever imprinted in my memory.
Record #2 — What’s the last record you bought?
Shigeto - The New Monday
Oddly enough, my first and latest LPs are consecutive releases by the same artist. Safe to say I’m still a fan; this was announced pretty recently so I grabbed the pre-order immediately.
Record #3 — Your all time favorite record?
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Machinedrum — Vapor city
When I lived at my old house in New Jersey, I used to wake up at 7 every morning, drop the needle on this hyper-as-hell double LP and start working — coffee in one hand, computer mouse in the other. It always gets me motivated. And the gatefold packaging, splatter disc, and art booklet are all beautiful.
Record #4 — Other favorite records?
Lone — Reality Testing
Another double LP I copped off Discogs. Transparent yellow in perfect condition. Just love the music — it’s quite nostalgic, especially when driving around South Jersey during the late summer/early fall. Dunno why, just have that personal connection to it.
Record #5 — Other favorite records?
Tom Scott & the L.A. Express - Tom Cat
You can’t shit on smooth jazz. This is from the era when it was still cool. Groove heaven.
What’s your favorite record store and why?
It’s made for sample diggers — everything’s organized exactly the way you’d want it to be. They even have a “rhodes” section featuring obscure records that rely heavily on the sounds of the electric piano. It’s a dream.
