The JamBase Podcast: Khruangbin’s Mark Speer & DJ Johnson

By Team JamBase Aug 5, 2021 • 11:44 am PDT

Episode 90 of The JamBase Podcast, a partner of the Osiris Media Network, features an interview with Khruangbin guitarist Mark Speer and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson. JamBase’s Andy Kahn interviewed Mark and DJ ahead of the release of the band’s Mordechai Remixes album, which comes out tomorrow, Friday, August 6 via Dead Oceans in association with Night Time Stories, Ltd.

As the title implies, Mordechai Remixes is a reimagining of their 2020 LP Mordechai. Khruangbin, which also includes bassist Laura Lee, enlisted an eclectic group of musicians to remix each of the record’s 10 tracks. Speer and Johnson discussed selecting the team of remixers, which was made up of Kadhja Bonet, Knxwledge, Mang Dynasty, Quantic, Soul Clap and others. The pair also revealed how the songs were assigned to the respective remixers, with some having more choice in the matter than others.

Speer and Johnson talked about the experience of receiving the newly reworked tracks and what it’s like to hear their music reinterpreted by other musicians. They touched on the vulnerability that goes into the process and how they have a deep respect for the history of remixing from its roots in dub reggae and disco dance club culture.

Taking on the role of remixer, Khruangbin was recently asked to reinterpret a song by Paul McCartney for his McCartney III Imagined remix album. Mark and DJ discussed what it was like to collaborate with The Beatles legend, which saw the trio use a click track in the studio for the first time in their history.

Khruangbin’s return to touring following the pandemic was another topic covered during the interview. Mark and DJ talked about their excitement to get back on the road and preparing to perform material from Mordechai live for the first time.

Stream Episode 90 of The JamBase Podcast below or via all major podcast services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcast: