Redraft Memories was born in Mexico City, where, from an early age and under the influence of his father, a DJ, he developed a deep connection with electronic music.
Photo credit: Redraft Memories – Official
Over the years, he has shaped his own interpretation of techno and house, releasing on labels such as Bush Records, Alchemy, Detone, and Natura Viva, while earning support from artists including Carl Cox, Kevin Saunderson, Nicole Moudaber, Pan-Pot, Stefano Noferini, and Francesca Lombardo.
Following Irvine Welsh’s presentation of his album ‘Men In Love’ alongside the Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra, the acclaimed author has now unveiled a new series of remixes. Among the contributors is Redraft Memories, whose growing reputation has positioned him as one of Mexico’s most promising electronic artists.
In this conversation, he discusses his remix of ‘Men In Love’, working within Irvine Welsh’s creative universe, Carl Cox’s long-standing support, and the future of his project.
EG: Hi Ricardo, welcome to Electronic Groove. We’re so happy to have you here! How has the World Cup been treating you?
Redraft Memories: Thanks for your invitation, and it’s a pleasure to be with you guys. The World Cup so far has been pretty exciting; the national team is not doing so bad, so I’m having some Mexican food and enjoying my family and friends in the first stages of the tournament.
EG: We wanted to talk to you regarding your latest release, ‘Men In Love’ by Irvine Welsh & The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra. What did it mean to you personally and professionally to reinterpret a track from such an iconic album?
Redraft Memories: Personally, it is fantastic to be included in a sequel of Trainspotting, as the movie and soundtrack are part of our culture and make me feel like I belong to this beautiful scene. As a producer, it was challenging, as it was my first time remixing a disco song and using Louise Marshall’s vocals.
EG: How did the opportunity to work with Irvine Welsh come about, and what has the experience been like collaborating with someone whose work has had such a lasting cultural impact on the dance scene?
Redraft Memories: I have been working for one of his labels for a couple of years now, Jack Said What. I made two remixes for Steve Mac’s album ‘Bless This Acid House’, one with Chip E and another by myself, as well as an EP that was in rotation during Carl Cox’s sets for a while. Steve really liked my remixes and original productions, so about a year ago, I received a message on my phone with the opportunity to be part of this new book and album project. It was a no-brainer; I requested the stems immediately.
EG: Irvine Welsh is known for creating worlds that are both raw and deeply human, like he did with Trainspotting. Has his work influenced you in any way as an artist, and do you feel his creative legacy has left a mark on your own musical journey?
Redraft Memories: I grew up watching Trainspotting while I was learning to produce music, so for me, it provided a realistic view of music, drug abuse, and choosing life. As my dad was a DJ in college, I think it reinforced my appetite for wanting to be part of the music industry while also shaping my musical taste through a soundtrack that included artists such as Underworld, Leftfield, and Primal Scream.
“We are very lucky to have the opportunity to make music and perform while so many difficult things are happening around the world”
EG: For those discovering Redraft Memories for the first time, can you tell us the story behind your project?
Redraft Memories: It’s a project that expresses my vision of techno and house and everything in between. I started it around 10 years ago, and after a dormant period of three years while I was in college, I resumed it during the COVID period in 2020. Music helped me through social distancing; it was my therapy and my way to survive in this crazy world.
EG: You became the first Mexican artist to release on Carl Cox’s label, 23rd Century. What did that milestone represent for you, and how important has his support been in bringing your music to a global audience?
Redraft Memories: Carl is a wonderful person, not just a legendary DJ, and he has always been there for me since my first tracks. He supported me as an unknown artist years ago, and I’m very proud to be the first Mexican artist signed to one of his labels. He is a major pillar in the industry, and he put me in the spotlight by playing and charting my tracks worldwide, so I’m deeply grateful to him, Ian, Charlie, and all the people helping my project.
EG: Mexico has become one of the most exciting electronic music markets in the world. How would you describe the current state of the scene, and do you think there are real opportunities for emerging talent nowadays?
Redraft Memories: I agree with you. Mexico is seeing a growing number of producers, and now we have people making everything from raw techno to mainstage sounds. This is great for our electronic scene and helps push boundaries. The festival market is also opening doors for new talent. I had the opportunity to play at EDC and Dreamfields last year, and I think we are on the right path. If artists continue working and keep an open mind, opportunities will come, even if not always as quickly as we hope.
EG: What challenges do Mexican electronic artists still face when trying to break into the international circuit?
Redraft Memories: I believe there are still some taboos in our nation, such as the belief that music is not a legitimate career. Additionally, the lack of government support for culture sometimes forces artists to rely solely on their own resources, which has an impact when Mexican artists attempt to compete with artists from the US or the EU, where industries are more developed and resources are often greater.
EG: We’ve heard there may be something in the works with Chicago house pioneer Chip E. Is there anything you can share with us about that project?
Redraft Memories: Yes, Chip and I became close friends, and a few years ago he booked me to perform in Chicago. We hope to have more details shortly because we are working on re-releasing his ‘Time to Jack’ and ‘It’s House’ recordings from 1984, which helped set the standard for Chicago house music and remain among the earliest tracks of the genre.
“Music helped me through social distancing; it was my therapy and my way to survive in this crazy world”
EG: Your music has also found a home on respected labels such as Nervous Records and Second State. What have those experiences meant for your growth as an artist?
Redraft Memories: Having the backing of outstanding labels is always beneficial. They help you establish your sound, garner media attention, get your music into the hands of more artists, and earn respect and status within the industry.
EG: Beyond music, what inspires you creatively and keeps you motivated to push the project forward?
Redraft Memories: I believe that all of us have a purpose in life, and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to make music and perform while so many difficult things are happening around the world. I try to live with gratitude. I love reading, exercising, and trying to see the positive side of life.
EG: What can fans expect from Redraft Memories in the coming months? Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations, or special projects you can tell us about?
Redraft Memories: Well, there’s the Irvine remix, my debut EP on Second State in the coming months, and I will be performing at Mexico City International Airport at the end of the month for the World Cup, so stay tuned and follow me on socials.
EG: Thank you, and we wish you the best.
Redraft Memories’ remix of ‘Men In Love’ is out now via Port Sunshine Recordings Ltd. Stream and download your copy here.
Follow Redraft Memories: Spotify | SoundCloud | Instagram
