Ransom

Phil Ransom has a long history in Melbourne's art and music community. Since the mid 80s he has barely missed a weekend djing while still finding time to tour many parts of the world, produce music for local and international labels, start Australia's first independent Hip Hop label, win two DMC titles, exhibit artworks in respected galleries, have photos and writings published, present radio shows, contribute to books and be a go to person for all kinds of artists, journalists and promoters.

As a dj he has had 3 main residencies which have all lasted years, a rarity in the notoriously fickle clubland. Purveyors ran for the majority of the 90s and was a hub of activity for Melbourne's art scene, amongst his staff were such names as Beci Orpin and Caroline Reed (Pam Ann). During this time he also, with Mr Takse, ran Fridays at Saratoga, a hugely successful night where the crowd ranged from after gig musicians to soap stars. One week Dannii Minogue was on the dancefloor and the next Chaka Khan. The third is his current, the Late Show at Revolver. For over 10 years he has helped break the new sounds and the new talent, as well as hosting legends such as Theo Parrish. All these nights have been a stepping stone for both local talent and international artists trying to break Melbourne. Among the names who played their first local shows at one of his nights are Groove Armada, Q Bert and Fatboy Slim to name just a few.

He has played most of the big festivals as well as MONA in Tasmania, ACMI and all over the country. Worldwide he has played many of the prestigious clubs such as Fabric, Cargo and The End in London as well as APT, 204 and many others in NYC, also the closing party of the Basel Art Fair in 2006.

His recording career is a long one. Starting Straitup Records in 1989 with a bank loan secured by his father, led to 3 years of basically writing the blueprint for Hip Hop in Australia.

His band Crackpot was first signed to the UK's Tummy Touch records and is currently signed to Chris Coco's Melodica label, with a successful lp in the past and a new single out at present. He has released mix cds most notably his Physics Of Freestyle series through Shock in the late 90s as well as his more recent efforts as Perks & Ransom and a collaboration with NHJ for the first M Division Recordings Mix CD Africa Addendum.

He has produced for many artists and remixed many more, among them stalwarts such as Renee Geyer and current chart topper T Rek.

Currently he is also a member of M Division's Inverto whose tracks  being charted around the world by luminaries such as Doc Martin and Brennan Green as well as working on a solo project.

He has been called 'the best warm up dj ever' by Kid Koala, 'the man' by Beastie Boy Mike D and 'off the chain' by the Godfather of Baltimore Club Scottie B.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Division-Recordings/121318231270916

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