1
Jesse Gannon - A1 Whatever (7:25)
2
Jesse Gannon - A2 Dr.Spin (Thrust) Feat Thelonious Kryptonite (6:03)
3
Jesse Gannon - A3 Ecstasy (5:48)
4
Jesse Gannon - B1 Eye To Eye (9:47)
5
Jesse Gannon - B2 Take Your Time (8:53)
Tracklist:
A1 Whatever (7:25)
A2 Dr.Spin (Thrust) Feat Thelonious Kryptonite (6:03)
A3 Ecstasy (5:48)
B1 Eye To Eye (9:47)
B2 Take Your Time (8:53)
Release Info:
For those who have been closely following the young trajectory of Yoruba Soul Records, the name Jesse Gannon will already sound familiar. For the uninitiated, welcome to the world of one of St. Louis’ hidden musical gems. When Jesse Gannon released his Yoruba Soul debut last year (YSR004), it was clear that the single merely served as a teaser to some of the work Gannon had completed. The time has finally come to share that work with the world.
The self-titled EP from Gannon is an expansion of what we previously experienced on his last single. Not only do we finally get the full-length versions of “Dr. Spin (Thrust)” and “Take Your Time” we also get a much more complete vision of Gannon’s nu-soul-funk-jazz.
“Whatever” leads off the proceedings with a beautiful piano intro by Gannon and then gets into (dare-I-say) drum and bass territory with Dhoruba Shakur bringing the explosiveness on the drums. The juxtaposition of the urgency of Shakur and the calm and collective coolness of the rest of the rhythm section it’s the perfect segue way to Gannon’s vocals…. “Living in luxury ...whatever. Nothin in front of me, but everything”. For Gannon, this piece serves a coping mechanism for failure. Or perceived failure, to not allow ourselves to be shackled by things society expect from us, to not give up, but to know how to pick your battles, and to adjust.
A constant in Gannon’s music has been its search for truth. Another constant is needing to escape certain realizations about society and our current state on earth. “Dr. Spin” is a midtempo groove that certainly questions the nature of our reality and who is really pulling the strings affecting us on the daily. “Ecstasy” urges the escape of that reality through pure and unadulterated human connection.
“Eye To Eye” is a beautiful lament on a relationship that’s not currently in the jubilance that Gannon had just previously described. A multi-faceted arrangement which climaxes with Pete Lombardo’s soaring guitar solo, once the dust settles, Dhoruba Shakur gets serious on the breakdown with some J Dilla drumming vocabulary, and the band finding a groove reminiscent of classic Robert Glasper.
The EP ends with the complete three-part version of “Take Your Time.” This version was totally worth the wait and it is the perfect conclusion to another wonderful addition to the Yoruba Soul cannon. Don’t rush, just take your time with this one.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
A1 Whatever (7:25)
A2 Dr.Spin (Thrust) Feat Thelonious Kryptonite (6:03)
A3 Ecstasy (5:48)
B1 Eye To Eye (9:47)
B2 Take Your Time (8:53)
Release Info:
For those who have been closely following the young trajectory of Yoruba Soul Records, the name Jesse Gannon will already sound familiar. For the uninitiated, welcome to the world of one of St. Louis’ hidden musical gems. When Jesse Gannon released his Yoruba Soul debut last year (YSR004), it was clear that the single merely served as a teaser to some of the work Gannon had completed. The time has finally come to share that work with the world.
The self-titled EP from Gannon is an expansion of what we previously experienced on his last single. Not only do we finally get the full-length versions of “Dr. Spin (Thrust)” and “Take Your Time” we also get a much more complete vision of Gannon’s nu-soul-funk-jazz.
“Whatever” leads off the proceedings with a beautiful piano intro by Gannon and then gets into (dare-I-say) drum and bass territory with Dhoruba Shakur bringing the explosiveness on the drums. The juxtaposition of the urgency of Shakur and the calm and collective coolness of the rest of the rhythm section it’s the perfect segue way to Gannon’s vocals…. “Living in luxury ...whatever. Nothin in front of me, but everything”. For Gannon, this piece serves a coping mechanism for failure. Or perceived failure, to not allow ourselves to be shackled by things society expect from us, to not give up, but to know how to pick your battles, and to adjust.
A constant in Gannon’s music has been its search for truth. Another constant is needing to escape certain realizations about society and our current state on earth. “Dr. Spin” is a midtempo groove that certainly questions the nature of our reality and who is really pulling the strings affecting us on the daily. “Ecstasy” urges the escape of that reality through pure and unadulterated human connection.
“Eye To Eye” is a beautiful lament on a relationship that’s not currently in the jubilance that Gannon had just previously described. A multi-faceted arrangement which climaxes with Pete Lombardo’s soaring guitar solo, once the dust settles, Dhoruba Shakur gets serious on the breakdown with some J Dilla drumming vocabulary, and the band finding a groove reminiscent of classic Robert Glasper.
The EP ends with the complete three-part version of “Take Your Time.” This version was totally worth the wait and it is the perfect conclusion to another wonderful addition to the Yoruba Soul cannon. Don’t rush, just take your time with this one.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
More records from Yoruba Soul
1
Osunlade - 01 underSTANDING 2:48
2
Osunlade - 02 Positiv’ly 4:11
3
Osunlade - 03 Open Doors 3:15
4
Osunlade - 04 Community 3:19
5
Osunlade - 05 Joffy’s Funk 4:08
6
Osunlade - 06 Comin’ Around 4:15
7
Osunlade - 07 Same Same… 3:37
8
Osunlade - 08 Comfort & Desire 3:18
9
Osunlade - 09 Serotonin 4:59
10
Osunlade - 10 Flowers Bloom 4:08
11
Osunlade - 11 Poh’s Devotion 1:37
12
Osunlade - 12 Solitude 5:08
180 gram dbl gatefold
TRACKLIST:
Side One
01 underSTANDING 2:48
02 Positiv’ly 4:11
03 Open Doors 3:15
Side Two
04 Community 3:19
05 Joffy’s Funk 4:08
06 Comin’ Around 4:15
Side Three
07 Same Same… 3:37
08 Comfort & Desire 3:18
09 Serotonin 4:59
Side Four
10 Flowers Bloom 4:08
11 Poh’s Devotion 1:37
12 Solitude 5:08
RELEASE INFO:
Aché is “the primordial, mystical energy that exists in the universe and permeates everything in it… Aché is everything: divine grace, knowledge, authority, wisdom, and the inherited experience of all those who went before.”
It is in this force that Yoruba Soul Records is proud to present the brand new solo album by Osunlade. In the time since his last full-length (2014’s Peacock), Osunlade has continued to rock parties all over the world, overseeing releases for both Yoruba Records and Yoruba Soul Records, AND still finding time to create music amidst a very busy schedule.
“This is the album I dreamt of making…” - Osunlade
Recorded in his hometown of St. Louis, USA and spiritual home of Santorini, Greece, Aché is the continued evolution of Osunlade as songwriter, arranger, and producer. It’s all here.
The seeds of minimalist electronic funk Osunlade began to sow on albums such as Peacock and Rebirth are now in full bloom with the album opener, “Positiv’ly”. Featuring a subtle, almost avant-garde performance by Yoruba Records’ very own Quetzal Guerrero on violin, this groove will have you confused on whether to listen to this sitting down with some headphones or blasting it through your best speakers while you dance.
“Open Doors” is Osunlade at his funkiest. Starting with a drum break reminiscent of the J Dilla produced Q-Tip single “Let’s Ride” and accompanied by a killer rolling bass line, the song speaks on finding yourself and letting your truth carry you to your highest self.
“Community” is a float-like groove, with a guitar motif that both soothes and encourages a beautifully urgent and powerful call to self-determination.
The Aquarian Moon showers its lunar dust all over “Joffy’s Funk”, a luminous groove that transports us to starry nights on the mountaintops of Santorini. The composition provides us with one of Ache’s most elegant moments (of which there are many on this album).
On the other side of reality, we know there is nothing funny about the social resentment and anger that is currently building up in this historical moment. Osunlade takes us through why that is. Part-homage to his deceased father, part state-of-the-union, “Comin’ Around” is the sound of Devante Swing at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in the US south.
Of course we can’t forget our house heads, and “Same Same”, which we premiered last year in a very special limited edition single for Record Store Day, is featured here as one of the album’s most energetic moments.
There’s even some Piscean Group frequencies being dispersed through the serotonin-inducing “Seratonin,” featuring a magnificent flute performance by Han Litz.
“Poh’s Devotion” is an ethereal interlude that leads us to the closing segment of this album, a closing that finds acceptance, acknowledgment and resolution, hope, and inner peace.
This sense of renewal and outlook for a better future is deeply felt on “Flowers Bloom,” the last vocal song of the album. Osunlade proclaims “there’s no more room for feeling blue,” and a future “where governments no longer rule,” and most profoundly “I’m one, with God… at last.”
Closing this journey is “Solitude.” Accompanied by an ornate string arrangement, Osunlade plays acoustic guitar in a setting that could find a home in a Nick Drake album. It captures a poetic melancholy, not desolate, but of coming to terms with oneself.
Aché is an album that comes at the right time. A body of work to be immersed in its entirety. A sonic meditation for soul healing and recovery. An album that urges us, regardless of circumstance, to live by love above all and to let go of any fear that may block us from being us.
Flowers bloom…
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
TRACKLIST:
Side One
01 underSTANDING 2:48
02 Positiv’ly 4:11
03 Open Doors 3:15
Side Two
04 Community 3:19
05 Joffy’s Funk 4:08
06 Comin’ Around 4:15
Side Three
07 Same Same… 3:37
08 Comfort & Desire 3:18
09 Serotonin 4:59
Side Four
10 Flowers Bloom 4:08
11 Poh’s Devotion 1:37
12 Solitude 5:08
RELEASE INFO:
Aché is “the primordial, mystical energy that exists in the universe and permeates everything in it… Aché is everything: divine grace, knowledge, authority, wisdom, and the inherited experience of all those who went before.”
It is in this force that Yoruba Soul Records is proud to present the brand new solo album by Osunlade. In the time since his last full-length (2014’s Peacock), Osunlade has continued to rock parties all over the world, overseeing releases for both Yoruba Records and Yoruba Soul Records, AND still finding time to create music amidst a very busy schedule.
“This is the album I dreamt of making…” - Osunlade
Recorded in his hometown of St. Louis, USA and spiritual home of Santorini, Greece, Aché is the continued evolution of Osunlade as songwriter, arranger, and producer. It’s all here.
The seeds of minimalist electronic funk Osunlade began to sow on albums such as Peacock and Rebirth are now in full bloom with the album opener, “Positiv’ly”. Featuring a subtle, almost avant-garde performance by Yoruba Records’ very own Quetzal Guerrero on violin, this groove will have you confused on whether to listen to this sitting down with some headphones or blasting it through your best speakers while you dance.
“Open Doors” is Osunlade at his funkiest. Starting with a drum break reminiscent of the J Dilla produced Q-Tip single “Let’s Ride” and accompanied by a killer rolling bass line, the song speaks on finding yourself and letting your truth carry you to your highest self.
“Community” is a float-like groove, with a guitar motif that both soothes and encourages a beautifully urgent and powerful call to self-determination.
The Aquarian Moon showers its lunar dust all over “Joffy’s Funk”, a luminous groove that transports us to starry nights on the mountaintops of Santorini. The composition provides us with one of Ache’s most elegant moments (of which there are many on this album).
On the other side of reality, we know there is nothing funny about the social resentment and anger that is currently building up in this historical moment. Osunlade takes us through why that is. Part-homage to his deceased father, part state-of-the-union, “Comin’ Around” is the sound of Devante Swing at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in the US south.
Of course we can’t forget our house heads, and “Same Same”, which we premiered last year in a very special limited edition single for Record Store Day, is featured here as one of the album’s most energetic moments.
There’s even some Piscean Group frequencies being dispersed through the serotonin-inducing “Seratonin,” featuring a magnificent flute performance by Han Litz.
“Poh’s Devotion” is an ethereal interlude that leads us to the closing segment of this album, a closing that finds acceptance, acknowledgment and resolution, hope, and inner peace.
This sense of renewal and outlook for a better future is deeply felt on “Flowers Bloom,” the last vocal song of the album. Osunlade proclaims “there’s no more room for feeling blue,” and a future “where governments no longer rule,” and most profoundly “I’m one, with God… at last.”
Closing this journey is “Solitude.” Accompanied by an ornate string arrangement, Osunlade plays acoustic guitar in a setting that could find a home in a Nick Drake album. It captures a poetic melancholy, not desolate, but of coming to terms with oneself.
Aché is an album that comes at the right time. A body of work to be immersed in its entirety. A sonic meditation for soul healing and recovery. An album that urges us, regardless of circumstance, to live by love above all and to let go of any fear that may block us from being us.
Flowers bloom…
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Centaur Jackson - 01 NiggaJazz 5:02
2
Centaur Jackson - 02 Lessons Of Love ft Osunlade 4:18
3
Centaur Jackson - 03 Two Step 4:44
4
Centaur Jackson - 04 Lucd Abyss 5:34
5
Centaur Jackson - 05 Hotfoot 3:11
6
Centaur Jackson - 06 Decisions 3:12
Songs:
01 NiggaJazz 5:02
02 Lessons Of Love ft Osunlade 4:18
03 Two Step 4:44
04 Lucd Abyss 5:34
05 Hotfoot 3:``
06 Decisions 3:12
Created by Centaur Jackson
All songs published by Yoruba People’s Music, Ascap, Sony Atv Music LLC
Recorded and mixed at Centaur Studios, Earth
Collage by Afefe Iku
Executive Producer: Osunlade
Release Info:
This project reflects the simplicity of rhythm and melody in-formation. Set in the mood of a cigarette filled, dimmed bar. The album opens with the title cut, NiggaJazz , a be-bop dancers dream. Setting the floor for what’s to be a fun filled night of music. Lessons of Love find label boss Osunlade lending his voice while lovely saxophone serenades the soul. We continue with Two Step which brings us back to the floor for a dance circle rock out., flutes blare in harmony while choppy pianos and upright bass ride to syncopated rhythms., “effortless foot working biz.” Lucid Abyss slows things back to a smooth landing on mars while it’s follow up Hotfoot delivers a swinging improvised jam session before decisions take you home just in time for slippers and some relaxation. This album is meant to be enjoyed in a full listen or nice drive. Wherever you choose to experience Centaur Jackson’s NiggaJazz, we hope you enjoy it as much as the love we put in it.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
01 NiggaJazz 5:02
02 Lessons Of Love ft Osunlade 4:18
03 Two Step 4:44
04 Lucd Abyss 5:34
05 Hotfoot 3:``
06 Decisions 3:12
Created by Centaur Jackson
All songs published by Yoruba People’s Music, Ascap, Sony Atv Music LLC
Recorded and mixed at Centaur Studios, Earth
Collage by Afefe Iku
Executive Producer: Osunlade
Release Info:
This project reflects the simplicity of rhythm and melody in-formation. Set in the mood of a cigarette filled, dimmed bar. The album opens with the title cut, NiggaJazz , a be-bop dancers dream. Setting the floor for what’s to be a fun filled night of music. Lessons of Love find label boss Osunlade lending his voice while lovely saxophone serenades the soul. We continue with Two Step which brings us back to the floor for a dance circle rock out., flutes blare in harmony while choppy pianos and upright bass ride to syncopated rhythms., “effortless foot working biz.” Lucid Abyss slows things back to a smooth landing on mars while it’s follow up Hotfoot delivers a swinging improvised jam session before decisions take you home just in time for slippers and some relaxation. This album is meant to be enjoyed in a full listen or nice drive. Wherever you choose to experience Centaur Jackson’s NiggaJazz, we hope you enjoy it as much as the love we put in it.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Osunlade - Side A Positiv’ly 4:11
2
Osunlade - Side B Look Into Myself 1:58
Coloured vinyl
Tracklist:
Side A Positiv’ly 4:11
Side B Look Into Myself 1:58
release Info:
Hot on the press comes another small (big?) preview of Osunlade’s much anticipated upcoming full length, Aché.
The seeds of minimalist electronic funk Osunlade began to sow on albums such as “Peacock” and “Rebirth” are now in full bloom with “Positiv’ly”. Featuring a subtle, almost avant-garde performance by Yoruba Records’ very own Quetzal Guerrero on violin, this groove will have you confused on whether to listen to this sitting down with some headphones or blasting it through your best speakers while you dance.
On the flip side, “Look Into Myself” is a stirring ode to The eighties. Blending funk-post-punk-nu wave and everything in between, this is one of the most unique songs from Osunlade’s ever expanding catalog.
Aché is steadily approaching. Watch this space as we will announce album details very soon!
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Tracklist:
Side A Positiv’ly 4:11
Side B Look Into Myself 1:58
release Info:
Hot on the press comes another small (big?) preview of Osunlade’s much anticipated upcoming full length, Aché.
The seeds of minimalist electronic funk Osunlade began to sow on albums such as “Peacock” and “Rebirth” are now in full bloom with “Positiv’ly”. Featuring a subtle, almost avant-garde performance by Yoruba Records’ very own Quetzal Guerrero on violin, this groove will have you confused on whether to listen to this sitting down with some headphones or blasting it through your best speakers while you dance.
On the flip side, “Look Into Myself” is a stirring ode to The eighties. Blending funk-post-punk-nu wave and everything in between, this is one of the most unique songs from Osunlade’s ever expanding catalog.
Aché is steadily approaching. Watch this space as we will announce album details very soon!
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Deca - 01. F.O.O.L. 4:27
2
Deca - 02. L.A.M. 3:21
7", Coloured
Songs:
01. F.O.O.L. 4:27
02. L.A.M. 3:21
Release Info:
We continue our journey with Deca, a St Louis native delivering that feel good radio friendly yet integral vibe. Starting with F.O.O.L. he lends us that guilty pleasure that rings in your head repeatedly. L.A.M. our B Side is your easy ride or chill jam. Soul pure and honest. Enjoy!
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Songs:
01. F.O.O.L. 4:27
02. L.A.M. 3:21
Release Info:
We continue our journey with Deca, a St Louis native delivering that feel good radio friendly yet integral vibe. Starting with F.O.O.L. he lends us that guilty pleasure that rings in your head repeatedly. L.A.M. our B Side is your easy ride or chill jam. Soul pure and honest. Enjoy!
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
osunlade - No Title
2
osunlade - No Title
Songs:
A: Same, Same… 3:37
B: Music Had Appeal 3:11
Info:
Osunlade's beautifully crafted Yoruba Soul imprint drops 2 delightfully soul & funk fuelled cuts in his distinctly unmistakable style.
Pressed on green vinyl in bespoke 7" sleeves.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
A: Same, Same… 3:37
B: Music Had Appeal 3:11
Info:
Osunlade's beautifully crafted Yoruba Soul imprint drops 2 delightfully soul & funk fuelled cuts in his distinctly unmistakable style.
Pressed on green vinyl in bespoke 7" sleeves.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Osunlade - A1 Recovery ft Mike Steva 4:47
2
Osunlade - A2 Presence 5:00
3
Osunlade - A3 Stl6 3:13
4
Osunlade - B1 The Bravest 2:58
5
Osunlade - B2 The Moment I Saw… 2:32
6
Osunlade - B3 Syrundipity 3:42
7
Osunlade - B4 Duh/Geyt/Daouhn 2:19
Tracklist:
Side A
01 Recovery ft Mike Steva 4:47
02 Presence 5:00
03 Stl6 3:13
Total: 13:00
Side B
01 The Bravest 2:58
02 The Moment I Saw… 2:32
03 Syrundipity 3:42
04 Duh/Geyt/Daouhn 2:19
05 The Present IZ The Gift 00:29
Total: 11:20
all voices and instruments by Osunlade
recovery music written and produced by Osunlade & Mike Steva
recorded and mixed @ the I'lle, Imerovigli, Greece
and
momma's groove, St Louis, USA
collage by Afefe Iku
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Side A
01 Recovery ft Mike Steva 4:47
02 Presence 5:00
03 Stl6 3:13
Total: 13:00
Side B
01 The Bravest 2:58
02 The Moment I Saw… 2:32
03 Syrundipity 3:42
04 Duh/Geyt/Daouhn 2:19
05 The Present IZ The Gift 00:29
Total: 11:20
all voices and instruments by Osunlade
recovery music written and produced by Osunlade & Mike Steva
recorded and mixed @ the I'lle, Imerovigli, Greece
and
momma's groove, St Louis, USA
collage by Afefe Iku
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Yoruba Records takes us on a new journey with a new sub label Yoruba Soul, dedicated to all things non house. To begin our journey we called upon our brother and long time friend Miles Bonny, who brings a gritty soul Ep "I Bring You Love". This release takes the listener into a smoke filled room where spirits float around. The elements of distortion, dirty kick drums and snares shape the sound of this Ep taking us to a world between rituals and 90's Boom Bap. Bonny Emerges From the studio with a warm yet haunting offering. The title track "I Bring You Love" quickly sets the tone for the release. Featuring lyrics that cut into the soul with echoing vocals. Themes of romance, pain, and healing carry throughout the 4 songs on this soon to be Yoruba Classic. The production throughout this release bends the genre's of Jazz, Soul, Electro, and Hip Hop into one awesome sound, filled with glitches and thumping kick drums. Miles Bonny sings, chants, and speaks to the listener with his lyrics which reflect on the existence of ones own internal voices. The song "Don't Deny The God Inside You" holds true to this, with Bonny chanting a call and response between the voices that speak to our consciousness. "I Bring You Love", is the perfect soundtrack for those late nights of roaming a busy city as you seek to connect to the internal spirit. This is sure to be one of those releases that you keep on repeat and the lyrics and product transform listening into a meditative journey. We hope you enjoy this mystic release as much as we do.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Customers who bought this also bought this
Label:Watergate Records
Cat-No:wgvinyl10
Release-Date:20.06.2025
Genre:House / Techno
Configuration:12" Excl
Label:Watergate Records
Cat-No:wgvinyl10
Release-Date:20.06.2025
Genre:House / Techno
Configuration:12" Excl
1
henrik schwarz - Take Words In Return (Return Version)
2
henrik schwarz - Take Words In Return (C2 Vocal Rmx)
2025 repress / UPC 827170488762
Format: 12" comes in full cover sleeve and black innersleeves.
A) Take Words In Return (Return Version)
AA) Take Words In Return (C2 Vocal Rmx)
The gifts of our 10th anniversary last summer are still spinning on our decks and now we also celebrate catalognumber 10 with our vinyl label. As a reminder: we released a double-CD-box with exclusive tracks of our favourite artists. One of these releases is a special gem: Henrik Schwarz' first house-track since ages. Our label insists on re-releasing this knightly accolade with a remix. "Take Words In Return" will be released as a "Return Version" end of february and will also contain a vocal remix from grandmaster Carl Craig! Schwarz' original is a vocal-based house-anthem, which emerges from his musical finesse to gasp for air in form of a folk-inspired hookline. After a percussive break the record's to-the-floor efficiency is unleashed. This is where Carl Craig's remix begins. From dreamy to sawing synth-lines, he utilizes the original's massive potential - to 12 minutes.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Format: 12" comes in full cover sleeve and black innersleeves.
A) Take Words In Return (Return Version)
AA) Take Words In Return (C2 Vocal Rmx)
The gifts of our 10th anniversary last summer are still spinning on our decks and now we also celebrate catalognumber 10 with our vinyl label. As a reminder: we released a double-CD-box with exclusive tracks of our favourite artists. One of these releases is a special gem: Henrik Schwarz' first house-track since ages. Our label insists on re-releasing this knightly accolade with a remix. "Take Words In Return" will be released as a "Return Version" end of february and will also contain a vocal remix from grandmaster Carl Craig! Schwarz' original is a vocal-based house-anthem, which emerges from his musical finesse to gasp for air in form of a folk-inspired hookline. After a percussive break the record's to-the-floor efficiency is unleashed. This is where Carl Craig's remix begins. From dreamy to sawing synth-lines, he utilizes the original's massive potential - to 12 minutes.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Leon Ware - Rainbow Deux (6:57)
2
Leon Ware - Let Love In (6:14)
3
Leon Ware - Sigh (4:08)
4
Leon Ware - The Darkest Night (7:32)
5
Leon Ware - Surrender Now (6:08)
6
Leon Ware - Summer Is Her Name (4:37)
7
Leon Ware - Are You Ready (3:18)
8
Leon Ware - Streets (Keep Me Runnin’) (7:00)
9
Leon Ware - Samba Dreams (3:20)
10
Leon Ware - Let’s Go Deep (5:27)
11
Leon Ware - We Should Be Laughin’ (3:45)
12
Leon Ware - Wishful Thinking (4:00)
Format Notes: 140g vinyl, double LP, gatefold sleeve, printed inners
Territories: Worldwide no exceptions
Track List:
A1 : Rainbow Deux (6:57)
A2 : Let Love In (6:14)
A3 : Sigh (4:08)
B1 : The Darkest Night (7:32)
B2 : Surrender Now (6:08)
B3 : Summer Is Her Name (4:37)
C1 : Are You Ready (3:18)
C2 : Streets (Keep Me Runnin’) (7:00)
C3 : Samba Dreams (3:20)
D1 : Let’s Go Deep (5:27)
D2 : We Should Be Laughin’ (3:45)
D3 : Wishful Thinking (4:00)
Release Notes:
The melodically adventurous soul of Leon Ware continues its expression in his final opus Rainbow Deux, released on double vinyl on September 13th. The album features new songs recorded and performed by Leon before his health turned, leading to his transition on February 23rd 2017. Co-produced by Taylor Graves, it has stellar musical contributions from the likes of Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr, Rob Bacon and Wayne Linsey.
Taylor Graves came into Leon’s musical family in 2002 when he, his brother Cameron and the Bruner brothers Ronald Jr and Stephen (Thundercat) were playing along with their schoolmate Kamasi at an L.A. jazz club. Taylor, Cameron, Ronald and Stephen became Leon’s band for his debut shows in Japan in 2002 and Taylor continued to work with Leon as his mentor and collaborator over the next 15 years.
“Leon was ALWAYS writing something or developing his musical palette” his wife Carol Ware tells us, so it’s impossible to pinpoint any single moment of Rainbow Deux’s genesis. Six of the songs go back to 2012/2013 and were released in 2014 as part of Sigh, a Japan-only CD collection heavy with Rob Bacon’s tasteful licks and Wayne Linsey’s piano vibes. The rest of the material comes from Leon’s sessions with Taylor.
Describing Leon’s and his process, here’s Taylor: “We’d start by having some great homemade food! Then a glass of wine ‘to slow down time’. After we’d have our fill and smoked our joints we’d go into his studio room to listen and create.”
The album was finished-up around August of 2016 in a back-and-forth between Leon and his go-to mastering engineer Toni Economides in the UK.
Leon worked on Rainbow Deux with life’s greatest challenge looming over him, yet it is one of his most focused and cohesive solo offerings since the 1980s. The entire record is a vibe: mellow, deep and smooth as silk. The lyrical themes are eternal, and the music is elegant, soulful and sensual.
The album opens with the hypnotic throb of “For The Rainbow”, coming on like a percussive, slow-mo house shuffle. Gilles Peterson is a fan. The exotic “Let Love In” follows, with its gradual-build Island Funk, intricate guitar picks and sassy female vocals. It explodes when it hits its stride. “Sigh” is the stylish slow jam close-out to side A. Serene guitars and polished drums create neck snapping funk, with a swaggering finger-snap strut.
Side B opens with the easy-burning broken-beaty “The Darkest Night”, the centrepiece of the album. Kamasi Washington’s lurking sax, restrained and beautiful, unfurls into the dank, sticky atmosphere of Thundercat’s signature creeping bass laid over his brother’s in-the-pocket drums. Leon’s vocals are perfect, a masterclass in seductive sax-soul.
“Surrender Now” conjures waves of vocals to swell and wash over the glossy piano, subtly bumping hip-hop drums and bubbling synth-bass stabs. It’s got the trademark Leon layers. “Summer Is Her Name” has Kamasi’s effortless, melancholic sunshine sax give way to rising tempos and propulsive rhythms.
“Are You Ready” is a total highlight (and we’ve been playing it out for ages). It’s a nimble groove of piano and synth rolling around Theo Croker’s sensual trumpet playing. Digi-soul at its finest. With lush G-Funk sensibilities “Streets (Keep Me Runnin’)” sounds like a lost Dam-Funk produced gem. All tough kicks and snares and street sounds. Leon’s hood pass will be forever intact.
“Samba Dreams” is the first of two tracks that bring a little Rio magic to Rainbow Deux. Leon created a whole body of work in partnership with Brazilian legend Marcos Valle that includes “Rockin’ You Eternally” - a hit for Leon - and “Estrelar” – a hit for Marcos. Leon channels his obvious love of Brazilian music here through more of Croker’s sumptuous trumpet, played over loose percussion. “Let’s Go Deep” is next up. A dreamy between-the-sheets quiet storm anthem and a real showcase for Leon’s vocals.
The dripping, honeyed harp-funk of “We Should Be Laughin’” marks the star turn of the brilliant Kimbra. Leon first met her on-stage to do an impromptu duet of “Inside My Love” during an open-air celebration of Minnie Riperton in July of 2014. Kimbra was working with Taylor on her music and he brought her to Leon’s house to do some writing. This was the result.
Warm synths radiate shuffling samba soul on “Wishful Thinking” as those Brazilian rhythms return to bring Rainbow Deux to a close.
During an apartment move Leon and Carol rediscovered some watercolours Leon had done years ago. One of these paintings had been dubbed “Deux Hearts” and Leon decided it should be on the cover of Rainbow Deux, getting as far as approving a draft concept for the artwork.
Carol has overseen developing that draft into the final gatefold sleeve. It brings together quotes, photographs and tributes in what is a reflection on the music, relationships and philosophy of the sensual minister.
Gerry “the gov” Brown, Leon’s long-time sound engineer, was by his side throughout the project, recording and mixing. The album was mastered by Toni Economides and Simon Francis’ additional sensitive work makes sure this double LP sounds like it should on vinyl.
Be With’s first ever release was Leon’s eponymous LP. Re-issuing that album planted the seed of a relationship that has grown to grant us the privilege of presenting his crowning achievement. We know that Leon’s fans all over the Earth will love Rainbow Deux. But we also hope that this album, the final entry in a phenomenal body of work, will reach new fans and find fresh conduits for the spirit of this oft-unsung hero of Soul.
Leon always said “they will get it when I'm gone.”
He also said that “the spirit never dies”…
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Territories: Worldwide no exceptions
Track List:
A1 : Rainbow Deux (6:57)
A2 : Let Love In (6:14)
A3 : Sigh (4:08)
B1 : The Darkest Night (7:32)
B2 : Surrender Now (6:08)
B3 : Summer Is Her Name (4:37)
C1 : Are You Ready (3:18)
C2 : Streets (Keep Me Runnin’) (7:00)
C3 : Samba Dreams (3:20)
D1 : Let’s Go Deep (5:27)
D2 : We Should Be Laughin’ (3:45)
D3 : Wishful Thinking (4:00)
Release Notes:
The melodically adventurous soul of Leon Ware continues its expression in his final opus Rainbow Deux, released on double vinyl on September 13th. The album features new songs recorded and performed by Leon before his health turned, leading to his transition on February 23rd 2017. Co-produced by Taylor Graves, it has stellar musical contributions from the likes of Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr, Rob Bacon and Wayne Linsey.
Taylor Graves came into Leon’s musical family in 2002 when he, his brother Cameron and the Bruner brothers Ronald Jr and Stephen (Thundercat) were playing along with their schoolmate Kamasi at an L.A. jazz club. Taylor, Cameron, Ronald and Stephen became Leon’s band for his debut shows in Japan in 2002 and Taylor continued to work with Leon as his mentor and collaborator over the next 15 years.
“Leon was ALWAYS writing something or developing his musical palette” his wife Carol Ware tells us, so it’s impossible to pinpoint any single moment of Rainbow Deux’s genesis. Six of the songs go back to 2012/2013 and were released in 2014 as part of Sigh, a Japan-only CD collection heavy with Rob Bacon’s tasteful licks and Wayne Linsey’s piano vibes. The rest of the material comes from Leon’s sessions with Taylor.
Describing Leon’s and his process, here’s Taylor: “We’d start by having some great homemade food! Then a glass of wine ‘to slow down time’. After we’d have our fill and smoked our joints we’d go into his studio room to listen and create.”
The album was finished-up around August of 2016 in a back-and-forth between Leon and his go-to mastering engineer Toni Economides in the UK.
Leon worked on Rainbow Deux with life’s greatest challenge looming over him, yet it is one of his most focused and cohesive solo offerings since the 1980s. The entire record is a vibe: mellow, deep and smooth as silk. The lyrical themes are eternal, and the music is elegant, soulful and sensual.
The album opens with the hypnotic throb of “For The Rainbow”, coming on like a percussive, slow-mo house shuffle. Gilles Peterson is a fan. The exotic “Let Love In” follows, with its gradual-build Island Funk, intricate guitar picks and sassy female vocals. It explodes when it hits its stride. “Sigh” is the stylish slow jam close-out to side A. Serene guitars and polished drums create neck snapping funk, with a swaggering finger-snap strut.
Side B opens with the easy-burning broken-beaty “The Darkest Night”, the centrepiece of the album. Kamasi Washington’s lurking sax, restrained and beautiful, unfurls into the dank, sticky atmosphere of Thundercat’s signature creeping bass laid over his brother’s in-the-pocket drums. Leon’s vocals are perfect, a masterclass in seductive sax-soul.
“Surrender Now” conjures waves of vocals to swell and wash over the glossy piano, subtly bumping hip-hop drums and bubbling synth-bass stabs. It’s got the trademark Leon layers. “Summer Is Her Name” has Kamasi’s effortless, melancholic sunshine sax give way to rising tempos and propulsive rhythms.
“Are You Ready” is a total highlight (and we’ve been playing it out for ages). It’s a nimble groove of piano and synth rolling around Theo Croker’s sensual trumpet playing. Digi-soul at its finest. With lush G-Funk sensibilities “Streets (Keep Me Runnin’)” sounds like a lost Dam-Funk produced gem. All tough kicks and snares and street sounds. Leon’s hood pass will be forever intact.
“Samba Dreams” is the first of two tracks that bring a little Rio magic to Rainbow Deux. Leon created a whole body of work in partnership with Brazilian legend Marcos Valle that includes “Rockin’ You Eternally” - a hit for Leon - and “Estrelar” – a hit for Marcos. Leon channels his obvious love of Brazilian music here through more of Croker’s sumptuous trumpet, played over loose percussion. “Let’s Go Deep” is next up. A dreamy between-the-sheets quiet storm anthem and a real showcase for Leon’s vocals.
The dripping, honeyed harp-funk of “We Should Be Laughin’” marks the star turn of the brilliant Kimbra. Leon first met her on-stage to do an impromptu duet of “Inside My Love” during an open-air celebration of Minnie Riperton in July of 2014. Kimbra was working with Taylor on her music and he brought her to Leon’s house to do some writing. This was the result.
Warm synths radiate shuffling samba soul on “Wishful Thinking” as those Brazilian rhythms return to bring Rainbow Deux to a close.
During an apartment move Leon and Carol rediscovered some watercolours Leon had done years ago. One of these paintings had been dubbed “Deux Hearts” and Leon decided it should be on the cover of Rainbow Deux, getting as far as approving a draft concept for the artwork.
Carol has overseen developing that draft into the final gatefold sleeve. It brings together quotes, photographs and tributes in what is a reflection on the music, relationships and philosophy of the sensual minister.
Gerry “the gov” Brown, Leon’s long-time sound engineer, was by his side throughout the project, recording and mixing. The album was mastered by Toni Economides and Simon Francis’ additional sensitive work makes sure this double LP sounds like it should on vinyl.
Be With’s first ever release was Leon’s eponymous LP. Re-issuing that album planted the seed of a relationship that has grown to grant us the privilege of presenting his crowning achievement. We know that Leon’s fans all over the Earth will love Rainbow Deux. But we also hope that this album, the final entry in a phenomenal body of work, will reach new fans and find fresh conduits for the spirit of this oft-unsung hero of Soul.
Leon always said “they will get it when I'm gone.”
He also said that “the spirit never dies”…
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Label:Kommerz Records
Cat-No:KOM007
Release-Date:18.11.2022
Genre:Dope Beat/Hip Hop
Configuration:LP Excl
Label:Kommerz Records
Cat-No:KOM007
Release-Date:18.11.2022
Genre:Dope Beat/Hip Hop
Configuration:LP Excl
1
DJ Piper - Kush Clouds
2
DJ Piper - Görlitzer Park
3
DJ Piper - Palmistry
4
DJ Piper - FRA – CHI
5
DJ Piper - 44.20 FM
6
DJ Piper - Sekundenschlaf
7
DJ Piper - Gästeliste (Skit)
8
DJ Piper - A Dream in a Dream in a Dream
9
DJ Piper - Room #421
10
DJ Piper - Long Havel Beach
11
DJ Piper - Good Bye
12
DJ Piper - K-Hole (Skit)
13
DJ Piper - You Got Me
14
DJ Piper - RIP TXL
LP, GATEFOLD, LIMITED
“A Dream In A Dream” is the debut LP by DJ Piper, also known as Felix Wagner of techno superstar duo FJAAK.
One might be surprised about this all hip-hop instrumental album looking at Felix’ all dance music focussed
musical resumé. Nevertheless, he has been crafting rap beats ever since he started producing as a teen, but had
his childhood friends freestyle over the tracks solely. It took until 2020 when he teamed up with Lukas and
Jonathan Nixdorff of Kommerz Records to release his first solo track “Iluminay”, which was part of “Kommerz
Season 1: Anti-Virus” compilation and shared by B-Real of Cypress Hill right away.
Now, 2022, marks the right moment to share his debut album, a waltzing ode to hip-hop’s golden era. The Berlin-
Spandau original merges the legacies of both Pete Rock and Dr. Dre, while funky breakbeats meet laid back
SoCal “Chronic” vibes. 12 instrumental tracks and 2 skits strong, his album tells the story of a young man, who
lives up to his wildest teenage dreams. Most of the track ideas came up while being on tour with FJAAK. Between
international transit areas, making inspirational new friends and bizarre encounters all over the world, beat making
became DJ Piper’s safe space to process all the positive madness around him. As a result, “A Dream In A
Dream” breathes that raw, untamable creative energy around Felix’ extraordinary day-to-day life, while being
heavily influenced by the sound of his childhood, 90s and 2000s rap.
To visualize “A Dream In A Dream” DJ Piper and Kommerz Records joined forces with Raman Djafari, a
childhood friend of the artist, who illustrated music videos for Dua Lipa and Elton John (no joke!) and worked for
New Release Information Adult Swim. Raman’s supernaturalistic aesthetics bring life to DJ Piper’s somewhat psychedelic, somewhat
nostalgic fantasy, locating the album in an otherworldly version of Spandau, hometown to both of the artists.
As one half of FJAAK Felix became an icon of Berlin techno conquering major festival stages and mainstream
audiences while heavily representing underground D.I.Y. mentality up to this very day. As an initiator of
Spandau20 label and collective, Felix pushes his creative family and day 1’s regardless of commercial potentials.
The same ethos and love for culture fuels the DJ Piper project. No matter if it’s FJAAK or DJ Piper, techno or hiphop…
Integrity is key!
Vital Sales Points:
- DJ Piper is one half Berlin techno duo FJAAK
- Solo debut album
- Artwork by illustrator Raman Djafari (clients: Elton John, Dua Lipa, Adult Swim)
Tracklist LP:
1. Kush Clouds 03:03
2. Görlitzer Park 02:56
3. Palmistry 02:49
4. FRA – CHI 02:22
5. 44.20 FM 03:19
6. Sekundenschlaf 02:51
7. Gästeliste (Skit) 00:25
8. A Dream in a Dream in a Dream 02:11
9. Room #421 01:55
10. Long Havel Beach 02:44
11. Good Bye 02:08
12. K-Hole (Skit) 00:21
13. You Got Me 02:28
14. RIP TXL 03:30
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
“A Dream In A Dream” is the debut LP by DJ Piper, also known as Felix Wagner of techno superstar duo FJAAK.
One might be surprised about this all hip-hop instrumental album looking at Felix’ all dance music focussed
musical resumé. Nevertheless, he has been crafting rap beats ever since he started producing as a teen, but had
his childhood friends freestyle over the tracks solely. It took until 2020 when he teamed up with Lukas and
Jonathan Nixdorff of Kommerz Records to release his first solo track “Iluminay”, which was part of “Kommerz
Season 1: Anti-Virus” compilation and shared by B-Real of Cypress Hill right away.
Now, 2022, marks the right moment to share his debut album, a waltzing ode to hip-hop’s golden era. The Berlin-
Spandau original merges the legacies of both Pete Rock and Dr. Dre, while funky breakbeats meet laid back
SoCal “Chronic” vibes. 12 instrumental tracks and 2 skits strong, his album tells the story of a young man, who
lives up to his wildest teenage dreams. Most of the track ideas came up while being on tour with FJAAK. Between
international transit areas, making inspirational new friends and bizarre encounters all over the world, beat making
became DJ Piper’s safe space to process all the positive madness around him. As a result, “A Dream In A
Dream” breathes that raw, untamable creative energy around Felix’ extraordinary day-to-day life, while being
heavily influenced by the sound of his childhood, 90s and 2000s rap.
To visualize “A Dream In A Dream” DJ Piper and Kommerz Records joined forces with Raman Djafari, a
childhood friend of the artist, who illustrated music videos for Dua Lipa and Elton John (no joke!) and worked for
New Release Information Adult Swim. Raman’s supernaturalistic aesthetics bring life to DJ Piper’s somewhat psychedelic, somewhat
nostalgic fantasy, locating the album in an otherworldly version of Spandau, hometown to both of the artists.
As one half of FJAAK Felix became an icon of Berlin techno conquering major festival stages and mainstream
audiences while heavily representing underground D.I.Y. mentality up to this very day. As an initiator of
Spandau20 label and collective, Felix pushes his creative family and day 1’s regardless of commercial potentials.
The same ethos and love for culture fuels the DJ Piper project. No matter if it’s FJAAK or DJ Piper, techno or hiphop…
Integrity is key!
Vital Sales Points:
- DJ Piper is one half Berlin techno duo FJAAK
- Solo debut album
- Artwork by illustrator Raman Djafari (clients: Elton John, Dua Lipa, Adult Swim)
Tracklist LP:
1. Kush Clouds 03:03
2. Görlitzer Park 02:56
3. Palmistry 02:49
4. FRA – CHI 02:22
5. 44.20 FM 03:19
6. Sekundenschlaf 02:51
7. Gästeliste (Skit) 00:25
8. A Dream in a Dream in a Dream 02:11
9. Room #421 01:55
10. Long Havel Beach 02:44
11. Good Bye 02:08
12. K-Hole (Skit) 00:21
13. You Got Me 02:28
14. RIP TXL 03:30
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Various Artists - DJ Piper - Iluminay
2
Various Artists - Glenn Astro & Hodini - Wiggum & Lloyd
3
Various Artists - Cuthead - Che
4
Various Artists - O-Wells - Krushed Brew
5
Various Artists - Qnete - Fry
6
Various Artists - Manuel Fischer - Suzuki Spliffy
It's 2020, it's virus season. For our first release on Kommerz Records we asked seven techno and house producers, we admire, to contribute six songs to listen to at home, rather than on the dance floor (as those are closed down up to this day). The result are six jazzy downtempo songs by DJ Piper of techno's most hyped live act Fjaak, Glenn Astro & Hodini, Cuthead, O-Wells aka Orson Wells, Manuel Fischer and Qnete. Holla @ our first compilation "Kommerz Season 1: Anti-Virus". "Kommerz Season" will be an ongoing compilation series, which we consider as one core of the label. We will use each season to showcase a new and unexpected take on beat making and instrumental music. "Kommerz Season" pays respect to the producers behind the music.
"Kommerz Season 1: Anti-Virus" was a spontaneous idea (as we didn't expect any of this Corona madness). Since we knew many techno and house producers share our love for instrumental hip-hop and downtempo music (while being stuck at home, too) we started to ask around friends and friends of friends. The tracks contributed by this deluxe cast speak for themselves. on our label's very first release.
Being aware this record features an all male and all white line-up we acknowledge our responsibility as a record label to work towards diversity in music. Our future discography can be held proof for that. Right now we're working on "Kommerz Season 2" featuring a diverse, 100% womxn line-up. Additionally, we're donating 10% of our benefits from "Season 1" to "No Shade", a Berlin-based collective running club nights and DJ training programs for female, non-binary and trans DJs with a strong focus on racial diversity.
A1 DJ Piper - Iluminay 02:48
A2 Glenn Astro & Hodini - Wiggum & Lloyd 03:55
A3 Cuthead - Che 01:35
B1 O-Wells - Krushed Brew 03:31
B2 Qnete - Fry 02:26
B3 Manuel Fischer - Suzuki Spliffy 02:20
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
"Kommerz Season 1: Anti-Virus" was a spontaneous idea (as we didn't expect any of this Corona madness). Since we knew many techno and house producers share our love for instrumental hip-hop and downtempo music (while being stuck at home, too) we started to ask around friends and friends of friends. The tracks contributed by this deluxe cast speak for themselves. on our label's very first release.
Being aware this record features an all male and all white line-up we acknowledge our responsibility as a record label to work towards diversity in music. Our future discography can be held proof for that. Right now we're working on "Kommerz Season 2" featuring a diverse, 100% womxn line-up. Additionally, we're donating 10% of our benefits from "Season 1" to "No Shade", a Berlin-based collective running club nights and DJ training programs for female, non-binary and trans DJs with a strong focus on racial diversity.
A1 DJ Piper - Iluminay 02:48
A2 Glenn Astro & Hodini - Wiggum & Lloyd 03:55
A3 Cuthead - Che 01:35
B1 O-Wells - Krushed Brew 03:31
B2 Qnete - Fry 02:26
B3 Manuel Fischer - Suzuki Spliffy 02:20
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Monsieur Van Pratt - No Te Perdereì
2
Monsieur Van Pratt - Believe
Repress in black Vinyl!
We here at TSTD are longtime fans of Mexican producer/musician MONSIEUR VAN PRATT. So it’s a great pleasure to finally work with the man. For this 7 inch he delivers two tracks:
Side A is a slow disco edit of a super rare Mexican late 70s cover version of Bobby Caldwell’s classic love song “What You Won’t Do for Love”.
Side B takes us into the church of Black Soul, a slow Gospel Soul track for your sunset disco beach bar dj sets.
Monsieur Van Pratt, founder of Super Spicy Records, is a prominent producer and DJ originally from Mexico City, whose influence on electronic music is widely recognized both nationally and internationally. With an impressive career that includes more than 100 releases in digital format.
Side A No Te Perdereì
Side B Believe
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
We here at TSTD are longtime fans of Mexican producer/musician MONSIEUR VAN PRATT. So it’s a great pleasure to finally work with the man. For this 7 inch he delivers two tracks:
Side A is a slow disco edit of a super rare Mexican late 70s cover version of Bobby Caldwell’s classic love song “What You Won’t Do for Love”.
Side B takes us into the church of Black Soul, a slow Gospel Soul track for your sunset disco beach bar dj sets.
Monsieur Van Pratt, founder of Super Spicy Records, is a prominent producer and DJ originally from Mexico City, whose influence on electronic music is widely recognized both nationally and internationally. With an impressive career that includes more than 100 releases in digital format.
Side A No Te Perdereì
Side B Believe
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:BEWITH175LP
Release-Date:30.05.2025
Genre:HipHop / Beats
Configuration:LP Excl
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:BEWITH175LP
Release-Date:30.05.2025
Genre:HipHop / Beats
Configuration:LP Excl
1
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Rambissimo
2
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Zugulala
3
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Maiden Voyage
4
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Rise
5
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Risk Pt. 1
6
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Risk Pt. 2
7
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Subinodima
8
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Flummox
9
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Both
10
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - All That You Could Be
11
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Talkin'
12
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Apex
13
Headnodic & Jazz Mafia - Roll The Credits
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: Hyper-limited (500 only) vinyl release, deep West Coast jazz-rap future classic, 140g vinyl.
Track List:
A1 Rambissimo
A2 Zugulala
A3 Maiden Voyage
A4 Rise
A5 Risk Pt. 1
A6 Risk Pt. 2
B1 Subinodima
B2 Flummox
B3 Both
B4 All That You Could Be
B5 Talkin'
B6 Apex
B7 Roll The Credits
Release Notes:
Deep West Coast Jazz-Rap instant c-l-a-s-s-i-c alert!
Perfect to chill to, Headnodic + Jazz Mafia's astounding self-titled record blends hip-hop and jazz effortlessly, bringing the two genres together with their intrinsic beauty intact. Here we get hip-hop beats made from the box (SP-12 / Maschine / Laptop / MPC etc.) that still feel like that good ol' loop-based Boom-Bap knock, mixed with an equal dose of timeless organic musicianship, shining with spontaneity, humanity and soul. This vital project came about when we opened an email from Thes One (of the mighty People Under The Stairs): "I want to introduce you to my good friend and collaborator Headnodic". Boy, are we glad he did.
It’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Jazzy hip-hop on that mellow-melodic tip, Headnodic + Jazz Mafia is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance these artists have, until now, passed you by. However, we truly believe this to be a hip-hop jazz masterpiece that'll be beloved for years to come. By way of introduction, Headnodic is a part of the fabric of underground hip-hop. From his contributions to the groundbreaking group Crown City Rockers (AKA Mission), to his production work with Lateef & the Gift of Gab as The Mighty Underdogs (Def Jux / Quannum Records), Headnodic embodies the spirit of hip-hop in a way that is both unique, rare and universal. A phenomenal talent, then, and one we were delighted to be put in touch with by Thes.
In the year 2000, trombonist, bassist, composer, arranger, and producer Adam Theis co-founded Jazz Mafia – an eclectic artist collective of forward-thinking and accomplished players in Electro, Hip-Hop, World, Classical, and Jazz. 25 years in the making, Jazz Mafia is a prolific staple of the quintessential San Francisco sound, uniting creative and accomplished Bay Area instrumentalists, vocalists, MCs, composers, and arrangers. The collective quickly garnered a reputation for its collaborative and risk-taking spirit, and over the years has worked with Roy Ayers, Lyrics Born, Zion-I, Latyrx and Blackalicious, to name a few.
Headnodic has been making beats since he was a teenager and, around the same time, he played electric and upright bass in jazz ensembles. The two genres were always intertwined for him: the jazz he loved had grit and groove and the hip-hop he loved sampled those very records, bringing that human touch to programmed beats. This album is a true collaboration between Headnodic and Adam Theis, along with The Jazz Mafia collective of musicians. In essence, Headnodic made the beats, Adam reacted with the horn arrangements but, with the extended family of musicians they pulled in, it made it feel like they were painting with infinite colours.
Indeed, some musicians - like vibraphonist Dan Neville - would replay and improvise over sampled loops, blurring the line between live performance and production. Other times, they’d strip out the sample entirely and build from the ground up with live players, leaving a recognisable loop to become a faint but welcoming echo of the original idea. How fresh is that? They enlisted some amazing vocalists and emcees: Genra, Do D.A.T., Ozay Moore (Lightheaded), Eligh (Living Legends) and Breathless brought raw lyricism.
Opener "Rambissimo" confidently strides out the gate, a rolling deep jazz--funk instrumental with old skool bells and brass over slick head-nod beats and chilled vibes. What else d'ya expect? Up next, "Zugulala" is a real slow-burn heater with a dancehall-adjacent riddim and gorgeous horns and vibes decorating the movement. Definitely one for more adventurous dance-floors and DJ sets. For their sublime, modern take on Herbie Hancock's “Maiden Voyage”, Otis MacDonald finds a propulsive pocket on the drum kit by melding seamlessly with a simple percussion loop from a belly dance instructional record. Yep! Colin Hogan’s left hand on the Juno 106 synthesizer glides like ocean currents, painting vast sonic landscapes while his right hand answers in real time on the Fender Rhodes electric piano. Destani Wolf then stacks her soulful voice into dense complex chordal clusters that take this voyage out of the confines of reality. Staggering!
Up next, the Be With link gets ever stronger with another interpolation / loose cover. Yep, "Rise", featuring Genra, Ozay Moore, is a laconic, sun-dappled take on Keni Burke's eternal "Risin' To The Top". It so breezy, so "magic hour" gorgeous that it feels like it could've come from Jazzy Jeff's all-time classic The Magnificent LP on BBE back in 2002. Really, it's that good. Another of our favourite tracks, "Risk Pt. 1" started with a dollar-bin library record Headnodic found on tour, decades ago. He looped a bassoon riff and, through Adam, connected with Paul Hanson, a master bassoonist who turned that loop in on itself. He then finished the song off with an improvised jam, syncopating against his own delay pedal, that was so heavy, so nasty, so epic that Headnodic just had to add drums from the MPC to make a new song titled “Risk Pt 2”. Moments like that — where rigid beat-making met the wild unpredictability of live jazz — became the heart of the record. Kaleidoscopic, breathless, strident trip-hop.
The B-side is ushered in with arguably the most immediate track on the album, the stunning, lo-fi jazz-hop instrumental "Subinodima". It's certainly your favourite. So slick, yet so evocative, like a perfectly produced 70s AM rock instrumental. Up next, "Flummox" raises the temperature over another killer Latin-flavoured steppers riddim, a wicked melting pot of programmed drums, infectious horn melodies and spacey synths. If that wasn't hot enough, the fierce "Both", featuring Olivia Ruff and Do D.A.T., deserves to be blasted across world, from sweaty basements to hyped radio shows to BBQ cookouts and beach parties. It's absolutely sensational and will likely seal the deal for you.
The breezy "All That You Could Be" is another exquisite, elegant instrumental with the players flowing beautifully and Headnodic's ear for a gliding beat and sun-kissed atmosphere shining through. As you may have guessed, one listen to "Talkin'" and you'll know it's a freaky, horn-fuelled take on the jazz-rap classic from Stetsasonic. Just brilliant. On “Apex”, longtime collaborators like Kat O1O and Max MacVeety (from Crown City Rockers) added their rhythm section magic, with Jon Monahan’s guitar bouncing ideas back and forth with Rita Thies’ flute whilst on the brief, aptly-titled closer "Roll The Credits" feels like a neat summation of everything you've just serenely digested. Perfect.
The funny thing is, for all the spontaneity you hear, Headnodic reliably informs us that this album took a ton of time and meticulous editing to sound as loose as it does: "W sent files back and forth, carving out spaces for solos, layering instruments, and constantly reshaping the songs. The goal was always to make it feel like we were all in the same room, jamming together. In the end, this feels like a collaboration, it feels exciting and it feels human. I’m incredibly proud of what we made and grateful for everyone who added their voice to the project."
Be With doing the vinyl for Headnodic + Jazz Mafia felt like the perfect match for all involved. As Headnodic explains, "the label’s catalog champions the spirit and sonic aesthetic we aimed for on this record — that warm, organic thickness of ’70s library records, like the re-releases they did with the KPM and Themes catalogs, mixed with Cali Hip-Hop a la Freestyle Fellowship. We wanted to channel 70s era’s rich textures, blending them with live musicianship to bring the sound full circle: from the records we’d sample for hip-hop back to musicians in a room, playing with the same raw energy. Be With gets the deep crate-digging sensibilities and love for boom-bap hip-hop, much like we do. It feels good to release music, knowing this record lives comfortably somewhere between Nohelani Cypriano and Bahamadia." It's been mastered for vinyl by Be With stalwart Simon Francis, cut by our favourite engineer Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios and pressed at the legendary Record Industry in Holland. Quality to the end.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Format Notes: Hyper-limited (500 only) vinyl release, deep West Coast jazz-rap future classic, 140g vinyl.
Track List:
A1 Rambissimo
A2 Zugulala
A3 Maiden Voyage
A4 Rise
A5 Risk Pt. 1
A6 Risk Pt. 2
B1 Subinodima
B2 Flummox
B3 Both
B4 All That You Could Be
B5 Talkin'
B6 Apex
B7 Roll The Credits
Release Notes:
Deep West Coast Jazz-Rap instant c-l-a-s-s-i-c alert!
Perfect to chill to, Headnodic + Jazz Mafia's astounding self-titled record blends hip-hop and jazz effortlessly, bringing the two genres together with their intrinsic beauty intact. Here we get hip-hop beats made from the box (SP-12 / Maschine / Laptop / MPC etc.) that still feel like that good ol' loop-based Boom-Bap knock, mixed with an equal dose of timeless organic musicianship, shining with spontaneity, humanity and soul. This vital project came about when we opened an email from Thes One (of the mighty People Under The Stairs): "I want to introduce you to my good friend and collaborator Headnodic". Boy, are we glad he did.
It’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Jazzy hip-hop on that mellow-melodic tip, Headnodic + Jazz Mafia is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance these artists have, until now, passed you by. However, we truly believe this to be a hip-hop jazz masterpiece that'll be beloved for years to come. By way of introduction, Headnodic is a part of the fabric of underground hip-hop. From his contributions to the groundbreaking group Crown City Rockers (AKA Mission), to his production work with Lateef & the Gift of Gab as The Mighty Underdogs (Def Jux / Quannum Records), Headnodic embodies the spirit of hip-hop in a way that is both unique, rare and universal. A phenomenal talent, then, and one we were delighted to be put in touch with by Thes.
In the year 2000, trombonist, bassist, composer, arranger, and producer Adam Theis co-founded Jazz Mafia – an eclectic artist collective of forward-thinking and accomplished players in Electro, Hip-Hop, World, Classical, and Jazz. 25 years in the making, Jazz Mafia is a prolific staple of the quintessential San Francisco sound, uniting creative and accomplished Bay Area instrumentalists, vocalists, MCs, composers, and arrangers. The collective quickly garnered a reputation for its collaborative and risk-taking spirit, and over the years has worked with Roy Ayers, Lyrics Born, Zion-I, Latyrx and Blackalicious, to name a few.
Headnodic has been making beats since he was a teenager and, around the same time, he played electric and upright bass in jazz ensembles. The two genres were always intertwined for him: the jazz he loved had grit and groove and the hip-hop he loved sampled those very records, bringing that human touch to programmed beats. This album is a true collaboration between Headnodic and Adam Theis, along with The Jazz Mafia collective of musicians. In essence, Headnodic made the beats, Adam reacted with the horn arrangements but, with the extended family of musicians they pulled in, it made it feel like they were painting with infinite colours.
Indeed, some musicians - like vibraphonist Dan Neville - would replay and improvise over sampled loops, blurring the line between live performance and production. Other times, they’d strip out the sample entirely and build from the ground up with live players, leaving a recognisable loop to become a faint but welcoming echo of the original idea. How fresh is that? They enlisted some amazing vocalists and emcees: Genra, Do D.A.T., Ozay Moore (Lightheaded), Eligh (Living Legends) and Breathless brought raw lyricism.
Opener "Rambissimo" confidently strides out the gate, a rolling deep jazz--funk instrumental with old skool bells and brass over slick head-nod beats and chilled vibes. What else d'ya expect? Up next, "Zugulala" is a real slow-burn heater with a dancehall-adjacent riddim and gorgeous horns and vibes decorating the movement. Definitely one for more adventurous dance-floors and DJ sets. For their sublime, modern take on Herbie Hancock's “Maiden Voyage”, Otis MacDonald finds a propulsive pocket on the drum kit by melding seamlessly with a simple percussion loop from a belly dance instructional record. Yep! Colin Hogan’s left hand on the Juno 106 synthesizer glides like ocean currents, painting vast sonic landscapes while his right hand answers in real time on the Fender Rhodes electric piano. Destani Wolf then stacks her soulful voice into dense complex chordal clusters that take this voyage out of the confines of reality. Staggering!
Up next, the Be With link gets ever stronger with another interpolation / loose cover. Yep, "Rise", featuring Genra, Ozay Moore, is a laconic, sun-dappled take on Keni Burke's eternal "Risin' To The Top". It so breezy, so "magic hour" gorgeous that it feels like it could've come from Jazzy Jeff's all-time classic The Magnificent LP on BBE back in 2002. Really, it's that good. Another of our favourite tracks, "Risk Pt. 1" started with a dollar-bin library record Headnodic found on tour, decades ago. He looped a bassoon riff and, through Adam, connected with Paul Hanson, a master bassoonist who turned that loop in on itself. He then finished the song off with an improvised jam, syncopating against his own delay pedal, that was so heavy, so nasty, so epic that Headnodic just had to add drums from the MPC to make a new song titled “Risk Pt 2”. Moments like that — where rigid beat-making met the wild unpredictability of live jazz — became the heart of the record. Kaleidoscopic, breathless, strident trip-hop.
The B-side is ushered in with arguably the most immediate track on the album, the stunning, lo-fi jazz-hop instrumental "Subinodima". It's certainly your favourite. So slick, yet so evocative, like a perfectly produced 70s AM rock instrumental. Up next, "Flummox" raises the temperature over another killer Latin-flavoured steppers riddim, a wicked melting pot of programmed drums, infectious horn melodies and spacey synths. If that wasn't hot enough, the fierce "Both", featuring Olivia Ruff and Do D.A.T., deserves to be blasted across world, from sweaty basements to hyped radio shows to BBQ cookouts and beach parties. It's absolutely sensational and will likely seal the deal for you.
The breezy "All That You Could Be" is another exquisite, elegant instrumental with the players flowing beautifully and Headnodic's ear for a gliding beat and sun-kissed atmosphere shining through. As you may have guessed, one listen to "Talkin'" and you'll know it's a freaky, horn-fuelled take on the jazz-rap classic from Stetsasonic. Just brilliant. On “Apex”, longtime collaborators like Kat O1O and Max MacVeety (from Crown City Rockers) added their rhythm section magic, with Jon Monahan’s guitar bouncing ideas back and forth with Rita Thies’ flute whilst on the brief, aptly-titled closer "Roll The Credits" feels like a neat summation of everything you've just serenely digested. Perfect.
The funny thing is, for all the spontaneity you hear, Headnodic reliably informs us that this album took a ton of time and meticulous editing to sound as loose as it does: "W sent files back and forth, carving out spaces for solos, layering instruments, and constantly reshaping the songs. The goal was always to make it feel like we were all in the same room, jamming together. In the end, this feels like a collaboration, it feels exciting and it feels human. I’m incredibly proud of what we made and grateful for everyone who added their voice to the project."
Be With doing the vinyl for Headnodic + Jazz Mafia felt like the perfect match for all involved. As Headnodic explains, "the label’s catalog champions the spirit and sonic aesthetic we aimed for on this record — that warm, organic thickness of ’70s library records, like the re-releases they did with the KPM and Themes catalogs, mixed with Cali Hip-Hop a la Freestyle Fellowship. We wanted to channel 70s era’s rich textures, blending them with live musicianship to bring the sound full circle: from the records we’d sample for hip-hop back to musicians in a room, playing with the same raw energy. Be With gets the deep crate-digging sensibilities and love for boom-bap hip-hop, much like we do. It feels good to release music, knowing this record lives comfortably somewhere between Nohelani Cypriano and Bahamadia." It's been mastered for vinyl by Be With stalwart Simon Francis, cut by our favourite engineer Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios and pressed at the legendary Record Industry in Holland. Quality to the end.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Noa Erni - The Mental Traveller Takes Off
2
Noa Erni - The Mental Traveller Theme (feat. Nardo Says)
3
Noa Erni - Train Ride (feat. Miles Bonny)
4
Noa Erni - Seeds Of Labor (feat. Shamir of WOLM)
5
Noa Erni - Microsleep
6
Noa Erni - Longitude (w/ S. Fidelity)
7
Noa Erni - Calmility
8
Noa Erni - Second Nature of the Beast (feat. Count Bass D)
9
Noa Erni - Square (feat. Nardo Says)
10
Noa Erni - Uncertainty
11
Noa Erni - Shapes
12
Noa Erni - Damn It's Sunny (feat. Robot Orchestra)
The Mental Traveller - A Soundtrack by Noa Erni
If music can take our mind to any imaginable place, on endless individual journeys, Noa Erni's "The Mental Traveller" is the infinite soundtrack. A soundtrack for mental wandering and soul searching, a blend of rap, jazz and hip-hop beats. "The Mental Traveller", an album assembled like a literary anthology, offers musical arrangements and unique narratives where epilogue and prologue of each track merge seamlessly. Far beyond the horizon of compiling single tracks, "The Mental Traveller" is a journey of sound and unity. Inspired by David Axelrod and William Blake, Ahmad Jamal and Flying Lotus - just to name a few - this work aims to be a tribute to these legends' legacies of past, present and future, detached from trends, norms and classical narrative structure.
Swiss-born producer and computer conductor Noa Erni has been crafting obscure jazz and hip-hop behind closed curtains (a.k.a. his flat in Berlin, Germany) for years - free from external pressure and as an adjunct to his day jobs as sommelier and co-owner of local fine wine store "Friedenauer Weinhandlung". On April 30th, 2021, Kommerz Records will release Noa Erni's debut album "The Mental Traveller" on 12" vinyl as well as on all digital platforms. The project features internationally renowned artists such as Count Bass D (alternative rap pioneer, who worked with Snoop Dogg, MF Doom (R.I.P.) and Retrogott), Miles Bonny (New Mexico-based singer and trumpeter), S. Fidelity (hip-hop producer signed to German tastemaker label Jakarta Records) and more. Erni's guests meld seamingly with this unapologetic and experimental album showcasing stand out performances on vocals, instruments and production.
While the album sounds like it was played by a jazz outfit with years of stage experience, the truth surprises and is even more exciting: Noa crafted the songs in countless hours of experimenting with a midi keyboard, various instrument plugins and perfected reverb settings. It was not one and the same band but one and the same person. Just a few tracks include actual live instruments: drums by Max von der Goltz on "The Mental Traveller Theme" and "Uncertainty", bass by Roman Klobe on "Longitude" and flugelhorn by Miles Bonny on "Train Ride".
Tracklist LP:
1 The Mental Traveller Takes Off 00:01:06
2 The Mental Traveller Theme (feat. Nardo Says) 00:05:05
3 Train Ride (feat. Miles Bonny) 00:03:21
4 Seeds Of Labor (feat. Shamir of WOLM) 00:03:14
5 Microsleep 00:03:09
6 Longitude (w/ S. Fidelity) 00:04:13
7 Calmility 00:02:41
8 Second Nature of the Beast (feat. Count Bass D) 00:01:54
9 Square (feat. Nardo Says) 00:02:07
10 Uncertainty 00:02:58
11 Shapes 00:02:33
12 Damn It's Sunny (feat. Robot Orchestra) 00:04:33
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
If music can take our mind to any imaginable place, on endless individual journeys, Noa Erni's "The Mental Traveller" is the infinite soundtrack. A soundtrack for mental wandering and soul searching, a blend of rap, jazz and hip-hop beats. "The Mental Traveller", an album assembled like a literary anthology, offers musical arrangements and unique narratives where epilogue and prologue of each track merge seamlessly. Far beyond the horizon of compiling single tracks, "The Mental Traveller" is a journey of sound and unity. Inspired by David Axelrod and William Blake, Ahmad Jamal and Flying Lotus - just to name a few - this work aims to be a tribute to these legends' legacies of past, present and future, detached from trends, norms and classical narrative structure.
Swiss-born producer and computer conductor Noa Erni has been crafting obscure jazz and hip-hop behind closed curtains (a.k.a. his flat in Berlin, Germany) for years - free from external pressure and as an adjunct to his day jobs as sommelier and co-owner of local fine wine store "Friedenauer Weinhandlung". On April 30th, 2021, Kommerz Records will release Noa Erni's debut album "The Mental Traveller" on 12" vinyl as well as on all digital platforms. The project features internationally renowned artists such as Count Bass D (alternative rap pioneer, who worked with Snoop Dogg, MF Doom (R.I.P.) and Retrogott), Miles Bonny (New Mexico-based singer and trumpeter), S. Fidelity (hip-hop producer signed to German tastemaker label Jakarta Records) and more. Erni's guests meld seamingly with this unapologetic and experimental album showcasing stand out performances on vocals, instruments and production.
While the album sounds like it was played by a jazz outfit with years of stage experience, the truth surprises and is even more exciting: Noa crafted the songs in countless hours of experimenting with a midi keyboard, various instrument plugins and perfected reverb settings. It was not one and the same band but one and the same person. Just a few tracks include actual live instruments: drums by Max von der Goltz on "The Mental Traveller Theme" and "Uncertainty", bass by Roman Klobe on "Longitude" and flugelhorn by Miles Bonny on "Train Ride".
Tracklist LP:
1 The Mental Traveller Takes Off 00:01:06
2 The Mental Traveller Theme (feat. Nardo Says) 00:05:05
3 Train Ride (feat. Miles Bonny) 00:03:21
4 Seeds Of Labor (feat. Shamir of WOLM) 00:03:14
5 Microsleep 00:03:09
6 Longitude (w/ S. Fidelity) 00:04:13
7 Calmility 00:02:41
8 Second Nature of the Beast (feat. Count Bass D) 00:01:54
9 Square (feat. Nardo Says) 00:02:07
10 Uncertainty 00:02:58
11 Shapes 00:02:33
12 Damn It's Sunny (feat. Robot Orchestra) 00:04:33
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More