“Earth, Our Planet?”: A call for environmental awareness. This time, Pedro Vian - the
founder of Modern Obscure Music - presents his fourth solo album (following his 2020
release, "Ibillorca").
Due for release in spring 2024, "Earth, Our Planet?" promises to immerse us in a moving
odyssey, crossing the boundaries of musical genres to provoke an urgent meditation on the
protection of our planet. On this occasion Vian has composed the album influenced by the
myth of the eternal return, the compositions are long and repetitive, generating states of pure
trance.
Pedro Vian, singular for his fusion of genres and styles, ventures into even more complex
territories in "Earth, Our Planet?". From the first listen, it is evident that this work treads the
line of convention and breaks the boundaries of electronic and experimental music with
artistic dexterity. The album weaves together texture, hypnotic rhythms and melody. Each
track reveals his distinctive ability to create immersive landscapes, guiding the listener into
deep emotional introspection. This is not just music; it is a transformative experience.
The beauty of this album lies not only in the musical vision. The album features high-calibre
collaborations that add layers of creativity and elegance. Trumpeter Pierre Bastien, whose
early productions left an indelible mark on Aphex Twin's Reflex label, infuses "A Day in
Rotterdam" with a unique emotional resonance. Violinist, Asia, renowned for her avant-garde
approach and ability to conjure unique landscapes, elevates the album's opening tracks
"Urobóros" and "Les Tambours Subterraniens". Their skill and sensitivity intertwine perfectly
with Vian's artistic vision. In addition, Italian producer Daniele Mana, with whom Pedro Vian
collaborated closely on his previous album "Cascades", known for his experimental
approach and talent for creating extraterrestrial atmospheres also contributes to "Les
Tambours Subterraniens". His artistic perspective adds more complexity and texture to the
piece, pushing the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. There is also a
collaboration with Raül Refree, an artist with whom Vian worked with last year, presenting
“Font De la Vera Pau”, an album that The Guardian defined as "a wonderful piece of electroacoustic
music, a captivating mix of strings and analogue synth drones which sometimes
flirts with Alice Coltrane-ish spiritual jazz".
With "Earth, Our Planet?", Pedro Vian not only offers up some of his best work to date, but it
is also a call to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. As a part of a planet where
environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, he urges us to protect and preserve our
world as an extension of ourselves. This extensive work is a statement, Vian addresses the
notion that too often we prioritise immediate needs over the well-being of the planet. It
highlights the fact that we often consider the Earth as a possession when, in reality, we are
but a part of it.


1_Pedro Vian feat. Asia - Uróboros
2_Pedro Vian feat. Mana - Les Tambours Suterraniens
3_Pedro Vian - Satan’s Voice
4_Pedro Vian - Lucid Dreams
5_Pedro Vian - Un Storia Infinita
6_Pedro Vian feat. Raul Refree - The Limit of Nothing
7_Pedro Vian feat. Pierre Bastien - A Day in Rotterdam
8_Pedro Vian - Your Face Shines more than the Sun
9_Pedro Vian - Hipódromo
10_Pedro Vian - Crema Lent

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

We are thrilled to introduce the world to the innovative sounds of the Japanese improvisational music trio 'I-I'. Composed of three exceptionally talented musicians, Kazuhisa Uchihashi (guitar, daxophone, pedals), Mitsuhisa Sakaguchi (synthesizers, pedals) and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto (percussion). This dynamic ensemble has embarked on a remarkable musical journey with their homonymous debut album.
"There's no inspiration from others. We just played." With this raw and unfiltered approach to music, 'I-I' promises a unique listening experience. The album's overall sound and style can be described as completely improvised, devoid of any predetermined theme or content. Instead, the musicians rely on their deep understanding of each other's musicality to create spontaneous and captivating harmonies. This organic approach results in a tension-filled sound that challenges traditional norms.
In their own words, the musicians stated that there are no particular themes or messages they seek to convey through the songs. Their creative process is one of pure exploration, allowing their musical intuition to guide them.
'I-I' is the trio's debut album, marking the beginning of their musical journey as a collective.
Despite the complexities of spontaneous creation, the trio revealed that they faced no significant challenges during the album's production, making the creative process smooth and seamless."We hope you will listen to this album from the first track to the last track in order, as like 'Album-oriented music.' The trio hopes that listeners will fully immerse themselves in "I-I" by sitting down in front of their audio systems and playing it as loudly as possible. Their goal is to provide a unique and unforgettable musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
"I-I" is now available for listeners who crave the thrill of uncharted musical territory. Embrace the unexpected and embark on a sonic adventure with this groundbreaking debut album.

Tracklist

1.I-I - movement 1

2.I-I - movement 2

3.I-I - movement 3

4.I-I - movement 4

5.I-I - movement 5

6.I-I - movement 6



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Merzbow (aka Masami Akita), Animal Rights Activist, Writer, and Musician, an Iconic Figure in International Noise Scene

Renowned for his pioneering contributions to the noise music genre, Merzbow (aka Masami Akita) has solidified his position as one of its most significant and recognizable figures. From his groundbreaking utilization of tape loops to craft expansive industrial landscapes in the late 1970s, to his transition to laptop-generated static noise at the turn of the century, Merzbow has consistently pushed the boundaries of sonic experimentation.

Modern Obscure Music is delighted to unveil Merzbow's debut release on the label, "Tsubute Mosaic."

Tracklisting:
A. Tsubute Mosaic Part 1 - 19:06
B. Tsubute Mosaic Part 2 - 17:41


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Format Notes:
2024 first time double vinyl reissue with exclusive bonus track, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork


Track List:

A1 Intro 0:50
A2 WordPlay 3:17
A3 Spontaneity 4:08
A4 Rugged Ruff 3:08
A5 Interlude 0:29

B1 I Confess 4:06
B2 UKNOWHOWWEDU 3:35
B3 Interlude 1:09
B4 Total Wreck 3:26
B5 Innovation 3:23

C1 Da Jawn 5:19
C2 Interlude 1:05
C3 True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t) 3:41

D1 3 Tha Hard Way 4:12
D2 Biggest Part Of Me 4:51
D3 Path To Rhythm 3:24

Release Notes:

Bahamadia’s 1996 debut album Kollage is rightly regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of the 1990s. For the first time ever, Be With present the definitive double LP version of this eternal hip-hop classic, including the legendary "Path To Rhythm" which never appeared on the original LP or on vinyl, anywhere. An indelible VIBE from start-to-finish, Kollage presents Bahamadia's swirling rhymes delivered with an irresistibly butter flow and razor-sharp assuredness over a steady slew of smoothed-out, jazzed-up, blunted beats. Achingly cool and effortlessly funky throughout, it's an absolute must for true 90s hip-hop fanatics.

The entire Kollage project was recorded at D&D Studios and the ties to Gang Starr are keenly felt, with DJ Premier producing five tracks in addition to the killer songs Guru had already produced with her. Working with the cream of the mid-90s East Coast sound, Kollage is, accordingly, a record that demonstrates a varied musical taste with disparate influences, as Bahamadia has previously stated: “The title Kollage was a reflection of my state of mind. I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted Kollage to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically."

With intelligent, poetic lyricism and a laconic verbal style bursting with both warm texture and deceptive energy, Bahamadia’s flow was as inspired by Aretha and Nancy Wilson as it was Q-Tip, Schoolly D and Lady B. Swaggering out the gate, "WordPlay" finds Bahamadia confidently showcasing her considerable old-school battle-rhyme skills over a Guru beat that utilises an infectiously bouncy bassline with splashes of sultry jazz horns and a Jeru vocal snatch for the hook. Up next, the quietly shimmering and ruggedly beautiful "Spontaneity" is one of the most alluring on the record, Da Beatminerz crafting a brilliantly soulful and jazzy soundscape for Bahamadia's effortless vocals to float across. It's followed by "Rugged Ruff", where the rapper carefully constructs a swift off-beat flow over Premier's raw jazzy fire.

With smooth spacey synth vibes overseen by former Geto Boys producer N.O. Joe, "I Confess" is, without question, a fly love song and soothing (p)-funk groove. "UKNOWHOWWEDU" is an airy, chilled tribute to her hometown. Produced by Ski Beatz & DJ Redhanded, it rides a gloriously mellow break. It's a true Philly anthem, shouting out a who’s who of the entire city’s scene. Early banger "Total Wreck" follows, presenting a murky Guru instrumental elevated by jazzy horns. Bahamadia invokes the title's suggestion, firing her brilliant bars more aggressively than we’re accustomed to. More Beatminerz-brilliance comes in the way of "Innovation", an opportunity for the MC to invoke Freestyle Fellowship in her forward-thinking and literary verses. "Da Jawn" features hometown buddies The Roots, with Black Thought gliding into a back-and-forth with Bahamadia over ?uestlove’s warm, snapping percussion. With the strut club banger "True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t)", DJ Premier provides some laidback vibrant boom bap for Bahamadia to share a wild, cautionary tale about a night out with her girl, Kia.

Fan favourite "3 Tha Hard Way" is a hypnotically sinister cut, with Bahamadia, K-Swift and Mecca Star taking star turns to coast over DJ Premier’s raw beat whilst the tender "Biggest Part Of Me" is a heartfelt stunner dedicated to her son. Incredibly, only the European and Japanese CD versions of Kollage was released with the brilliantly breezy “Path To Rhythm”, featuring Ursula Rucker. Whilst ostensibly a "bonus track", it's anything but, to our ears. Very much in sonic conversation with KRS-One's stretched-out sleeper classic "Higher Level", it's absolutely essential so we had to include it, appearing on wax for the first time here, exclusively. Quite a coup.

Somewhat predictably, whilst Kollage was released to significant critical acclaim, it suffered from disappointing sales. In the intervening years - and for far too long - it was a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We hope this double LP reissue - which looks and sounds amazing - will go some way to correct this. This 2024 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. It's too bold and beautiful to remain overlooked and underserved.


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

1xLP, Standard Jacket, Copper Nugget Vinyl, 12x12 Insert, Marketing Sticker

Grandson is the second posthumous album from acclaimed rapper and Chicago legend, King Von. In a career that was ultimately cut far too short, King Von established himself as one of his generation's most vital storytellers, offering breathless intensity and visceral detail to animate the environment of his upbringing. Lovingly assembled by Von's closest collaborators, including producer Chopsquad DJ, the upcoming album features the same street sagas and invigorating anthems fans have come to expect. The album sees appearances from some of Von's heavy-hitting street rap peers, including Lil Durk, Polo G, Tee Grizzley, G Herbo & more. Singles include "Robberies," & "Heartless (feat. Tee Grizzley)."

Key Marketing/Selling:
- The second posthumous release from King Von
- King Von's last album, Welcome To O'Block, is the artists highest charting release to date, debuted at number 13 and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200
- Welcome To O'Block is certified Gold by the RIAA
- The singles "Crazy Story," & "Took Her To The O" are certified 3xPlatinum by the RIAA, with
- His first posthumous release, What It Means To Be King, debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200, earning 59k AEU, marking the second top 10 release for King Von
- Music video released for the single, "Robberies" (4.3M views in 2 weeks), with more to follow post release
- Digital Marketing Campaign planned for TikTok/Meta/Twitter/Snapchat
- OOH/Billboards in key markets - Chicago, NY (Times Square 3D motion), LA, ATL, Miami activation during rolling loud - billboard, video trucks, wheatpasting
- Official tracklist reveal in collaboration with Spotify in NY & LA (first ever bicoastal tracklist reveal for Spotify)
- King Von has over 9M monthly listeners on Spotify
- Robberies, the first single from the album released June 23, has over 4.4M streams on Spotify as of July 13th
- Heartless (feat. Tee Grizzley), the second single from the album, was streamed over 1.5M times on Spotify in it's first week of release

Tracklist:
A1/1. Don't Miss
A2/2. Real Oppy (feat. G Herbo)
A3/3. HitMan
A4/4. Phil Jackson (feat. Polo G)
A5/5. Robberies
A6/6. From The Hood (feat. Lil Durk)
A7/7. Pressure
A8/8. Jimmy
A9/9. Heartless (feat. Tee Grizzley)
B1/10. Jealous (feat. BreezyLyn & Tink)
B2/11. Act Up
B3/12. Think I'm A Hoe
B4/13. All We Do Is Drill
B5/14. GangLand (feat. 42 Dugg)
B6/15. Out Of The Streets (feat. Moneybagg Yo & Hotboii)
B7/16. When I Die
B8/17. Family Dedication 2


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore