2020 winter

Order: http://www.kompakt.fm/releases/signs_under_test_2xlp_cd

- The lastest full-length effort from LA-based synth mastermind JOHN TEJADA
- An unabashedly dreamy collection of 11 expertly crafted cuts that rank among the artist's best work to date
- 2xLP edition pressed on 180gr audiophile vinyl, including a CD of the entire album

Following his much-acclaimed full-length „The Predicting Machine“ (KOMPAKT 267 CD 102) and a slew of pop-infused 12“ singles - „We Can Pretend“ (KOMPAKT 286) and „Somewhere“ (KOMPAKT 264) -, LA-based synth mastermind JOHN TEJADA returns with new album SIGNS UNDER TEST: comprised of all-new material, this latest effort sees the studio wizard digging deeper into his modules, unearthing particularly dreamy tracks that rank among John's most accomplished work to date.

From the get-go, SIGNS UNDER TEST presents itself as a whole new ball of wax, reaching even further into the depths of JOHN TEJADA's hot-wired synth machinery, while cranking up the already stunning levels of musicality on display in his oeuvre. Opener TWO 0 ONE serves as a prime example for the sonic aplomb in place, thanks to its beautifully rendered melodies and finely tuned textures – a perfect storm made of cosy melancholy and celestial bliss. This expertly wrought piece serves as a particularly strong entry point for the album, setting the bar high for its successors.

An unabashedly brilliant listen, the album continues its thrilling journey with existential bleepfest Y 0 WHY and the bass-heavy BEACHT, followed by the intricately arpeggiated R.U.R. and brooding electronica vignette VAALBARA. The second part is ringed in by the undulating CRYPTOCHROME - another proof for JOHN TEJADA's uncanny ability to craft tracks that operate as distinguished bouncers as well as introspective meditations. The deliberate vivacity of connecting cuts RUBRIC and PENUMBRA only confirms the growing suspicion that this might be a timeless masterpiece we're dealing with.

As gorgeous as it sounds, texture isn't the only star here: a surprisingly diverse set of rhythm patterns suffuses the mesmerizing synth licks - take for example the multilayered ENDORPHINS effortlessly switching between straight techno stylings and vintage breakbeat ornaments. Meanwhile, electronic landscape painting MEADOW purrs away on its road to redemption, priming the listener for closing cut HEAVE IN SIGHT, an atmospherically rich composition that marries abstract storytelling with a flurry of reversed synth sounds.

„There's a bit more dreamy tape wobble going on throughout“, says the producer about his latest effort, „as I’ve gone quite analog tape with my delays and patches - on the verge of actually being broken, which gives them a nice character.“ It also might explain the air of intimacy surrounding the album - a quite personal listening experience taking the listener up close with its details and idiosyncracies, „maybe even more than before, as I’ve tried to cut out distractions and really focus on the production.“
The result is a record that is not meant to be trendy, even though it’s a product of analog hardware connoisseurship: „Everything is built from the ground up using hardware synths - mostly analog, but that’s a bit annoying to say nowadays. It’s not a record that fits in with any current stuff, but something that hopefully holds up as it ages. Something that hopefully reveals more on repeated listens.“ In our humble opinion, this mission has been more than accomplished with SIGNS UNDER TEST.

01 Two O One

Very emotional song. Emotional and beautiful.

I'm not used to

Still Life is the debut EP from London musician, producer and singer Aaron Taylor.

All songs written and produced by Aaron Taylor. 

Vocals, keyboards, claps and drum programming: Aaron Taylor. 
Guitar: Bayo Adegboyega. 
Bass: James Rudi Creswick. 
Trumpet, trombone, bugle and flugelhorn: Francois Legrain. 
Recorded and mixed by Aaron Taylor. 
Mastered by Andy 'Hippy' Baldwin @ Metropolis London.

‘I Ain’t Worried (Interlude)’ contains excerpts of the speech and recording “I’ve Been To The Mountain Top” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

‘The Man With The Blue Guitar (Interlude)’ contains excerpts of the poem “The Man With The Blue Guitar” by Wallace Stephens as read by David J. Bauman, and a rendition of “Makings of You” as written by Curtis Mayfield (performed by Aaron Taylor). 

Cover artwork: Matt Miller.

The Man With The Blue Guitar (Interlude)

Lianne La Havas' cover of Aretha Franklin's 'Say A Little Prayer' performed and recorded on the US Blood Solo tour in Oakland at The New Parish on Feb 9th, 2016.

Say A Little Prayer

Say A Little Prayer (Live)

Back by popular (@SnoopDogg) demand. Yesterday, the OG posted this video (https://www.facebook.com/MayerHawthorne/videos/10150636284309986/) and many of y’all were asking about this remix. Free Download! 

Just Ain't Gonna Work Out (Astronote El Camino Remix)

Jamila Woods - Holy 

Stream / Download - https://jamilawoods.lnk.to/holy

Jagjaguwar/Closed Sessions

HOLY

Jamila Woods - Holy

http://smarturl.it/CDW_Doubt

Written by Charlotte Day Wilson, Chester Hansen & Matthew Tavares
Co-produced & Engineered by Charlotte Day Wilson & Matthew Tavares
Vocals - Charlotte Day Wilson
Drums - Duncan Hood
Bass - Chester Hansen
Keys - Matthew Tavares, Charlotte Day Wilson & Nick Nausbaum
Guitar - Chester Hansen & Charlotte Day Wilson
Mixed by Chris Tabron
Mastered by Emily Lazar
Artwork by Devon Little

Doubt

Buy & Stream

Is Your Love Big Enough? (Deluxe Edition)

Forget

Debut album Light of Mine out now!
Buy/stream(http://kyle.lnk.to/LightofMineSO)

Download

ShipTrip

WIDDIT (prod DISK NAGATAKI)

I don't

get together

Lost & Found

Pip Millett - Try A Little Tenderness

Ivor Novello Award-winner and Mercury, Grammy, and BRIT-nominated artist Lianne La Havas unveils her new single ‘Disarray.’ The track showcases a blend of emotional depth and striking vocal delivery, set against sparse, ethereal finger-plucked electric guitar —a signature of La Havas’ style. 

“The song felt very intimate, almost like a secret just for me,” says La Havas. “It’s about vulnerability, honesty, and giving listeners a window into a moment of my life.”

Over the course of her career, La Havas has released three acclaimed albums — Is Your Love Big Enough? , Blood and her self-titled Lianne La Havas  (which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album). She has collaborated with leading international artists and captivated audiences worldwide with her spellbinding live performances.

Released via her own Καλό μήνα (Kalo Mina) Records. La Havas embarks on an exciting new chapter, broadening her sonic horizons while remaining rooted in vulnerability and artistry.

Lost & Found

Lianne La Havas

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