I Am That I Am

© De Lichting, 2024

De Lichting Presents: Nathan Kofi’s Debut Album I Am That I Am – A Personal Odyssey.

Tracklist

WOLKEN (04:00) *
EGO (05:04) *
OKAERI (06:05)
DJAI (05:45)
WEKŪ (06:31)
EFUA (04:25) *
* Indicates corresponding visualizer.

Following RDS's E-mutations, De Lichting ventures into a new chapter with their latest releases, transitioning from a focus on collective synergy to intimate, individual storytelling from its core artists.

Nathan Kofi’s upcoming debut album I Am That I Am stands as the next sonic statement from the De Lichting—a personal odyssey reflecting growth, deep introspection, and identity. The album takes listeners on a personal journey through time. Each track, crafted over several years, reflects a dynamic evolution, passing through multiple phases of growth and experimentation. This carefully curated collection connects the dots between past and present, weaving together a cohesive sonic experience.

Inspired by Peter Tosh’s iconic 1977 anthem, Kofi’s album title embodies a powerful declaration of self-identity, independence, and inner strength, embracing the spirit of individuality as both a message and a movement. The album explores Kofi’s internal struggle between taking responsibility and evading it—a paradox, which can be interpreted from either perspective.

The six-track album sees Kofi navigating new creative territory. WOLKEN stands out with its fusion of Dutch lyrics and a hip-house-leaning ambient foundation, effortlessly bridging introspective soundscapes with minimalistic drum paterns. Meanwhile, EGO and EFUA dive deeper into IDM-inspired textures and broken beats, evoking ’90s-era nostalgia with layers that nod to artists like Plaid. These three tracks are further elevated by one-minute visualizers created by Djoa Lekatompessy (Hittegolf Studio), which feel more like evocative short films, enhancing the multi-sensory storytelling and adding depth to the album’s themes.

The remaining tracks, OKAERI, DJAI, and WEKŪ, invite listeners straight to the dance floor, propelled by a steady four-to-the-floor pulse. These tracks highlight Kofi’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant house anthems, drawing dancers inward while syncing their external body movements to the pulse of 909 drums, the Deluge Synthstrom, and lush LEM Bit Crumar pads.

I Am That I Am Releases: December 6th.

Nathan Kofi – I Am That I Am

fka nathan surreal

part of @delichting records, de school amsterdam

bookings: tim@rhythmicculture.com

releases on: de lichting, dekmantel, analog solutions, aex (indigo area), biologic, kms, sohaso, motech records.