Between electronic shadows and cinematic textures, this new album from QUENUM draws its influences from the likes of Massive Attack, Archive, and Burial. Started and produced in London, it reflects a change of time — both in the climate and within.

This project represents a personal and artistic turning point for QUENUM. He wanted to experiment with new ideas, not necessarily music for the club. The album was created in close collaboration with his son Zac, a talented musician who contributed both as a singer and instrumentalist on several tracks. They shared wonderful moments creating this album together.

He also worked hand in hand with his long-time friend Christophe Calpini, who played a key role in mixing and in developing the textures and atmospheres that shape the album’s sound. The result is an intimate, personal, and timeless journey, deeply rooted in the now.

Quenum elaborates: “The idea for my album was born during Covid in London, when concerts, museums, and social activities suddenly stopped. To cope, I started running daily and spending hours in the studio creating music. In our garden cabin I worked alongside my son Zac who was practicing piano, preparing for his entry into Trinity Laban Conservatoire. He listened to my tracks, and eventually contributed vocals with his ex-partner on two songs, ‘Blue Sky’ and ‘Never Like Before’. The album’s dark atmosphere reflects that period. Once it was complete, I asked my longtime friend Christophe Calpini to handle arrangements and mixing.”

A true pioneer of electronic music, QUENUM has been shaping the global techno and house scene for over two decades. One of his most celebrated tracks, “Orange Mistake”, co-produced with Luciano in 2001, became a turning point in his career. The success of this collaboration led them to launch the legendary Cadenza label, which rapidly grew into one of the most recognisable and respected imprints in the scene, known for its vital releases and unforgettable parties worldwide.

Over the years, QUENUM has continued to explore new creative paths and refine his artistic identity, constantly reinventing his sound while maintaining his unique musical signature. His insatiable curiosity and openness to new influences have kept him consistently in demand, from intimate underground venues to the world’s most respected festivals and clubs. 

Credits:
All tracks written & produced by Quenum Kouakou Philippe
Vocals by Sophie Robin on "Blue Sky" and "Never Like Before"
Vocals & keyboards by Zachary Quenum Wolf on on "Blue Sky" and "Never Like Before"
Vocals by kamaumeetsworld on The World Hurts
Mixed & Arranged by Christophe Calpini
Mastered by Louis McGuire in Berlin
Cover Artwork by Harry Boeki & Darween
Photography by Stephane Van Hove
Executive production & publishing by Rotary RM

Acknowledgments:
To my family, friends, and everyone who supported this project.

Special thanks to:
My sons Zac & Noam Quenum, kamaumeetsworld, all my nephews, nieces, brothers & sisters, sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Sandra Wolf, Goswing Schwendinger, Dachsund, my wife Olivia Kouakou Quenum, Mikolaï and the entire Rotary Team.

Buy 12"

Quenum - It's Like Waking Up

Rotary Phono Lab is an artist-driven label crafting timeless works and curating a bold spectrum of eclectic sounds.