Put It In My Head

The multi-talented Shay Hazan fuses rubbery North African Gnawa grooves, with haunting jazz horns and hip hop on “Bob Dealer”, his forthcoming single via international groove artisans, Batov Records.  A special taste from his first LP for Batov, ‘Reclusive Rituals’.

Tel-Aviv based musician Shay Hazan is a composer, producer, bassist & bandleader. His versatile bass is frequently heard on national radio, providing the hits of tomorrow with a foundation in groove, and MIMS readers may have heard his bass lines propelling the grooves of Sandman Project’s breakthrough EP, ‘Royal Family’.  Recently, Hazan’s straight jazz project, the Shay Hazan Quintet has been making waves, particularly with the release of a 7” single on Jazzman Records.

Having commenced producing his new album during the first Covid lockdown, his creative process this time was a marked departure from previous projects. Whereas he would normally call and gather his band together to record his new compositions live, Hazan would come up with a groove first before sending the recording parts to a drummer in Berlin or a saxophonist in Tel Aviv to add a complementary rhythm or melody, and then finally editing the results himself. As Hazan puts it, “So technically I had the role of the composer and the producer as well as the guimbri player.”

“I made this album in order to satisfy the inner urge for simple grooves and the search for a different and new sound that draws inspiration from ancient places with great tradition but still corresponds with the world and the period in which I live and the way I express myself.”

Having already mastered the double and electric bass, Hazan learned how to play the three-stringed gimbri: a camel-skin-covered bass plucked lute used by the Gnawa people of North Africa, as heard on their hypnotic music.  Hazan repurposes the unique qualities of the instrument with a jazz approach, no doubt inspired somewhat by his introduction to the instrument: “The truth is that my first acquaintance with the Gimbri was by bassist William Parker, who is not a traditional Gnawan player, but an American musician, identified with jazz and improvised music. that I have been following for years.  Once I saw him play with this thing in a show and my mind exploded, I started researching where it came from and listening to music from Morocco and North Africa”. 

The album title, ‘Reclusive Rituals’, is inspired by a Jean-Michel Basquiat interview from 1985 where he discusses his reclusiveness and the public demand for gossip on well-known figures. In particular how advantageous it can be to stay out of the limelight, as the crowd’s very nature is to eventually turn on their idols. Hazan interpreted this to imply that personal behavioural patterns are significantly affected by the fear of negative responses, often leading them to non-action: “Basquiat's words have been resonating in my head for a long time. I see around me a lot of people who for fear of receiving negative criticism, do not initiate or create anything.

And in a certain place, I'm a little scared to be in this place myself and feel the need to keep searching and creating all the time without being influenced by criticism, for better or worse.”

 "Bob Dealer" sees full digital release on December 3rd, with the album dropping on December 10th, on both vinyl and digital. Pre-order available now.

Bob Dealer (Single)

Exclusive Premiere: Shay Hazan "Bob Dealer" (Forthcoming on Batov Records)

‘Little Orphan Boy’ is the second single taken from album ‘This Is Brian Jackson’, presented with remixes by Two Soul Fusion, a.k.a. Louie Vega and Josh Milan.

The veteran artist’s first true solo LP in over 20 years, ‘This Is Brian Jackson’ is produced by Phenomenal Handclap Band founder Daniel Collás. Collás lovingly re-frames and updates ideas and demos that Jackson first laid down back in 1976, right around the time he recorded ‘Bridges’ with Gil Scott-Heron, for a solo project that never saw the light of day... until now.

Alongside his ‘Two Soul Fusion’ partner Josh Milan, Louie Vega gives the album’s closing track ‘Little Orphan Boy’ two truly vintage remix treatments, taking the song on an eclectic, soul-stirring, timeless journey. The extended ‘Two Soul Fusion’ mix calls to mind the golden era of Masters at Work productions, featuring a Latin-infused percussion groove, shimmering organs and in-the-cut funky guitar lines. The ‘Downtempo’ remix lets Brian Jackson’s vocals ride over a head-nodding, stripped back, yet equally soulful arrangement.

“A dream to work with Brian Jackson” says Louie Vega. “I mean, he’s a big part of our musical landscape and has been a huge inspiration in our lives. From way back to my early years in the Bronx, through to my DJing and producing career, into productions like Nuyorican Soul, Elements of Life, Kenlou, Brian and Gil have always been with us! Now to work on such an amazing song with Brian’s keyboard work and lead vocal, it made it so much easier for Two Soul Fusion (Josh and I) to find that pocket and groove. We had to create anepic piece and take you on a trip through several styles, it was calling for it. That’s due to the original work of Brian Jackson, a true Master at Work & Two Soul Fusion hero!!! I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next on the horizon with us and the one & only Brian Jackson.

Brian Jackson: "I have always loved the musicality and the rhythmic power that surges through the artistry of Louie Vega since I first heard him in Masters at Work. I made a silent wish that one day I would hear one of my songs given that special treatment. Imagine my elation to know that it would finally happen - with a song I wrote and recorded 45 years ago for a solo project that might have never happened if not for producer Daniel Collás and BBE chief Peter Adarkwah! Louie, along with Two Soul Fusion partner Josh Milan and I are alike in so many ways, I knew that if we ever got together, magic would happen and well... here’s to magic! My love and gratitude to Louie, Josh, Daniel, Peter and the beautiful BBE family.”

Brian Jackson - Little Orphan Boy

Cover/Remix of Auron's theme from FFX (Final Fantasy X).  Jazz/Electronic/Rock Jam featuring guitars and horn sections.

FFX - Auron's Theme (Cover)

Truest expression of my musical soul, Riddimer combines rich percussions, epic synthesizers and moving wind melodies. 
Early versions of the track were gifted to close friends and the feedback were unanimous : each time the tune got played, someone in the crowd came to ask what it was. Or maybe it only happened a few times and the legend built itself...
I deeply hope this piece of music will give you spiritual comfort.

Riddimer

Grey skies don’t feel so grey with you…

Infatuation

FULL EP NOW AVAILABLE:
iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/role-play-ep/id1021263013
Spotify : https://play.spotify.com/album/2C4IsiMB3gIaMVXoezXarl
Deezer : http://www.deezer.com/album/10866494

ROLE PLAY:
Bilal - Vocals 
Simon Mavin - Keyboards/Sounds & Vocal 
Paul Bender - Synth Bass 
Michael Severson - Bass, Guitar, Percussion 
Leron Thomas - Lead Vocals, Sounds & Trumpet 

Additional Credits:
Malik Crumpler - Engineering, Sound design, Arranging
Mixed by: Scratch Master Gib (One Two Pass It Studio)
Mastered by:: Shawn Joseph (Optimum Mastering)
Studios:
Labomatic Studio (Paris, France)
One Two Pass It Studio (Bagnolet, France)
Milerapa's Mind Studio (Harlem, NY)
DeSoto Sound Factory (Brooklyn, NY)
Artisitic Director: Guts
Produced by: Leron Thomas and Heavenly Sweetness

Role Play feat. Bilal

Welcome to This World

Bamako Love Song (feat. Shabaka Hutchings)

Taken from 'Mt Glorious' EP 
listen to full EP here: https://AWAL.lnk.to/sampologyep 
buy vinyl here: https://sampology.bandcamp.com/
℗&© Middle Name Records 2018

Mt Glorious

After The Storm

MIMS is excited to share Ahu’s “I & I”, remixed by Edseven; an addictive slice of soul over hip hop beats that brings to mind classic trip hop, whilst sounding fresh at the same time. Taken from Ahu’s forthcoming ‘Platonic’ EP on Inner Tribe. Released on October 30.

A Red Bull Music Academy alumnus, Ahu has worked with the likes of Flying Lotus, Mr. Beatnick, Emanative and Simbad. Her self released single 'To:Love' produced by Paul White and Dimlite received world wide support by heavyweights such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke. A woman of many talents, Ahu also doubles as a DJ playing festivals such as Barcelona Sonar Festival, Southern Soul Festival, Brainfeeder as well as some of the scenes most iconic clubs & events including Plastic People, Boiler Room London and Gilles Peterson’s World Wide Awards. 

This is a woman with raw talent and a unique voice that you won't forget, whose songs have an original other worldly sound. Which no doubt led to her Emanative feature, "Turn Your Lights On", finding its way on to a short film for Miu Miu, directed by Ava DuVernay.   From writing songs for movie scores, some in languages other than her own, and with her last single 'Go' released by none other than Sony Music in 2019, on top of all this she also has earned herself a monthly radio slot on Worldwide FM called "Hour of Light".

Ahu is also a certified Astrologer, giving a deeper understanding and meaning to this extremely innovative album. Astrology is a symbolic language and the EP title 'Platonic' is related to Neptune. In "I & I " (Venus Square Neptune) in astrology it describes disappointment in situations of Love.

Armed with a unique ear, deep collection and a skill for combining diverse sounds, Sydney's Edseven has built a solid reputation as a DJ over the last 15 years as well as a producer/remixer and more recently as a promoter.

Edseven's production work draws upon a wide variety of influences, with releases including the dusty off kilter hip hop of his first two EPs on Straightup Recordings to his future focused 'Pigeon Clap' released via Frequency Lab on their Headroom compilation. Hs most recent outing was a single on Sydney based label Low Key Source featuring vocals from Colonel Red with remixes from Potato Head People & Grooveman Spot.

Released digitally on October 30 with physical to follow. ‘Platonic’ also features remixes by Kid Sublime, Roane Namuh and Inner Tribe co-founder Inkswel.

Pre-Order

Exclusive Premiere: Ahu "I & I" (Edseven Remix) (Forthcoming on Inner Tribe)

Producer, DJ, Middle Name Records, Balamii Monthly Show
 
Sam Poggioli, aka Sampology, is a DJ, producer, recording engineer, visual artist and former Worldwide FM host from Brisbane/Meanjin. Over the last fifteen years, Sam has been a key player in the rise of Australia’s burgeoning hip-hop, deep house, future jazz and broken beat scenes. Since 2017, he’s released records through Soul Has No Tempo, his own Middle Name Records label, and crafted uptempo remixes for Quantic, Kerbside Collection, Winston Surfshirt and Myele Manzanza.

In the early days of his career, Sam made his mark by performing acclaimed audiovisual DJ sets at festivals and nightclubs throughout Australia, New Zealand, South Asia, Europe and North America. In more recent years, however, he’s balanced his considered skills in the DJ booth with his personal evolution as a composer, producer and recording engineer. Revelling in lush, atmospheric soundscapes which draw from the grandiose splendour of the natural landscape that surrounds his hometown, Sam’s music embraces ornate melodic beauty, blending with syncopated rhythms, low-end theory and lush vocals.

Before he took his audiovisual DJ sets to the world, Sam sharpened his musical knowledge and skills while working at the iconic Butter Beats record store and spinning a mixture of hip-hop, breaks and drum and bass at nightclubs across Brisbane. The road he walked to that point began in his mid-teens after he was exposed to New York’s Native Tongues collective and The Avalanches from Melbourne/Naarm. 

Fascinated by the sampledelic production techniques that helped take hip-hop to new levels in the 90s, Sam learned the basics of computer music production from his cousins, who were already performing nationally in a live electronica group. However, for the first act of his career, DJing was where Sam really shined. Soon enough, he was gracing stages alongside underground US and UK hip-hop stars like Blackalicious and Roots Manuva.

After proving himself nationally and overseas, Sam felt compelled to reconnect with Brisbane’s musical community and focus on his own growth as a producer and composer. This time around, as opposed to DJs and beatmakers, he was hanging out with a generation of trained instrumentalists and singers like Laneous and Noah Slee, who were reshaping the sounds of neo-soul, RnB, broken beat and jazz in the city. After learning more about recording equipment, he began collaborating with them on the material that made up his debut EP, Natural Selections (Soul Has No Tempo, 2016).

Sam also began to spend more time in the grandiose natural landscape that surrounds Brisbane and found himself reflecting on the formative musical experiences of his childhood, like being exposed to string music ensembles by his father and aunt, who’ve both spent decades as members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Sam also thought back to his early teens when he sang in a cathedral choir. As he began to carve out his own composition and production sound, choral music, harmony, and string textures became a crucial counterpoint to the rhythmic sensibilities he’d learned from DJing hip-hop and dance music to audiences across the globe.

By 2018, Sam was recording local choirs and string sections and had built a strong community of like-minded musicians around himself. That year, he established his own independent label and recording studio, Middle Name Records. He inaugurated it with the release of his soulful deep house EP Mt Glorious featuring Dudley Perkins, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Jordan Rakei, and Middle Name Dance Tracks Vol 1, a collection of broken beat, disco and house tracks he’d recorded with friends as Middle Name Dance Band.

In 2019, the tastemaker Gilles Peterson invited Sam to host a monthly online radio show on Worldwide FM, giving him a platform to share his ever-expanding musical taste with a global audience. Through his shows, emerging soul, jazz, RnB, hip-hop, and club music from Australia and New Zealand stood shoulder to shoulder with the freshest new cuts and reissues from the global underground.

Two years later, Sam released his debut album, Regrowth, through Middle Name Records. Featuring collaborations with Laneous, Allysha Joy (30/70 Collective), Silent Jay, Seven Davis Jr (US) and James Chatburn, the album showed off his hard-won growth as a composer and producer with inimitable style. Through a heady mixture of live instrumentation, synthesisers, machine beats and soaring voices, Regrowth charted a course through hip-hop, dance, ambient and jazz-funk, earning him comparisons to Bonobo, Jamie XX, Kaytranada and Jon Hopkins along the way.

After the release of Regrowth, Sam realised he’d spent the first half of his career chasing the cutting-edge underground sounds of North America and Europe. When he looked around him, he saw that in the wake of Melbourne/Naarm jazz-funk band Hiatus Kaiyote’s international success, the world was looking at Australia. Since then, he’s been working to document the sound of Brisbane’s underground through Middle Name Records. Sam hopes that in the future, the label’s discography may inspire a new generation of music lovers. Maybe in a decade, someone going through the bins in a record store in London or Manchester will become fascinated by the 2020s Brisbane sound.