Following her recent release with Live From Earth, Istanbul-rooted Nene H (@nenetreat) now launches her own label UMAY, aimed at representing SWANA and QTBIPOC artists. Inaugurated by Munich based trans activist BASHKKA (@bashkka), the EP titled Maktub (Arabic for ”its written”) materializes the artist's solo debut, and its trail blazes for queer club bangers. As BASHKKA states, ”Maktub is an idiosyncratic love letter to myself, my heritage and my community. My songs reflect the expedition of the past year and a half up until now and all the emotions that I gave myself space and fortitude to deal with and to also to relish in''.

BASHKKA, trained singer and songwriter, was born in Munich, but came of age amid the  New York Ballroom scene, which offered a different kind of family to the traditional Turkish one she grew up in. This dichotomy has been equally important in shaping BASHKKA’s identity as an artist—and is echoed throughout her solo debut which blends uptempo dance floor music with Kurdish vocal samples, alongside a Chicago-influenced bounce house piece featuring BASHKKA’s own vocals. The artwork by Copenhagen based Noah Umur Kanber complements these influences impressively, taking inspiration from Sumerian mythology and the non-binary goddesses Ishtar and Ereshkigal which can be seen in the motif. It's these two figures that BASHKKA has found most interesting in reflecting on her inner conflicts in regards to her personal history. Ishtar as the goddess of love and sexuality and Ereshkigal, representing the underworld. That is why BASHKKA’s debut EP turns out to be an intensely personal project, a love letter towards her foremost defining influences: her Turkish heritage and the queer community. She says, ”my sound hasn’t been as much of a thought through process and rather an echo of feelings passing through different margins, styles and all underrepresented communities..” 

UMAY starts as a non-profit label sharing the revenue with its artists, an open critique against industry standards, crude label politics and the dominant music business model that Nene H has had to painfully experience herself in the recent years. With Maktub, UMAY spotlights Nene H’s  close friend and ally whose presence in the European club community has recently risen at an astounding pace, as demonstrated by her presence at some of the most renowned clubs such as Berghain / Panorama Bar. 

The EP features four original tracks by BASHKKA, complemented with a remix by label mommy Nene H. Maktub will first appear digitally on February 15th via UMAY and is followed by a vinyl release and music video in the summer. Dedicated merchandise is available via Bandcamp, profits from the merchandise go to The Association for Support for Transgender Children (FSTB).

1. Act Bad (4:47)
2. DeFol (5:14)
3. Aziza (5:29)
4. C-quence Of Calamities (4:31)
5. DeFol (Nene H Remix) (4:18)

Mixed by Sugar
Mastered by Joel Krozer at Six Bit Deep
Artwork by Noah Umur Kanber

UMAY is Nene H’s newly founded venturesome platform for emerging music artists, aimed to build bridges and empower local culture, giving visibility for geographically underrepresented regions and artists with a strong focus on South, Western Asian and African artists as well as QTBIPOC. UMAY focuses on establishing trustful and long-lasting relationships with its community, in an attempt to defy the challenges emerging artists come across in the modern music business. While being completely transparent and non-profit, UMAY aims to stand aside in trustful partnerships with its artists and not in hierarchy. UMAY focuses on releasing genuine electronic music productions, innovative merchandise and a respectful representation of its artists backgrounds within the context of each release. Umay is the goddess of fertility in Central Asian Turkic mythology and Tengriism and as such related to women, mothers and children. Umay resembles earth-mother goddesses found in various other world religions.

Maktub

BASHKKA - Maktub (UMAY001) - Previews

In the ever-evolving landscape of techno music, few producers have recently carved out a niche as unique, fresh-yet-classic and compelling as @wtchcrft2. With his latest EP, "Wet Lung," due to be released on May 3rd via UMAY, the Brooklyn based producer continues to push the boundaries of what techno can be, while taking inspiration from classic and contemporary American Techno and House featuring fellow @dj-swisha on the remix side.

Anthony McLean, the man behind the moniker, has been making music since 2011, but it was during lockdown in 2020 that he made the decision to pivot from making trap, wave, and witch house to creating techno. The result is a sound that is both unmistakably his own and yet at the forefront of a rapidly changing genre, bound to New York’s re-emerging dance music scene creating constant new spaces for black and queer artists.

From the propulsive vocal driven lead single "Bagituh'' to the hypnotic pulse of "2 Myself", "Wet Lung'' is a masterful collection of five tracks that showcase WTCHCRFT's range and creativity. His rap roots and his love of vocal-driven hip hop blend seamlessly into his productions, creating a sound that is simultaneously raw, groovy and refined.  

But "Wet Lung" is more than just a collection of tracks. It is a statement of intent, a declaration that techno can be whatever we want it to be. With each new release, WTCHCRFT pushes the boundaries of what we think of as techno, and in doing so, he expands the possibilities of the genre further, from a new post-pandemic New York perspective in which creating spaces from the black communities becomes increasingly challenged by the growing gentrification of former black dominated neighborhoods. 

As we look ahead to the future of these communities, we can't help but feel extremely excited by what WTCHCRFT has in store for us. "Wet Lung" is a bold and visionary statement, from this emerging NYC scene and lines into an array of groundbreaking releases from fellow American artists hailing from the city, redefining its sound and breaking conventional influences from Europe.

"Wet Lung" will be available on all major digital platforms on May 3rd. The single ”Bagituh” is out now!

1. 2 Myself
2. Rain Delay
3. Bagituh
4. Bagituh (DJ Swisha Remix)
5. Dogfish

Mixed by WTCHCRFT
Mastered by Joel Krozer at Six Bit Deep
Artwork by Kyla Callista

Bagituh

WTCHCRFT - Bagituh (UMAY002S)

UMAY is back with a new release by Stockholm based singer jahanam and producer DJ Haydn, showcasing ”Trapped By Proxy”, a testament to the fierce and fearless. Listen now to the first single, ’Need 4 Speed’!
Out everywhere, link in bio!

Written by jahanam
Mixed by DJ Haydn
Mastered by Joel Krozer at Six Bit Deep
Artwork by Noah Umur Kanber

Trapped By Proxy

Need 4 Speed

jahanam x Haydn - Need 4 Speed (UMAY003S1)

It is our pleasure to announce an exciting collaboration born out of the resounding success of UMAY and BASHKKA's iconic EP, "Maktub." Together, we are thrilled to unveil the culmination of BASHKKA's initial vision: the release of a meticulously crafted vinyl edition, complete with fresh and iconic remixes courtesy of some of her closest comrades and confidants.

Ever since its electrifying debut in February, "Maktub'' and its mesmerizing title track, 'Act Bad,' have set dance floors ablaze across the globe. This explosive track earned the esteemed title of Top Summer Hit from Germany's venerable Groove Magazine, leaving us with no choice but to bestow upon it the grand physical manifestation it so rightly deserves. This offering is tailor-made for the discerning vinyl aficionados, dedicated collectors, and music connoisseurs who have fervently championed both this release and the incomparable talent of BASHKKA throughout the year. Graciously funded by the generous support of Initiative Musik, we have not only breathed life into this iconic release but have also empowered BASHKKA to co-direct her very first music video, in collaboration with the visionary director Valentin Noujaim, based in Copenhagen.

Within the grooves of this vinyl masterpiece, you will discover four exquisite remixes thoughtfully crafted by BASHKKA's esteemed friends: Roza Terenzi, Hyperaktivist, Sedef Adasi, and Akua. This illustrious ensemble perfectly encapsulates the essence of the project—an impassioned homage to the tight-knit community of allies and pioneering femme leaders who remain steadfast in their mission to challenge prevailing industry norms and dismantle the barriers that have long hindered marginalized communities' path to success. As each contributor works tirelessly on their own endeavors, they collectively construct vital support systems that foster sustainable growth and uplift those in need within our midst.
With an exceptional team standing firmly in our corner, we eagerly anticipate unveiling a treasure trove of delightful surprises that this release promises to deliver. Stay tuned for tantalizing hints and immerse yourself in the tangible embodiment of BASHKKA's iconic creation. This limited edition vinyl will be available from Friday, October 13th.

Thanks to everyone involved, from production, direction, helping, creating, advising and compiling. We further extend our heartfelt gratitude to Initiative Musik for their generous support in making this dream a reality. 
credits

releases October 13, 2023

Title: Maktub Remix
Artist: BASHKKA
Cat. No: UMAY004

A1. Act Bad
A2. Act Bad (Roza Terenzi Remix)
A3. DeFol (Hyperaktivist Remix)
B1. C-quence Of Calamities
B2. C-quence Of Calamities (Sedef Adasi Remix)
B3. Aziza (Akua Remix)

Mixed by Sugar, Roza Terenzi, Hyperaktivist, Sedef Adasi, Callum Magnum
Mastered by Joel Krozer at Six Bit Deep
Artwork by Noah Umur Kanber
Layout by Mali Wychodil
Pressed by OBJECTS

Maktub Remixes

BASHKKA - Maktub Remixes (Snippets)

Sina XX - Adjib EP 
Release Date 01.12.2023

Born from Iranian political refugees, Sina XX’s connection with South West Asia has been a consistent inspiration. In Adjib (Persian for “weird”), Sina XX dives into his roots and invites us into an unexpected journey through South West Asia. Hard grooves, XL basslines and haunting percussion blends seamlessly with century old Persian instruments which have been carefully sound designed by the artist. Packed with 5 killer originals, the EP welcomes a sturdy remix by French techno mastermind and one of Sina XX’s prime support - Francois X, which will be released as a single in 2024. East meets West in a dark, sweaty room where diversity and originality is celebrated.

Produced by Sina XX @sinaxxmusic 
Mixing & Mastering by Sina XX @sinaxxmusic 
“Adjib” mixed and mastered by Lorenzo Targhetta @_allpass 
Artwork by Noah Umur Kanber @noahks_ark 
Upcoming: Remixer Francois X @francois_x

Adjib

SINA XX - ADJIB Snippets

Mohajer & Lawrence Lee - Fly By

Mohajer & Lawrence Lee - Who That Is

Bandcamp:
Release date: 29/03/2024

Tracklist:
1. Exit
2. Entry
3. Poetry, Dream, Domination, Erotic
4. Go Up
5. Hot Mug Metropolis
6. The New Swing
7. Sentient Intent
8.Let's Go Shopping

Written and Produced by: peachlyfe
Master by: Joel Crozer @ Six Bit Deep
Artwork by: Cocln


Copenhagen-based artist peachlyfe announces Permission to Roam—the full-length concept album and sci-fi story forthcoming March 2024 on Nene H’s UMAY. The release features eight original tracks inspired by the artist’s self-authored story—a playful excavation of the transience and fluidity of gender, which compliments the release as a printed book, illustrated by Istanbul-based artist Cocln. 

On the release date, the artist will take over the renowned nightclub Den Anden Side in their hometown of Copenhagen.

Follow peachlyfe:
SoundCloud: @peach-lyfe
Instagram: www. instagram.com/peachlyfe

Follow UMAY: @umay_works
Instagram: www.instagram.com/umay_works/
Bandcamp: www.umay.bandcamp.com

peachlyfe - Permission to Roam [UMAY007] - Album Preview

UMAY is Nene H’s newly founded venturesome platform for emerging music artists, aimed to build bridges and empower local culture, giving visibility for geographically underrepresented regions and artists with a strong focus on South, Western Asian and African artists as well as QTBIPOC. UMAY focuses on establishing trustful and long-lasting relationships with its community, in an attempt to defy the challenges emerging artists come across in the modern music business. While being completely transparent and non-profit, UMAY aims to stand aside in trustful partnerships with its artists and not in hierarchy. UMAY focuses on releasing genuine electronic music productions, innovative merchandise and a respectful representation of its artists backgrounds within the context of each release. Umay is the goddess of fertility in Central Asian Turkic mythology and Tengriism and as such related to women, mothers and children. Umay resembles earth-mother goddesses found in various other world religions.

UMAY

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