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‘There is always a solution’, promises Vel’s debut album

The Moroccan, Paris-based artist traverses psychedelic ambient, trance and techno on her latest 10-track offering

Vel has shared her debut album, ‘There is always a solution’, via Mama Told Ya.

The release follows three previous EPs and the recent unveiling of a live show, spanning two vinyl records — nine of which feature tracks solely produced by Vel, and one a collaboration between the artist and Mama Told Ya labelhead Anetha.

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Each track boasts meticulous sound design, arranged to be revitalising and provide a sense of fulfilment through unique rhythmic patterns and spatial soundscapes.

Musically, the record spans cross-genre: think injections of vibrancy and organised chaos into techno, brisk tribal rhythms, the occasional helping of a pay psytrance bassline - something markedly familiar to Vel's productions - and moments of solace offered by more ambient cuts.

"Creating this album has been quite similar to journaling," Vel tells Mixmag. "My life was changing so much while I was working on the album. Each time I opened Ableton I had a different thing to say, although you can recognise the Vel sound on each track. I see it as an inner sonic exploration.

"This project accompanied me through hard times and good times."

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‘There is always a solution’ by Vel is available now via Mama Told Ya. Check it out here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram