Love In The Endz welcomes Obeka for its latest release
'Temple Drum' EP explores percussive frequencies, sculpted by the musician's Caribbean and Pan-African lineage
Love In The Endz has announced its forthcoming EP this week, this time releasing work by musician Obeka.
'Temple Drum' EP explores a new world of percussive frequencies to the artist beyond his usual musical endeavours, sculpted by his Caribbean and Pan-African lineage. Think hand drums, voices and the interesting usage of metallic objects combined to create interesting atmospheres.
Alongside three original cuts, there are three remixes to boot, spanning speed dembow, Guaracha, afro house and afro techno, contributed by Kontronatura, BBY FANGZZZ and DJ Doraemon.
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“When LITE initially contacted me I prepped a few tracks that sounded good, but lacked imagination and identity,” Obeka explains. “The label’s need for this instantly solidified our relationship. As I began rethinking the EP, I was about to embark on my residency and tour in Colombia, leaving a massive interpretation for the project's sound direction.
“As I discovered new percussions and genres such as Vallenato and Porro primarily on the Caribbean Coast, the label’s ethos challenged me to harness these influences yet grasp my own style in the process. Using atmospheric choirs and fast-paced drumrolls native to my home country of Bermuda blended effortlessly with the Afro-Caribbean melodies I was immersed in.”
The EP artwork (below) also exists particularly significant for Obeka. Its writing notes that "..the cinematic snapshot of Temple Drum's artwork pictures the Bamako building, in Mali. At 20 stories and 80m to the clouds, it is the tallest building in the West African region. The Neo-Sudanic architecture sits on the north bank of the Niger River in the centre of the City of Bamako and it inspired the project that you hear from Obeka."
Upon release day, the Bamako building is set to be modelled in 3D by the label's in-house 3D artist Jonjo (also below). Looking forward, the label has already announced two forthcoming EPs traversing the global underground spectrum: Brazil's Chá di Lirian shares 'Indelicado' EP in November, whilst Italy's LOELASH releases EP '14 hrs/ MMW' in December.
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Obeka's EP 'Temple Drum' is available on October 24, pre-order it here.
Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram