Selections: Foodman
In this series, Selections, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their Bandcamp collections. This week, Foodman spotlights percussive sounds: from the electronic to the organic, through dizzying cross sections of the two
In this series, Selections, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their Bandcamp collections. While hearing new music played out by your favourite selectors remains largely on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s never been easier, or more important, to support the artists and imprints releasing tracks, albums, EPs and comps in the midst of all the madness. In lieu of opportunities to discover new records on the dancefloor, Selections will give you the chance to nab sounds from the crates of tastemakers, and support the people behind them while you’re at it. Win-win, right?
This week, Foodman spotlights percussive sounds: from the electronic to the organic, through dizzying cross sections of the two by the likes of Hubert Zemler, Popp, Naná Vasconcelos & Agustín Pereyra Lucena, G Sudden and A.k.Adrix.
The Nagoya, Japan artist arrives on Hyperdub this month with his new album ‘Yasuragi Land’. Real name Takahide Higuchi, the producer has spent the past decade turning out reams of intricate rhythm tracks and percussive abstraction, often inspired by juke and footwork. He’s released on the likes of Mad Decent and offshoot Good Enuff, Orange Milk Records and Sun Ark Records, where he dropped his last LP ‘Aru Otoko No Densetsu’ in 2018. ‘Yasuragi Land’ is inspired by “the sense of peace and community” Higuchi feels spending time at roadside eateries and public baths, places that have provided an escape from the worries of the past year.
The result is 15 tracks that are delicate yet energetic; the percussion is wild and delightfully spidery, stepping to hidden rhythms that lean towards free jazz — often bursting out in clusters, as on opening track ‘Omiyage’ — and interwoven with the propulsive twang of guitar and juxtaposing ambient sonics. Above all, there’s a playfulness; ‘Food Court’ is packed with quirky bleeps that have to find their feet before erupting forwards. ‘Gallery Cafe’ pairs fluttering pipes with glitched-up beats, while ‘Parking Area’ sees fragile IDM drumwork form a jagged backbone through snatches of silky shoegaze.
For his Selections, Foodman has chosen to focus on percussive tracks. “Some of my favourite pieces are modern arrangements, some have a tribal feel, and some are a bit comical,” he says. “I also included works with an indigenous, religious feeling in the list.”
‘Yasuragi Land’ is out 9th July, with a vinyl release following at the end of August. You can pre-order it on Bandcamp.
Check out Foodman’s Selections below.
“This is an album by a Polish percussionist. The combination of rhythms and ambience is very pleasant, using simple instruments and a lot of polyrhythms.”
“The combination of the futuristic sound with the mandala-like geometric percussion is very nice.”
“Percussion music with a very clear and square impression, using gentle sounds.”
“A compilation from a new label started by Kyoto, Japan-based DJs and producers E.O.U, Keiju, ktskm and Vis. I feel the elements of nature and water in each producer’s sound. The percussion-like synths in E.O.U’s track are unique.”
“A collaboration between Tony Kenneybrew and Jean-Pierre Boistel. Beautiful, minimalistic and trancey sound.”
“The work of NEPTUNIAN MAXIMALISM from Belgium. The sound is reminiscent of indigenous religious rituals. You will be transported to various worlds, from the depths of the earth to outer space.”
“It was created almost entirely through improvisation. You will be fascinated by the sound world that expands endlessly with simple instruments such as berimbau, voice and guitar.”
“A work by SFR, an artist from South Africa. The interplay of percussion and bass is pleasant.”
“This is a release from Duppy Gun, a label that pursues experimental dancehall. Dope and percussive sounds fly through the track — unique.”
“A release from Príncipe. A primitive and futuristic sound, arranged in a way that transports you to another dimension. Truly amazing.”
