Get ready for another extraordinary EP release on Connected, one of the freshest independent dance labels that continues to deliver innovative, deep and dynamic sonic vibrations (see our recent preview of the Connected release by Re:You if you need more proof! – Ed.).
This time around, the label founded by Stereo MCs presents illustrious Moroccan House DJ/ ProducerCee Elassaad, who has collaborated with South African vocalist/ music producer/DJThandi Draai for their adventurous forthcoming EP LoMhlaba.
An African Zulu proverb, the word roughly translates as ‘This world is a harsh place’. The resonance of such a sentiment is only heightened in troubled times. The EP offers a sound with sentimental drive and emotional punch. Soul-stirring instrumental textures elevate and accentuate the melodic and rhythmic aspects. This is light, spacious, uplifting dance music.
This exquisite collaboration formed through a chance encounter at ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), a five-day electronic music conference and festival which takes place annually in the Netherlands.
Cee’s creative career has thus far seen him play alongside Louie Vega, Osunlade, Jerome Sydenham and many other legends, with releases on some impressive imprints. Thandi, who is a delectable vocalist, has graced productions by the likes of Charles Webster, Boddhi Satva and Culoe De Song.
The title track’soriginal mix is a gentle, building cut. Airy chords, kick/tom combos and a loose shaker sit atop warm, long-held bass notes. Layered, looping vocal refrains build the track towards that all-too-rare thing in modern house – a proper song, complete with a heady, effortless and infectious vocal crescendo that pulls at the emotions.
The remixes wouldn’t sound out of place in one of Highlife / Huntleys & Palmers main man and Kelburn Garden Party favourite Auntie Flo’s genre-defying, eclectic sets. The producers clearly have an eye on the record bags and wallets of the most creative DJs with the Chants Dub and Instrumental versions from ElAssaad and Draai. The remixes will provide endless on- the- fly moments of dancefloor joy for listeners too.
In many senses, I am still discovering myself through the complex tapestry in which life continues to weave, gaining unique physical experience in order to aid the progression of my precious spirit, this will continue for the rest of my fated days and my understanding of who I am shall be determined through how I learn to react, act and adapt towards the circumstances I face. I do sincerely hope the span of this life is enough to fully come to terms with the potential of my unique existence, through deep-rooted understanding, compassion, and love, and that I may fully acknowledge the absolute full potential of my existence through the network of others.
Thus far the core of my being has learned through unique experience and individual perspective that I am most certainly a creative soul who takes solace in the truth & liberty of artistic expression. Freedom lays behind the eyes within the evocative realm of one's imagination, transforming originality through individual perspective, this is when my art becomes yours. Inspiring, motivating different modes of expression to overall influence and shape a better world, to help elevate to a higher consciousness. We are part of the great web of life and in this way each and every one of us are interconnected, to create a major shift in consciousness. We must wholeheartedly start to believe in what can be created for the greater good of this world, in my view it is most certainly the power of thought and intention which connect us, no matter how near or how far.
Being understood has always been of paramount importance to me, self-expression is something I have been aware of from a very young age. From my point of view, artistic expression has always been the most liberating and uniting mode. When I am not caught up in life's cogs I love to write poetry, short stories, and shoot photographs. I adore and feed off music, so I highly enjoy capturing the live music scene in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. I also enjoy writing for Uk Entertainments website, Louder than War, as well as run my own music blog www.Revel Rousers.org, Amalgamating my love of music, writing, as well as photographic expression (Music, Landscape, Street, Wedding), which gives me a great sense of creative release, therefore forging a strong sense of purpose in the way of documenting life's remarkable moments.
I find working with creatives within the music industry is wholly inspiring even though at times it can be quite challenging, after all, the greatest realizations and lessons learned are born out of challenges. I figured, seeing as I have a platform for my music reviews, interviews and photography I thought it would be time to create a platform for my creative writing and poetry.....It takes courage to expose oneself through the intimacy of poetry, However, that is how we truly unite and grow in compassion and understanding of each other's true essence.
I am a deep thinker, I understand the power of words and their meanings. I also understand how empowering artistic expression can be. There is a raw truth buried within each original idea combined with a power to help change the world. Artistic expression is forever transforming through interpretation, that is what I mean when I say "When My Art Becomes Yours"
My philosophy is to understand more, in order to love more.......
Love ~M~
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