Much movement on the Deepblak scene in this summer of 2009. I don’t quite know where to start so here goes. The summer kicked off with the release of the AYBEE – East Oakland Space Program LP. A huge amount of gratitude to all who reached out to me about the album. Your words of appreciation, and encouragement are the currency that I cash in on my not so creative days. For me as an artist there is a profound sense of humility that comes from throwing your music into the void, and having uplifted voices come back to you.
We then followed up with releases from Blaktroniks with their SlapMatik EP, and Damon Bell with Kush Musik pt.1. I was very honored to be able to champion these cats. Blaktroniks who have been solo pioneers on the Oakland Electronic front since the mid 90’s, in many ways laid the foundation for Deepblak to be born. It was from what I saw them do that gave me inspiration to follow my voice. So for them to release on Deepblak brought things full circle, and has sparked something that I can’t quite find words for at the moment.
Damon Bell since coming to Oakland from So. Cali has been a consistent purveyor of all things Deep. I also feel very blessed to be able to play host to his solo debut, which was his Kush Musik pt.1 EP. Outside of being a solid Producer/DJ, Damon is a solid Spirit that contributes greatly the ethos of the Deepblak mission. Kush Musik has been getting great support (thanks all), so we will try and roll those vibes over into Kush Musik pt.2, which will surface around late fall.
On my front this year is turning out to be the year of the collaboration with projects underway with: Afrikan Sciences, Fred. P (Black Jazz Consortium), Erik Rico, Damon Bell, Trinidadian Deep, Malena Perez, and an EP coming on the mighty Jus-Ed’s Underground Quality label. I am very excited about the coming outputs of these projects. There will be much activity in the Deepblak Hall Of Science…
Late summer will also see the release of the o1o – Bread and Circuses LP for my Celestial Slap heads. With tons of beats and pieces. All this leads into the fall with the release of the BLAKTROPOLIS II compilation featuring new Deepblak material along with music from FAM around the globe. There’s also a new face coming into the Deepblak fold…I’ll just say two words…Aku9 (aka Lady Blaktronika). Brace yourselves for some amazing sonics coming this way this fall.
As you can see I have my work cut out for me, and there are several special treats that I will save for a later date. It will give me another excuse to connect with you. Again BIG respect for the support, and continue to spread the word. Much growth ahead and I hope that we continue to grow together.
Love | Respect | Power
AYBEE
Deepblak Recordings Summer 09 from Deepblak on Vimeo.