Category archives: releases

Octo Octa - Further Trips EP

[DBR-V026] Octo Octa – Further Trips EP

Brooklyn based producer Octo Octa aka Maya Morrison comes to Deepblak after releasing some of most stunning House tunes of the last few years. Her “Further Trips” EP shows off her knack for lush rich grooves, and melodies that are intoxicating in nature. The drive, and atmosphere of Morrison’s productions are what led Deepblak’s AYBEE to her work. All 4 tracks put these ingredients on display as they speak to the head, and the feet. After serving as secret weapons for AYBEE over the past few months Deepblak is proud to finally share the “Further Trips” EP with the rest of the world.

Title – Further Trips EP
Cat# – DBR-V026
Artist – Octo Octa
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12”
Style – Deephouse
Release Date – Summer 2015
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl. http://www.crosstalkintl.com/

Tracklisting

A1. Body Drift
A2. Further Out
B1. Keep
B2. House Of Snakes

Damon Bell - Blues For The Libyan

[DBR-V025] Damon Bell – Blues For The Libyan LP

Damon Bell - Blues For The Libyan

Deepblak Chief Connoisseur Damon Bell following years of several outstanding EP’s offers up his debut album in “Blues For The Libyan“. Staying true to his penchant for mixing African rhythms with dance floor aesthetics the Oakland based producer weaves together a tightly knit escapade thru his world. Much like his long standing DJ residencies at S.F.’s “Make Out Room” and Oakland’s “389” Damon has built a solid reputation for his ability to traverse many sounds, and genres into one coherent groove. “Blues For The Libyan” follows suit as Damon melds experimentation, and tradition into a palatable experience for the listener. Tapping into the talents of label mate Afrikan Sciences for “Rhythm Meat” and Oakland based vocalist Khalil Anthony (Chromosome Replacement) the collaborations do well to further Damon’s vision of polyrhythmic dance. Studying percussion in his youth you can feel it’s influence throughout “BFTL” accompanied with Damon’s tinge for a little future dance floor funk. After receiving praise last year from luminaries such as the BBC’s Mary Anne Hobbs, and NYC’s Dope Jams crew Damon’s sound continues to build. BFTL represents Damon’s most outstanding statement to date of modern electronics mixed with traditional impulses. Culminating an authenticity, and honesty that is a breath of fresh air in the present space.

Title – Blues For The Libyan
Cat# – DBR-V025
Artist – Damon Bell
Label – Deepblak
Format -12”
Style?- Deep House/Experimental
Release Date – July 2015
Distributed by – Crosstalk

Tracklisting
A1. Chromosome Replacement ft. Khalil Anthony (8:12)
A2. Concrete Caravan (2:50)
B1. Blood (7:40)
B2. Striving To Be Who We Are (5:46)
C1. Rhythm Meat ft Afrikan Sciences (8:31)
C2. Libyan Ether ft. Son of Ororo (6:19)
D1. Broken Feathers (5:27)
D2. Kampala (DBo Vershun) (6:40)

AYBEE - The Alchemy EP

[DBR-V023] AYBEE – The Alchemy EP

AYBEE - The Alchemy EP

AYBEE follows up the experimental musings of the Sketches Of Space LP with what could be called AYBEE’s first Techno outing, “The Alchemy EP” sees AYBEE planting both feet in a Techno sensibility 3 tunes that mesh rhythm, drive, and the hallmark sonic colorings.

Written and produced Armon Bazile for Deepblak Music (BMI) 2015. © Deepblak Recordings 2015

Title – The Alchemy EP
Cat# – DBR-V023
Artist – AYBEE
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12”
Style – Techno
Release Date – Feb 2015

Tracklisting

A1. Metamorphosis
B1. The Sky Is Ours
B2. Centrifugal Seduction

Afrikan Sciences - Circuitous (PAN 54)

AFRIKAN SCIENCES releases “Circuitous” LP on PAN

afsciCirc_700

The Rhythm CZAR Afrikan Sciences releases his 4th LP via Bill Kouligas’s Berlin based PAN label. Rich with his amazing sound sculpture, and distinct rhythmic sensibilities, “Circuitous” continues to cement AFSCI as truly one of the more adventurous producers around. Cinematic, colorful, with a tinge of fantasy it is essential listening. Of course we are TOTALLY bias, and of course we LOVE IT! Truly a special release on a special Label!!


AYBEE/Afrikan Sciences Sketches Of Space

[DBR-V022] AYBEE/Afrikan Sciences – Sketches of Space 2xLP

Title – Sketches Of Space

Cat# – DBR-V022
Artist – AYBEE and Afrikan Sciences
Label – Deepblak
Format – 2xLP
Style – Experimental, Future Jazz
Release Date – July 2014
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl.

Tracklisting

A1. Deep East Suite Part 01 (The Call) (15:00)
B1. Deep East Suite Part 02 (Response) (15:00)
C1. Deep East Suite Part 03 (Sunward) (7:45)
C2. K-Fetisch 01 (Kosmo Bahn) (5:52)
D1. K-Fetisch 02 (Vibes) (4:04)
D2. Knew What’s Coming (Sculpture) (4:10)

Deepblak’s left, and right arm AYBEE along with Afrikan Sciences offer up an homage to one of the greatest musical innovators of the 20th Century, in Miles Davis. “Sketches of Space” is comprised of LIVE jam sessions recorded over a 3 year span, and two countries . The project though named after Mile’s classic “Sketches of Spain” is not dedicated to any of Miles’s work specifically, but honoring his pioneering spirit from which this project drew fuel.

Particularly Davis’s spirit in his continual search for new sound. This is search led him into the jazz fusion era, birthing a movement of stunning contributions by jazz giants that began to explore the improvisational possibilities of electronic instruments. This era in particular, along with it’s ethos has played a critical role in Deepblak’s creative direction over the years. AYBEE along with Afsci have remained steadfast in pushing themselves sonically, and have drawn an innumerable amount of inspiration from the free flowing vibes of the 70’s jazz fusion era.

“Sketches of Space” is by no means a Jazz album, nor is it a remixing or recreation of Miles’ music. Though it is with him in mind that the two producers entered into the Sketches jam-sessions over two continents (Oakland, US/Berlin DE) to record. Wild, Cosmic, and smooth at times “Sketches” represents the free flowing experimentation that Deepblak as a label cherishes so dearly.

Damon Bell - Teph Tep

[DBR-V021] Damon Bell – Teph-Tep EP

Damon Bell - Teph-Tep EP

Title – Teph-Tep EP
Cat# – DBR-V021
Artist – Damon Bell
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12”
Style – Deephouse
Release Date – May 2014
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl.

Tracklisting

A1. Teph-Tep
B1. Minds Speak
B2. Science of Love

Deepblak Chief Connoisseur Damon Bell returns with more Cali infused dance-floor vibes on his Teph-Tep EP. Smooth yet driving Teph-Tep pulls you into the center of Damon’s grooves, and textures. As with previous releases the emphasis lay in Damon’s arrangements that can power the dancefloor, and sit just as comfortably in headphones. Teph-Tep sets the stage for Damon’s forthcoming debut LP coming fall 2014 on Deepblak.

Brother Aten

[DBR-V020] Brother Aten – From Heat2yu EP

Brother Aten - From Heat2yu

Title – From Heat2Yu EP

Cat# – DBR-V020
Artist – Brother Aten
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12”
Style – ALL
Release Date – April 2014
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl. http://www.crosstalkintl.com/

Tracklisting

A1. From Heat2yu
B1. Islands of Dust
B2. Islands of Dust (Afrikan Sciences Remix)

Chris McWayne aka Brother Aten makes his DEEPBLAK debut in impactful fashion. An A&R find of Afrikan Sciences McWayne is most notably known for his Hip-Hop forays under his Maf Maddix moniker. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina McWayne’s production, and sound is not the typical associated with that of his peers hailing from the US’s southern region. Robust, dynamic, and enticing McWayne’s productions tie in his Hip-Hop, and Jazz themes then pushed to the outter realms much like his friend Afrikan Sciences. The “From Heat2yu” EP includes the title track, and the gorgeous winding “Islands of Dust”. Afrikan Sciences chimes in with a remix for “Islands of Dust” adding distinct flavorings to the EP. An excellent introduction to a new artist. We hope you enjoy.

AYBEE - 22 Meters

[DBR-V019] AYBEE – 22 Meters EP

 

Title – 22 Meters EP
Cat# – DBR-V019
Artist – AYBEE
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12”
Style – Techno/Deephouse
Release Date – February 2014
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl.

A1. A Novel Gesture
B1. We Come In Peace
B2. Akiara

The Deepblak Chief Alchemist kicks of 2014 with his “22 Meters EP”. This is his first ep since relocating to Berlin 2012, and reflects the different modes of the dancefloor experience as filtered thru AYBEE’s metronome. Driving, atmospheric, and at times euphoric AYBEE melds these narratives into an EP that carries the emotional colors of an album. “22 Meters” also sees the vinyl release of “Akiara” a long standing Deepblak favorite only previously available digitally.

Written and produced Armon Bazile for Deepblak Music (BMI) 2014. © Deepblak Recordings 2014

AYBEE - Return The Underground

AYBEE – Return To The Underground | Soul Jazz Records | SOTU

 

AYBEE – Return To Underground/Fohat

http://www.soundsoftheuniverse.com/releases/?id=33617

Seventh release on Soul Jazz Records subsidiary Sounds Of The Universe imprint! Exclusive to www.soundsoftheuniverse.com and www.souljazzrecords.co.uk

Bay Area producer Armon Bazile has pushed a steadfast brand of deep house since the millennium, working with labels of Prescription and Yoruba’s stature, releasing a string of releases on the forward-thinking labels like Washington State’s Further Records, and drawing an Oakland-based collective of like-minded artists into his own Deepblak imprint.

This special art & sound 12″ conveys his meditative, spiritual approach, drawing on a blend of cosmic and spiritual sonics — bringing to mind detroit techno, german space-rock, Sun Ra — and resolutely innovative, rhythm-heavy dance tracks.

Sleeve Designed by a London-based artist Tom Howey and printed on Polyester.

Afrikan Sciences - Theta Wave Brain Sync

[DBR-V018] Afrikan Sciences – Theta Wave Brain Sync 2xLP

Deepblak Co-Head & Rhythm Czar Afrikan Sciences (aka Eric Porter) returns with his second Full Length project entitled “Theta Wave Brain Sync”. Following the critical acclaim of his 2011 “Means and Ways” LP the Oakland, CA based producer continues to push further into the realms of the rhythmic netherworlds. Much like the famed Fusion movement of the 70’s, Afsci continues to build on the ethos of free-form exploration of rhythm, dance, and sound. Utilizing an expansive rhythmic dialect “Theta Wave Brain Sync” points us inward to a sonic palette free of grids. That special place where numbers, and counting are rendered meaningless leaving nothing left for the listener, but the groove. Carefully crafted Theta is compiled of 11 songs that of themselves can transport the listener to the uncharted. This album will let you go as deep, and far as you desire. Which has always been a hallmark of Porter’s productions. Never the one for complacency “Theta” is without question Afsci’s most ambitious work to date. An album that we proudly hope stands the test of time, and solidifies Porter’s place as one of the outstanding producers, and storyteller’s of his generation.

 

Title – Theta Wave Brain Sync LP
Cat# – DBR-V018
Artist – Afrikan Sciences
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12” Double Vinyl | Digital
Style – Leftfield
Release Date – Oct 2013

Damon Bell - H.I.M. EP

[DBR-V017] Damon Bell – H.I.M EP

Damon Bell - H.I.M. EP

 

Deepblak’s Chief Connoisseur Damon Bell steps forward with his third Deepblak vinyl project the “H.I.M” ep. Damon stays true to his ethos of weaving his jazz, funk, and soul influences into deep delicacies. The H.I.M ep also sees him joining forces with Deepblak co-head Afrikan Sciences for the twisted rhythm’s of “Babylonian Spliffs”. Always sprinkled with attention to warmth, and atmosphere Damon’s rhythms have the tendency to invite. Much like his DJ sets at his now famed 389 night in Oakland his productions pull you in, and leave you to surf the groove. Leaving something always for the head, heart, and body. Deepblak is proud to bring forth this latest project from Damon as we build into his forthcoming debut Album. We hope you enjoy the ride as always.

AYBEE - WORLDS

[DBR-V016] AYBEE – WORLDS LP

Deepblak Chief Alchemist AYBEE returns unveiling “Worlds” his second full length on Deepblak , and follow up to 2009’s ground breaking “East Oakland Space Program”. Once again we embark on cross dimensional travels into rhythm as AYBEE dives head first into sonic landscapes. “Worlds” is a rhythmic cartography of the many moods of the Oakland, CA based producer. Fusing elements of the cosmic, and the deep as he mines through a host of emotional transitions of the last few years. True to AYBEE’s production aesthetics “Worlds” is full of depth, layers, and colors while touching on various tempos. Always seeking to expand the boundaries, AYBEE once again delivers a long play project that transports the listener while evading convention. We are very proud to present this album which is the first one in Deeplak’s new decade. We sincerely hope that you enjoy the trip.

It’s tempting to try to shed light on Aybee’s second LP by drawing comparisons to other sounds, but Worlds stands resolutely, almost stubbornly, on its own. – Little White Earbuds http://www.littlewhiteearbuds.com/review/aybee-worlds/#.UQpvER1lU0M

As clichéd as albums that set out to be journeys can be, Worlds is not—but it sure does evoke the feeling of travelling on board a spacecraft. From lift-off phase to encounters with lurching bass and beyond, things move at exactly the right pace. – Resident Advisor – http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=11909

Listening closely to Aybee’s work — the sound is distinctly his own. When you listen through his tracks, you know he’s behind the controls. A unique sound that always finds another groove, another drum pattern, another world. – Leisure Collective –http://weareleisure.com/in-our-ears/aybee-worlds/

Aybee’s is a different kind of deep. a deep that goes off into the cosmic infinity above you rather than the earthy depths below. threading together borderless ambiance, lurching bass and channeled techno grooves, worlds also seemed to document the voyage of a space shift deep into the unknown. – Teshno – http://www.teshno.com/2012/12/albums-of-the-year-2012.html

 

Damon Bell - Nommo EP

[DBR-V015] Damon Bell – Nommo EP

Damon Bell - Nommo EP

Deepblak resident connoisseur Damon Bell returns with the “Nommo” ep. In line with his appreciation for all things deep the “Nommo” ep continues to provide Damon with a canvas to create his deephouse visions fusing funk, jazz, and soul into an intoxicating mood. This is music for the attentive listener rich in melody, and subtext. “Pathways and Mindframes” which pushes the 12 minute mark could just as easily been 3 separate tracks, but it shows off Damon’s arranging skills as he molds a long play gem. Side B includes “Black Tears” which is another deep driving tune that pulls you in while “Heru” is a beautiful jazz flip that is laced with warmth. This is deep music which finds it’s home just as easily in the headspace as it does on the dance-floor. We hope you enjoy.


Pursuit Grooves/91 Fellows

[DBR-V014] Pursuit Grooves presents 91 Fellows

The multi-talented Vanese Smith aka Pursuit Grooves makes her debut on Deepblak under her new “91 Fellows” moniker. After establishing herself in recent years with Pursuit Grooves outings heavy in beats, and bass Smith turns her talents to more open sonic landscapes. “91 Fellows” represents as she terms her push into Cinematic Dub leaning heavily on her collegiate film major roots. The project was inspired as a dedication to her grandfather who passed on in 2011.

 

Through a myriad of ambient textures, and percussion she invites the listener to join her as she
weaves through different emotional headspaces. Six tracks that run like chapters of
saga accompanied by two remixes by Deepblak Chief Alchemist AYBEE, and resident
Rhythm Czar Afrikan Sciences. Deepblak is very honored to play host to the “91
Fellows” project as it represents a beautiful creative milestone for Smith who has
long been one of our favorite producers. We hope that the “91 Fellows” project
translates to the listeners heart as well the ears.