AYBEE returns to start off Deepblak’s 2012 releases with his “ASTRAL Metronome” EP. The EP showcases three tracks dipped in the label heads usual otherness lacing rhythmic soundscapes that move the mind, and feet. All three tracks take an open ended approach while being held together with AYBEE’s signature affinity for deep rhythmic travels. Engage
Weekend runnings that start off Friday night with two of my favorite people in Dibiase & Nasrockswell of 10-Thirty Records. Grabbed a nice dinner (thanks Nas!) before Dibiase’s show with Tokimonsta, and Knxwledge. Got a chance to rap about Dibiase’s Bulls, and my concerns about them in the playoffs… Saturday I connected with Ron Trent who was in town for a gig. Good times per usual. Started work on our follow up to I.S.P’s “Across The Universe”, and was recommended a few unseen Boondock’s episodes the Ron suggested I allow into my conscience… Saturday night I caught Brendon Moeller performing LIVE in SF. He was laying down some great sounds, but unfortunately my vid did not come out to good so it did not make the Vlog. All in ALL a good weekend always begins, and ends with good people… here are a few moments.
Short AYBEE mix for the Uzuri podcast series.
Welcome to Deepblak’s podcast series “Off The Grid”. OTG was created to feature the LIVE side of performance via sets from the Deepblak cast, and extended fam. No rules just the artist, their gear, and whatever trajectory they decide to explore. The expectation is to have no expectation simply ride.
Our first installment comes from one of our favorite Beatsmith/MC/Video Artist’s Vanese Smith aka Pursuit Grooves/91 Fellows. When speaking of electronic or hip hop producers who have made innovative contributions to their genre, females are rarely mentioned. Whether hard to find or never exposed, Pursuit Grooves is making it her business to deliver an important message to the world…WE DO EXIST! Refusing to be defined or labeled she graciously accepts all of her influences to create something that is distinctly her own while owing much to the past.
Smith started experimenting with production at the age of 14 and started DJing in college. Pursuit Grooves released her debut instrumental CD Fun Like Passion on her own label What Rules Records in July of 2006. Pursuit Grooves was selected as one of 60 participants out of 2300 applicants to take part in the Redbull Music Academy in Barcelona, Spain in October 2008. Her subsequent releases have gone on to be championed by the like of Gilles Peterson along with labels Tectonic, and Tokyo Dawn.
In preparation for her upcoming Deepblak release as 91 Fellows Smith is the first up to bat in our Off The Grid series. 91 Fellows marks a different direction for Smith, being more focused on mood and less groove oriented. Smith creates a hypnotic world that wraps you in its unique structure capturing a mystical depth, space and time.
As our Ten year Anniversary comes to an end we take time to revisit Prof. Delacroix’s deep classic ‘Build Her”. Initially released in ‘07-08 “Build Her” received massive support from Deep selectors across the field. Finding it’s way onto DJ Deep’s “Tronic Jams Vol.1”, and a permanent place in the crate of Osunlade.
Two of my favorite producers in Fred. P and Afrikan Sciences bring an added perspective to this time tested piece. Fred brings a painfully beautiful soundscape to the table while Afrikan Sciences weaves a rhythmic masterpiece. I was very happy to have these cats touch “Build Her” as I know they were big fans of the original. So I knew they would touch it with Love. I could not think of a more perfect way to bring 2011 to a close than to have the Bredren remix one my biggest pieces to date . I hope you enjoy. Love, Respect, and Power Always. ~ AYBEE
So here we are at the end of 2011 another amazing year, and the close of Deepblak’s first decade. It is impossible to put into words what has transpired over the last 10 years. So many changes accompanied with so much growth. What started out has a creative refuge developed into a path of rhythmic/self exploration. Opening doors to higher truths that within themselves became inspiration to continue the path. A path that has led us to this present moment with you. In this moment I hope that what we have said musically up until this point serves as inspiration. Inspiration to do if nothing else give you the courage to listen to your inner voice.
Our CD compilation “Ten” is a collection of sentimental favorites from the last decade. These songs are not necessarily our most popular, but were selected because they represent certain pivotal emotional points in the story of the label. For many who are new to Deepblak “Ten” serves as a “Hello” giving them a brief snapshot of the last decade of our sound.
We have learned so much yet still have so much to learn. We thank you for this moment, and we hope that you will tag along for the next stage of our evolution…
Love Respect and Power Always!
~ AYBEE
Tracklisting
[01] Aybee – “Ascending”
[02] Prof Delacroix – “Build Her”
[03] Aybee & Afrikan Sciences – “Someone”
[04] Aybee – “Solaris”
[05] Afrikan Sciences – “A Decision”
[06] Dozie – “Sensuality (Aybee Midnite Creep)”
[07] Blaktroniks – “Petro Sexual”
[08] Orion 70 – “Blak Planet”
[09] Aybee – “Love Like No Other”
[10] Aybee & Trinidadian Deep – “Contact”
[11] Aybee & Afrikan Sciences – “Threshold”
[12] Xaphryn Follicle – “Valentina”
Damon Bell returns with his first vinyl offering Kush Musik Wax. A collection of productions from his previous Kush Musik Series including a remix from label head AYBEE. We are very proud to present Kush Musik Wax as now Damon can add his own vinyl to his amazing collection, and you should follow. Much more in the pipeline for Damon. Stay tuned…
A1. Ezuku
A2. Idiya
B1. Kymestry
B2. Ezuku (AYBEE’s Gorilla Dub)
Buy
US > Crosstalk International
EU > Juno
From moments from Damon Bell’s record release party at Room 389 in Oakland for “Kush Musik Wax”
Interview and Mix for the crew at (LWE) Little White Earbuds.
Glad to join their list of esteemed podcasts. Check it out and enjoy.
Once again I connected with Seattle based Further Records for the “o1o – Futurespective” album. In line with Deepblak’s 10th anniversary “A Futurespective” is a collection of some of Further label head Mark’s favorite recordings by myself under the “o1o” moniker. o1o is short for (Oaklands 1 and Only) and is the name I used when producing at a slower tempo. When Mark pitched the concept you know I was ALL-in. Per usual with Further the record is put together with gorgeous screen printed Artwork with a Limited Edition of 300 shipping worldwide August 15th. I hope you enjoy this project as much as we did putting it together.
Love, Respect, and Power
~ AYBEE
Recently got a chance to catch the bredren DJ QU (Strength Music, NJ/NY) in his 1st SF appearance. I am a big fan of what QU has been doing with his productions really carving out an interesting space for his sound within the Deephouse world. While many are attracted to the dark elements that QU laces his joints with I am attracted to the consistent swing he applies. The groove never let’s you forget he’s a dancer 1st. Respect to Jeremy and crew for bringing Qu westward. Here are a few moments from the eve…
Very proud to present the “Eternal Radiance“ EP featuring myself and Miles Sagnia on his Atmospheric Existence label. I have been a fan of Miles work for a few years now so when he approached me with the idea there was no hesitation. I love Miles’s approach to his music. He brings a warmth, and a harmonic sophistication that fuses my favorite elements of Deep House and Techno. I hope you enjoy this project as much as we did creating it. Support your local Record Shop! If you don’t have one here it is at Juno.
Very glad to be a part of Ethyl & Huxley’s “Reflexions” remix project on Kevin Griffiths TSUBA Label. A Top notch label, and as you can see absolutely stunning Artwork. Grab it while you can.
Phonica Records | Juno Records
Ethyl and Huxley’s – Reflexions (AYBEE Mix) featured in the Secret Sundaze 10th Anniversary Vid.
Recently got the opportunity to have a in depth discussion with DJ Sinister (aka Michael Terzian) on his weekly “Salvation From Sin” radio show on CJLO 1690 in Montreal. We got into a wide range of topics. It was truly and honor to do this interview with Michael as he has been one of earliest, and most steady supporters of the Deepblak sound. Hope you Enjoy.
AYBEE hits vinyl stores with the 11:11 EP. You know the mode…Quantum Soul Mechanix…
AYBEE – 11:11 EP from Deepblak on Vimeo.