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.

[ FILM ] AYBEE VLOG | 7906 | SoN’y Rays (2012)

A few moments from the 1st SoN’y Rays which is Deepblak’s quarterly gathering diving into LIVE cosmic beats, rhythms, and space travel from the Deepblak cast & fam. Here are a few seconds of what was an amazing set up of Afrikan Sciences, AYBEE, LA Beat Master Dibia$e, and EPS1 of Blaktroniks all wired to jam LIVE. Unfortunately our videographer had to cancel so we don’t have much footage, but you can get an idea of the mode… prepping for 02 stay locked.

Deepblak | Motives & Summer Musings ’12

Was reflecting on the weekend just passed, and was a bit overcome with gratitude over the present creative environment in which I find myself. I connect with my friends…we cook, eat, check in, and then the creative process runs it’s course. It means everything to me that our music/label is not what we do, but an extension of who we are. It’s not about hitting the studio, but the things that lead one into the studio. Living life… the process, and the articulation of that path with the tools we have. I have been leaving our gatherings, phone converstaions, and skype’s filled with inspiration. Filled with excitement as I watch us all push, and grow. It is a truly humbling, and beautiful feeling. Much great music enroute from Pursuit Grooves, Blaktroniks, Shen 07, Damon Bell, Afrikan Sciences and myself. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy living it. Love, Respekt, and Power Always.

~ AYBEE

[ FILM ] AYBEE VLOG | 7905 | Halcyon (Brooklyn) In Store (2012)

A few minutes from the “The Bandwagon Podcast” at Halcyon in Brooklyn. Myself, Fred P., JD, and the mighty Jay Locke holding it down for a few hours. Pursuit Grooves came thru, and shared a few words about her upcoming Deepblak debut under her “91 Fellows” moniker. It was great day with stunning weather in NY. Great people, space, and music. Respect to Taimur, and the Halcyon staff for having us out.

[ FILM ] AYBEE VLOG | 7904 | Secretsundaze London (2012)

A few moments from the Secresundaze 2012 season opening party. A truly amazing day, and great music by All involved. Secretsundaze purveyor’s Giles Smith & James Priestly opened and closed the day off class fashion. Did not film any of my set as totally forgot about my cam til the end of my set. Started filming after, and captured bits of Wbeeza’s amazing (LIVE) set along with the mighty Deetron after. So good to connect with London Fam. Definitely a day that will be replayed in my mind for years to come. Love Respect and Power to ALL involved.

Afrikan Sciences - Boss Nova's Second Pass

[DBR-V013] Afrikan Sciences – Boss Nova’s Second Pass EP

 

Afrikan Sciences - Boss Nova's Second Pass

Artwork by SafetyFirst

Afrikan Sciences returns lush, and rhythmic as ever with his latest offering “Boss Nova’s Second Pass EP” . Continuing to push into spaces of other-world sonic’s, Afrikan Sciences locks together groove palettes that inspire, and challenge. Four tracks all worlds within themselves filled with soul, imagination, and freedom.

[ FILM ] AYBEE VLOG | 7903 | Live at Realtime SF (2012)

Opening minutes from my Live set at Realtime in (SF) 4.13.12. Massive respect to Jonah Sharp and Emilio Orlandi Giraudbit for the invite. Your set was killer, and very tough to follow. Maaan was i nervous…but fun none the less. If your in or around SF check for their monthly Realtime party at 222 Hyde. All Live no DJ’s…

> Download <

AYBEE - Astral Metronome

[DBR-V012] AYBEE – Astral Metronome EP

AYBEE - Astral Metronome

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

[ FILM ] AYBEE VLOG | 7902 | Anatomy of a Good Weekend (2012)

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.

DEEPBLAK | Off The Grid [ 01 ] Pursuit Grooves (aka 91 Fellows)

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.