Six Degrees have unveiled the latest in their digital-only library and it's their way of experimenting with new sounds and fresh artists. This EP length release entitled "Emerging Artists Sampler Vol. 1" features work from five new artists whose own EPs will be following soon; Rara Avis, Jef Stott, ZAMAN 8 & Hafez Modir, Do, and MNO.

1. Rara Avis "Medicine (radio edit)"
2. Jef Stott "Saracen (Kemanche mix)"
3. ZAMAN 8 & Hafez Modir "Surya"
4. Do "Los Dos Lados (feat. Omar Sosa and Greg Landau)"
5. MNO "Che"

Starting off with Rara Avis and a song titled "Medicine", the sound is a subtle dose of hip-hop with smoothly flowing strings and synth pads that are joined by tabla and guided by a nice, dubby bass line. Rara has over 15 years of multi-genre music study to his credit and also works with sound therapy, so the title makes a clean extension.

Jef Stott follows with "Saracen (Kemanche mix)". As Rara, Jef isn't new to the world of music. He has over 10 years experience including credit as a founding member of both Lumin and Stellamara, and has studied Middle Eastern instruments with masters from Morocco to Turkey. The sound of his song here is led by Middle Eastern horns and flute, backed up by ultra mellow percussion and a bed of deeply toned strings.

ZAMAN 8 & Hafez Modir have come up with a truly insteresting sound on "Surya". It combines lively jazz flute and sax with South Asian musical aesthetics and really comes across nicely. The percussion is based in the jazz style, as opposed to hip-hop, joined by brightly strummed guitar and some nice vocal chants. Hafez is a respected Iranian saxophonist and he clearly plays at ease here. There are some heavier percussive moments and great flute work to accompany the sax, which is played perfectly low-key by Hafez. Really, really nice sound.

Do are a Latin project that bring hip-hop influences into their sound with its percussive style and back it up with some deeply enjoyable piano work by well known Cuban pianist Omar Sosa. The song is titled "Los Dos Lados". The hip-hop in Do's percussion is nicely accented by very indigenous Latin drum work and the whole piece takes on a bit of an avant jazz feel with abstract vocals and energetically played saxophone.

Another Latin styled song called "Che" closes out the EP and it's by MNO, who is Michael Emenau. Michael is currently living in Paris as a vibraphonist and the instrument defnitely leads the sound. The overall result is a seamless blend of Latin instrumentation and jazz with accents of modern electronic music. This one makes for an excellent lounge piece.

The new "Emerging Artists" series from Six Degrees is an excellent concept for the label, and a great way for them to experiment with new artists. Having recently released digital-only work from the likes of Shrift and Karsh Kale, this Emerging Artists series takes it to a new level. Some of these sounds are really where it's at. The track by ZAMAN 8 comes highly recommended. If you want to get closer to the heart of modern pan-ethnic music, definitely check this EP out.

Add a Comment