The Musik Lounge

  When I'm not getting lost in my record crates I find myself digging through bandcamp just following rabbit holes and seeing what sounds stand out. Sometimes I find myself grooving to some new jazz, an as yet unnoticed rapper or perhaps something soulful and dance inducing. Such was the case when I stumbled upon Patchworks. In specific it was the recent Mr. President project One Night . Filled with amazing modern disco vibes, it's music decidedly not for social distancing but certainly uplifting art for these tough times. I was hooked in one listen and had to know more about the man behind it.  Turns out it's one of many projects a man by the name of Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart has his hands in and he alone has a discography one could spend days devouring. Running a gamut of styles within a broad spectrum of dance tunes you are bound to find something you can groove to and smile along with. The music is created out of love and passion, with no motives beyond experi...

  A few weeks ago I ran an interview with a young producer, Ezroh, who hailed from Australia. In response to my question about his soundtrack to 2020 he mentioned quite a few projects, one of which was All News Is Good News by his fellow countrymen Surprise Chef . Upon only a brief listen I knew I was interested and had the record on the way. After sitting with that album I was convinced that something is going on in that country that must be explored. Daylight Savings by Surprise Chef This band is so on point! Today they release their follow up full length Daylight Savings (also soon to be en route - I don’t even need to hear it to know it’s a must cop). If you grew up on the likes of RZA, Pete Rock & Q-Tip production or labels like Staxx, Hi, Daptone, Capitol (of a certain time frame) this is music for you. It’s gorgeous, soul warming sounds perfect for the shift in seasons we are currently transitioning with. Surprise Chef lay down thick grooves for you to nod along too, ...

As I’ve dove back into musical exploration (and specifically record collecting) it has been a focus to dig into the modern Jazz movements happening throughout the world. Today you can hear vast styles being created, evolved and examined from countless places. In this music you will hear influences from new and old sonic architects, young cats who grew up on hiphop and are incorporating reinvigorated rhythms, modern production techniques and elevating the ideas of swing and groove into a sound that is equally modern and classic. In this exploration I’ve come across scenes in cities I hadn’t been aware of prior. Paris has long been a space for expats from the Jazz scene to land and yet I generally associated it with haute couture rather than anything new musical. That was until I stumbled upon Favorite Recordings .  When I hit upon their discography it was ear opening. Styles upon styles abound if you dig into their catalog. The first one to catch my ear was a forthcoming release fro...