Genre pick of the week 
Releasing now for well over a decade - Neue Grafik: known to friends as Fred, has successfully transplanted from Parisian rookie to one-man London institution. Beginning as a solo producer and DJ, Fred spread his wings upon relocating to South London - at first with his Neue Grafik Ensemble and later with his now iconic twice-weekly Orii Jam - the latter of which has given agency to an entire new generation of musicians; spawning an aesthetic, nurturing a unique sound and becoming a launchpad for countless artists.
"Dalston Tape Volume 1" is Fred’s attempt to fall back in love with beatmaking - taking it back to the roots of where the project began. I say 'attempt' because he’s simply learnt too much and made too many friends
along the way to make a mere DIY beat tape. Since his early MPC-led productions on Parisian label, Beat X Changers, Fred has learnt to play the keys to a concert hall standard, he has become proficient in double bass and built up a dense network of collaborators who he has composed, recorded, engineered and produced for both at home in SE London and in the iconic Total Refreshment Centre Studios in Dalston.
This experience adds unavoidable dimensions to his toolbox - resulting in something more akin to a miniature-magnum-opus than a simple beat-tape.
Yes, we hear the influences of Pete Rock, Mad Lib, J Dilla and Al Dobson Jr but we also hear the musicality of D’Aneglo, James Blake and live contributions from an ever growing army of young graduates of the Orii School.
"Dalston Tape Volume 1" is Fred’s attempt to fall back in love with beatmaking - taking it back to the roots of where the project began. I say 'attempt' because he’s simply learnt too much and made too many friends
along the way to make a mere DIY beat tape. Since his early MPC-led productions on Parisian label, Beat X Changers, Fred has learnt to play the keys to a concert hall standard, he has become proficient in double bass and built up a dense network of collaborators who he has composed, recorded, engineered and produced for both at home in SE London and in the iconic Total Refreshment Centre Studios in Dalston.
This experience adds unavoidable dimensions to his toolbox - resulting in something more akin to a miniature-magnum-opus than a simple beat-tape.
Yes, we hear the influences of Pete Rock, Mad Lib, J Dilla and Al Dobson Jr but we also hear the musicality of D’Aneglo, James Blake and live contributions from an ever growing army of young graduates of the Orii School.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: Rhythm Section end what's been a mighty fine year for the label with this hot-to-trot slab of smeared, woozy, blunted hip-hop.TRACK LISTING
A1. Mckennai Beat
A2. What Wood Feat. Brother Portrait
A3. Ladybug
A4. Modern Ifa
A5. Fm Feat. Max Mckenzie
A6. Austral Mood
A7. Slave Cemetery
A8. Cari And Whales
B1. Meditation & Heartbreak
B2. For Nahel Feat. Selina Jones
B3. Cosmic Psylo
B4. Norwood Junction
B5. Ears
B6. Unrooted Maskossa
B7. Last Bantu (outro)