Now available at ColdBusted.org.
“Selective Hearing” is a reflection of my own musical tastes and preferences, which are always evolving.The series is precisely what the title implies: “To listen solely to what one wants to listen to and omit that which one does not wish to hear.” Since I was in high school I have collected hundreds of old vinyl records, everything from jazz, funk, blues, soul, bossa nova, soundtracks, reggae, and even classical. I listen to these records and then take from them only the parts I enjoy the most. I then use these parts to create my own beats, remixes and instrumental songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmmRUmw0LgA
Used for the track “Joyride” (around 2:25)
This particular release is a fusion between oldschool jazz, soul, hip-hop, and R&B. I play alot of keyboards on the album, everything from pianos, organs, vibes, guitars, flutes, horns, rhodes, bass, and synthesizers. I also add my own unique elements to the mix, such as drums/breaks, percussion loops, turntable scratching, and sound effects.
“Stop on By’ utilizes deep beats and soulful vocal samples, slight filtering of sounds, and simple guitar riffs for a compelling tune.The Madhatter’ embodies a child-like awe in the sounds, sweetly purring strings, a pensive jazzy clarinet, more cutting and scratching, lively drums and percussions.” -ColdBusted.org
Sample used for “Stop On By”
The result is a mixture between my own melodies/grooves and those taken from some of my favorite albums. While the concept of “sampling” is often looked down upon by many, it is also the heart and essence of what hip-hop and DJing is. In other words, I do not see it going away any time soon.
The sad thing is, most of the records I sample have been sitting on a shelf deteriorating for the past 20-30 years, and will continue to do so until someone comes along and breathes new life into them. I see sampling as way of keeping that culture alive while also exposing younger audiences to all types of music they would have never heard or known about otherwise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKXXzJhhlhQ
Sample used for “Sail Me Away”
“Sail Me Away ends the 10-track album with all around good vibes, a touch of funk, soul, a full kick drum, chopped up sweet vocals, deep bassline and relaxing melody. It’s like the feeling of coming home from a long trip or an epiphany of lovely thoughts, an album drawn from many influences it’s a beautifully composed treat.” -ColdBusted.org