Fresh Finds 01
New
/n(y)o͞o/
adjective
Not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.
Fresh Finds is our new weekly series dedicated to “new” music discovery. But just because it isn’t “new”, doesn’t mean it isn’t new to you.
Given the circumstances we’re currently experiencing as a nation, let alone on a global scale, it’s difficult to find a solid footing from which to stop, listen, and reflect. We believe in the importance of speaking out against racial injustice and leveraging our own individual platforms to keep the message alive. But over the last few days, it’s begun to feel like an echo chamber - everyone is screaming at the top of their lungs, but the sound isn’t reaching the people who need to hear it most.
Rather than contribute to the cacophony, we took a moment to stop, listen, and reflect. We’ve made donations. We’ve begun the process of educating ourselves further. We’re pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. But we don’t quite feel the need to broadcast our journey via social media, and we invite you to take a step away from the constant stream of content to do some reflection yourselves.
This series has been on the back burner for a while as we grappled with just how to proceed as a music blog given the current state of things. But the term “Elevate Black Voices” gained traction this week, and it really resonated with me as a way to positively contribute to the work being done right now. And so, I kick off this first issue of Fresh Finds with four artists of color who have made a profound impact on me this year.
Run The Jewels - RTJ4
Hip-Hop
Run The Jewels is back, with their "Fuck It, Why Wait?" attitude on RTJ4.
Surprise dropping a few days ahead of schedule, the new LP from Killer Mike and El-P could not be more punctual. At a time when tensions in America are at an all time high, Run The Jewels' presence feels like reinforcements just dropped in from the sky. Killer Mike puts in work. Incomparable in the way he leverages his platform, Mike is an exemplary pillar of humanity who isn't afraid to voice his opinion no matter how controversial it may be. Do yourself a favor and give this album a spin today.
Also, highly recommend following @KillerMike on Instagram.
Notable Highlights:
"yankee and the brave (ep. 4)"
"goonies vs. E.T."
"JU$T (feat. Pharrell Williams & Zack de la Rocha)"
"pulling the pin (feat. Mavis Staples & Josh Homme)"
"a few words for the firing squad (radiation)"
Hailu Mergia - Yene Mircha
Jazz/ Instrumental
A storied Ethiopian keyboardist and bandleader whose work reaches back to the early 70's, Hailu Mergia's career experienced a resurgence in 2018 with the release of "Lala Belu" - his first studio recording since 1978. The album's final track "Yefkir Engurguro", was the final track featured on Maribou State's Fabric Presents mixed album - released back in March. Evidence that a properly timed and curated tune can have a huge impact on an audience, "Yefkir Engurguro" is a solemn, contemplative track that served as a perfect segue into the rest of Mergia's catalogue.
Notable Highlights:
"Yefkir Engurguro"
"Abichu Nega Nega"
"Yene Mircha"
"Bayne Lay Yihedal"
"Dibik Fikir"
Moses Boyd - Dark Matter
Jazz/ Instrumental/ Experimental
"Dark Matter" is the official solo debut of 28-year old drummer/ producer/ composer, Moses Boyd. Based out of and born from the London jazz scene, Boyd's compositions feel alive - evoking a beating pulse, a power, that feels almost ancestral. Rather than rest on these laurels, "Dark Matter" takes steps beyond it's jazz roots at times, taking a more contemporary approach with a diverse cast of featured vocalists. Released in February, on the precipice of world collapse, this record feels even more relevant today.
Notable Highlights:
"Stranger Than Fiction"
"BTB"
"Y.O.Y.O"
"Dancing in the Dark (feat. Obongjayar)"
"What Now?"
Moses Sumney - Græ
Art Rock/ Experimental
The incomparable Moses Sumney returned last month with an expansive double album, "Græ" - and in a word, it's breathtaking. Sumney weaves a complex tapestry of sounds across 20 thought provoking songs - creating space for the kind of reflection we need in this current moment. The collective work of over 20 musicians and engineers, "Græ" is a triumphant and contemplative masterpiece.
Notable Highlights:
“Cut Me”
“Virile”
“Colouour”
“Neither/Nor”
“Polly”
“Bystanders”