Beat Dimensions continues sonic explorations with vol2
Two years ago Beat Dimensions vol1 was released. Compiled by Jay Scarlett and Cinnaman (based in/around the UK, Germany and Holland) it was a particularly accurate and representative snapshot of a growing undercurrent in hip hop toward a return to focus on the beats and the producer. Not only that, it was more than a euro- or american-centric view of this producing renaissance taking in work from across the globe and spotlighting certain producers who in the subsequent years would go on to receive a fair bit of attention and critical acclaim.
In the two years since its release, Beat Dimensions has become a real point of reference and accordingly the follow-up has been quite anticipated. The wait is over as Beat Dimensions vol2 is upon us – split across 3 EPs and both vinyl and digital formats. EP 1 drops this week, while EP 2 will drop next week both on vinyl. The digital releases of each will follow a week later. Following this EP 3 and a 7″ release will be available after the summer, most likely around September, and there is then talk of an album release too. So as you can see the wait has been for a reason with Jay and Cinnaman putting in some serious work to try and ensure the series lives up to the high standards it set itself. All releases are distributed by Rush Hour, full tracklist and details below.
I met Cinnaman in Amsterdam earlier this year and he mentioned how keen both he and Jay were to not rush the release and to ensure that they actually upped the quality of the series rather than just cash in on its previous success and the current trendyness and popularity of the beat scene and the whole hip hop meets electronic music movement. Having heard the first 2 EPs I’d say they’ve definitely managed that; once more their selection is varied, taking in established names as well as upcoming producers from around the globe (including Pakistan, not your first port of call for upcoming producers), and there is a distinct feel of progression from the first volume. The only downside may well be that with the current excess of attention surrounding the beat scene and the resulting copycat mentality that has led to too many people sounding the same in the last few years, the impact of vol2 is unlikely to be anywhere near as ‘powerful’ as vol1 though that was always a given I guess. More importantly the guys are obviously aware of this and have aimed to put together something that can actually show the quality of music being made amid the mass of copycats and throwaway beats.
Beat Dimensions vol2 features quite a few of our own favourites producers of recent times including Nosaj Thing, Mono/Poly and Fulgeance and the return of the one and only Danny Breaks, somebody who we’ve been fans of for years and who is an often forgotten ‘pioneer’ of this whole beat thing. For that reason alone it’s great to see him included on there, alongside Adlib from the Noisy Stylus crew, who should be no stranger to regular listeners of Turntable Radio.
I’ll be airing a couple of cuts from the first 2 volumes on the May show which goes live next week. In the meantime though get your pre-order/order on via Rush Hour or any reputable physical or online shop (UK people may want to try Juno or Boomkat for example). More info about the other releases on the Beat Dimensions myspace page.
Beat Dimensions vol 2 EP 1
Dalt Wisney – R2FUX
Danny Breaks and Dj Adlib – The Sound
Kenlo Craqnuques – Zoed
Mono/Poly – Distant From
Nosaj Thing – FWD
Beat Dimensions vol 2 EP 2
Dimlite – Ravemond’s Young Problems
Dizz1 – Konotakosuke Yaro
Dorian Concept – Be Tween
Fulgeance – Haggis
Samiyam – Swamp Tarts
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