Our good friends at Equinox Records hit us up about this new EP they’re dropping at the end of the month from J. Baracuz and very kindly offered us a track from it to give away.

Baracuz is a Berlin-based producer who already appeared on the label a few years back on their ‘One Year & A Day’ compilation. He also had an album out in 2006, and this is his second release and first for the Equinox label. The vibes on ‘One Way Ticket’ – the free track we’re giving away – are hazy and deep, with a seriously head nodding groove layered with samples and melodies just as we like it.

Here’s what the press release for his EP, titled A Contemporary Witness, has to say:

Within the big bunch of electronic releases in the field of the world wide spreading new beat maker scene, “A Contemporary Witness” by J. Baracuz could be one of the highlights this year. Baracuz is, which sets him apart from many of his peers, able to combine his sound design skills on controller and mpc with delicate arrangements and a good sense for song structures.

The opening track of the EP, “The Overture”, juggles with string and piano samples while it is underlined by percussive and driving beats. The tune is as much “on point” as the impulsive second track “One Way Ticket”. Regardless of the moderate tempo, the song is straight forward, includes vocal shreds and synth sounds und even manages to switch over to a Sci Fi Dub part in the middle. Next up, “Jazzy Conqueror”, clocking in at 6 minutes, is the longest piece on the EP. In this track, J. Baracuz proves one more time his talent for structure and arrangement. It is primarily based on organic samples, while being equipped with some glitches here and there. The last song, “Everyone’s the Same” concludes the EP in an enjoyable way with its expressive Soul Folk Electronica vibe.

After a creative break Baracuz has spent with studying, travelling and digging for records, “A Contemporary Witness” is a big step forward for him. The whole EP impresses with detailed and meticulous production, while it still seems to be done with the greatest of ease. Being the 5th EP on Equinox.Digital, the sublabel of the Berlin based Electronica label Equinox Records, it successfully follows the previously released works by Deckard, David Vangel and 2econd Class Citizen.

You can stream and/or download the track ‘One Way Ticket’ below as always. And look out for the EP dropping on Equinox October 28 – just check Equinox’s website for details of where to cop, this will be a digital release so no excuse not to get involved if you like what you hear!

Big shouts and thanks to Scientist as always for the music.

Download J. Baracuz – One Way Ticket (right click and save as)

Our good friends at Equinox Records are about to celebrate their 25th release, and to commemorate this milestone they’re doing what they do best – putting together an amazing physical package of vinyl and more.

The box set features a 7 inch, a unique, custom USB stick (for the first 50 sets) and a tape featuring megamixes by long time Rhythm Incursions friend and collaborator Buddy Peace and Phonatic! The megamixes (which you can download below digitally) are quite special too with label boss Scientist giving Buddy and Phonatic access to separate layers, vocals and more from the label’s first 24 releases allowing them to create a truly intricate sonic experience. Anyone who knows what Buddy is capable of when it comes to mixes will know that this is an absolute must listen!

Limited to 250, the box sets come in normal and deluxe packages and are available to buy now from HHV and all good stores (check the links). Click here to visit the Equinox site and get the full details of what is included – tape, 7 inch, digital package and USB stick. It’s a truly killer release.

As for the freebie, it’s a high res version of the Buddy Peave vs Phonatic megamix (which is only available on the cassette as part of the box set) – check the link below to grab the zip file. And you can also check a new remix of 2econd Class Citizen’s ‘Wishing Well’ by The Raincoatman and Vangel which is available on the box set’s 7inch.

Congratulations to Scientist and the team for reaching 25 and here’s to the next lot. Much love!

Download Buddy Peace vs Phonatic – The Equinox Megamixes (right click and save as)

2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (The Raincoatman Vs. Vangel Remix) (eqx-025) by Equinox Records

Equinox Records are about to release Ceschi’s debut album, produced by label head Scientist. We’ve already aired a few tracks from this in previous shows but in case you weren’t following Phonatic has put together a megamix of the album which you can stream above and download below.

‘The One Man Band Broke Up’ is one of the freshest rap LPs we’ve heard all year and another great example of why Equinox are a top label you should be familiar with. And that’s not mentioning the killer artwork they put out with each release, this one being no exception.

The album drops June 29th and you can head over to the label’s website to get your pre-order on or check your nearest physical or digital purveyor. Enjoy!

Download Ceschi – The One Man Band Broke Up megamix