Upcoming LP Microcosms Announced for 20/06/2024 - First single Alien Transmission released [listen here]

 

I've been holding this work back for a while now, but there's no time like the present, so here is a taster of what's to come in 2024! I'm excited to announce that my audio/visual LP Microcosms will be released, and available to download for free over at my Bandcamp page in three months time (20/06/2024). This record marks a change in direction from the last, and explores radical means of creating music, from spatial programming and binaural staging, sampling sounds from out of our hearing range, with a focus on re-examining things that we take for granted. As this record was conceptualised and developed using public funding with the help of Arts Council England , I want to share this work for free; by heading over to my Bandcamp account you can download a copy of each track as and when they go live.

The above video is the first single from the album titled Alien Transmission. The track was developed around transmission interference I received through my home FM reciever. From capturing these sounds, what developed was a minimalistic, bleepy world of sound which became the fictional setting for some form of sci-fi sonic intervention. I hope you enjoy.

 

Analogue Explorations: Jake Mehew & Henry Weekes / Analogue Foundations, Berlin (Stamp The Wax)

 

Henry Weekes and Jake Mehew connected over a mutual curiosity for experimentation and self-expression within their musical pursuits. First introduced in Leeds whilst Henry was visiting from his home in Berlin, the pair found that they were both on the hunt for like-minded improvisers who were interested in exploring unconventional methods and fresh approaches to creating sound.

Both talented artists in their own respective fields, they’ve fully immersed themselves in their musical practices over the years – Henry as a saxophonist, radio host and event organiser, and Jake as a modular producer, DJ, radio presenter and educator. Improvisation is a driving force for both of them; it affords them complete freedom and the conditions to create something that’s incapable of being replicated in another environment.

This formed the basis of their first performance together. As part of Audio-Technica‘s 60th birthday celebrations, the pair joined forces to create a special improvisation that explores the message of ‘Always Analogue’; a motto that’s driven the company since its inception. Recorded at the Analogue Foundation, the performance marks the first time Jake and Henry have played together yet the synergy between the two of them is palpable. Jake provides a sound-world built from field recordings he collected during his trip to Berlin, and lets Henry lead the melodic decisions and textural changes, whilst exploring the subtleties in his saxophone’s sound.

Read the full article and watch the interview here:

 

The Debut LP Sage by Jake Mehew - Out Now

 

I’m thrilled to announce that my debut LP Sage is out in the wide world, in collaboration with Leeds label ATA Records (All Things Analogue). We have released 500 vinyl copies of this record,

and the record is available on all digital platforms also.

When we think of sage, we think of ritualism. We think of ineffable smoke which dissipates, providing a spiritual ambience when burnt, Analogies can be drawn between sage and the act of improvisation in a few unique ways. Improvisation too is ineffable, presiding in the present, dissipating upon reflection. Improvisation also permits a state of ‘flow’ within the performer, similar to that of a ritualistic trance-like state. In the light, Sage is a modern and contemporary twist on what a spiritual jazz record can be.

This record is a body of work I created during a residency with Sage Gateshead in 2020, featuring a great line-up of musicians who have helped me make something truly special. This is an exploration of what a contemporary 21st century spiritual jazz record can sound like. It has all the hallmarks of 70’s jazz fusion, with lush Fender Rhodes piano, strong percussive grooves, textural turntables, playful improvisation, and an ambience that brings with it serene tranquillity.

 

Jake Mehew / Ambient Modular Library Vol. 1 Out Now

 

As an artist that has only released their music digitally in the past, I can honestly say that making these cassettes from the creation of the music, to the product design, manufacture and retail has been such an eye opening experience. It makes so much sense to format my generative music like this, and I can't wait for you all to hear this work. This work has my creative investment at every stage of its creation - I'm very proud of this achievement.

Each of these ambient soundscapes are recorded in my personal studio, captured with particular attention paid to the quality and authenticity of the capture. For this cassette series, no sample or sound has been recorded by a computer. The recording is processed via an analogue mixing desk, and printed straight onto 1/4 inch magnetic tape, before being copied onto CrO2 Type II cassette. This process is authentic of analogue recording technique and is appropriate for the medium it is presented on. There is also a QR code for digitally downloadable assets, where you can download a 24 bit, 48kHz stereo mix master.

Click here to learn more.

 

‘Constellations’ Out Now (18/03/2022)

 

This 25 minute improvisation between my Fender Rhodes and modular system was designed for two recent performances, supporting Arooj Aftab on her U.K. tour. The two performances (Brudenell Social Club, Leeds / Gorilla, Manchester) were professionally recorded, and I have decided to release the video and audio to the wider world.

This performance was completely improvisatory in nature. My live shows are usually only consumed at their point of exhibition; if you've not seen me perform live, I hope this recording gives you an insight into my performative craft. I had such fun putting this work together and programming this project. I will undoubtedly be creating more works like this in the future.

The dialogue between keyboard and modular synth in this performance is something that I've been exploring a lot recently. Using samplers, and non-linear delays, I sample my Fender Rhodes in real time, and then play over the samples which are generatively and indeterminately brought into existence. The process of exploring these sonic vistas reminds me of patterns in the sky that materialise, upon close inspection.

 

Space Dolphin’s debut LP ‘More Than Soul’ out now.

 

Space Dolphin are proud to have launched their debut LP More Than Soul, featuring a handful of the best rappers, wordsmiths and musical mavericks from Nottingham and Leeds. The LP is a 33 minute whistle-stop tour through the different flavours of hip hop that Space Dolphin love, with guest features on each track to really bring this record to life. More Than Soul is a celebration of the unifying spirit of music, during a poignant moment in history where social distancing has divided and separated us from who and what we love.

Since the release of this record, we have received a large volume of plays on Spotify, and radio support from Jazz FM (Tony Minvielle, China Moses), Worldwide FM (DJ Lubi) BBC Radio 6 (Tom Robinson) and BBC Introducing (Emily Pilbeam) amongst others. The record features performances from Franky Bones, Jermaine Peterson, Phenicia, Fold, Harleighblu, MotorMouf, Ty Healy and NikNak

Records I Am Affiliated With

  • Various Artists / Polytype One

  • Jake Mehew / Sage

  • Jake Mehew / Sage (Ongaku 音楽 Remix)

  • Jake Mehew / Ambient Modular Library Vol. 1

  • Jake Mehew / Ambient Modular Library Vol. 2 (Feat. Lindenbaum Modular)

  • Jake Mehew - Constellations

  • Jake Mehew - Chroma

  • Space Dolphin - More Than Soul

  • Space Dolphin - Energy (Feat. Harleighblu)

  • Space Dolphin - A La Roi (Feat. MotorMouf)

  • MotorMouf - Flower (Feat. Space Dolphin)

  • Space Dolphin - Smoking Kills & Wet Paint AA

  • Ancient Infinity Orchestra - Cosmosaic II (Moments In Time)

  • Tom Williams - Follow The Leader

  • Tom Williams - What Did You Want To Be?

  • Tom Williams - All Change

  • Tom Williams - March Tour '18

  • Fold - We're The Ones

  • Vandal Savage & Claude Money - Raoul Moat

  • Claude Money & J Littles - Joyce (Live at Mount Street)

  • Tayrne - Meet Me Here

  • James Moffat - That Which Comes To Pass (OST)

  • James Moffatt - House of Cardin (OST)

  • Cat Una - At The Domino Club

  • Cat Una - Rust EP