Messages from the Tribe - Jawn Rice



It's time to change it up, as the temperature starts to drop, so does the beat (I'm fucking good). I normally am not into edm/house music, I enjoy electronica-esque groups like Purity Ring, The Naked and Famous and CHVRCHES, but I never really went into strict electronic music, just variations. I admire and respect the efforts of the artists who can produce sick ass beats and awesome undertones but I just never got behind it, which is why "Messages from the Tribe" is so surprising to me. "Messages from the Tribe" is off Rice's debut LP Highlights, to be released on December 8th, 2017,  and is an effort that can be easily identified as an edm track, but there's something unique about it, which is probably why I am so drawn to it. 

The drum machine is kicking that's for sure, and the synthesizers are firing away but there's something funky about this that feels almost jazzy. On the bandcamp page for Highlights the description of the album reads "in a unique mesh, Jawn's deep house is reminiscent of your favorite boogie and jazz funk jams, yet remains forwards leaning in its hyper modern production style." There is an almost disco/funk vibe with the upbeat and pop-y rhythm, with an accompanying bass that is layered nicely over the electronic beats, and implemented trumpets on the reprise to really highlight the jazz influence. What modernizes the track are the addictive, high-rising keys to making an almost computerized sound but is not out of place in this funk-inspired tune, rather it is blended perfectly to show a sense of coexistence between older and modern music. 

Normally-and my hesitation for house/edm comes from this notion-electronic music is concerned with making beats to simply close off your mind and dance to. There usually isn't an evocative meaning or desired way of feeling, it is just synchronized, upbeat, music. However, I like to think that "Messages from the Tribe," as unique as it is, does ascribe to a meaning, and that is older influences  can coexist with new material, and when it does it can be beautiful. That is not just in the vein of music, but in life, as you can't disregard the past and assume it's out-dated, or idea can't fit, rather, it's the opposite as new idea blossom from older visions, and we should have a hint of reverence for these old modes. 

"Messages from the Tribe" came to me through the stellar YouTube channel, "WILLY PETE" which is up there with the likes of "TheLazylazyme" and is definitely worth a subscription, with the wide-range of music, and gems like "Messages from the Tribe" making appearances. 

If you liked this song, then check out Highlights on December 8th, and check him out on Facebook, and google the shit out of him.

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