Being present with music can be harder than you think.

Perhaps, for those that work with music - at a rampant pace - it’s something you are reviewing and processing in speeds slow and simmering to fast and fleeting. The same record you can listen to lying on the sofa - or dancing - with incense infusing your home can also be one you’ve just grabbed off the shelf to shove in your bag for a last-minute gig.

The song and album you select for an Instagram post can be thematic around the context - or whatever sounds good in that moment. When someone asks you to “throw together a quick playlist” for them - how hard is it to do? Does it feel right when it’s simply “thrown together?” 

Sometimes (let’s face it - much of the time), we don’t have the time. But this month, I ensured I made the time to focus on three albums I curated and presented as part of On.Rcrd’s Listening Session Series, KIKU, at Rooms 915 Dupont.

September is for Trip Hop - here's what we covered:
If you have any stories about these albums, I’d love to hear them! 
September 1: Massive Attack, Protection (1994) – hosted by Steve
September 8: Morcheeba, Big Calm (1998) – hosted by me / recap
September 15: DJ Shadow, Endtroducing..... (1996) – hosted by me / recap
September 22: Portishead, Dummy (1994) – hosted by Gil
September 29: Esthero, Breath From Another (1998) – hosted by me / info

The bolded titles were my oysters for this round. I decided how much mignonette, hot sauce, citrus and horseradish to include in their research, dialogue and delivery. What resonated most across all three was that they echoed time, place, process and the vibrant idiosyncrasies that live within the sounds of Trip Hop. Women’s voices present in male dominated spaces. Grace interlaced with soundscapes heavy, dark and industrial - dubby, soulful and rhythmic - gritty, expansive, intricate. Innovative producers, unearthed samples and raw prose recorded to 4-track tape recorders. Songs about loss, love, reclamation, catharsis, fiction, faith and surrender. From Bristol, Kent and London, UK to San Jose, California, a five-way trip with its final stop in Toronto. Apartments at Queen and Ossington. Post-session snacks at 7 West Cafe to HMV's 'Bassment' at 333 Yonge. Stories upon stories. Liner notes, shoutouts and industry BS, too. 

I love to talk about music - that’s an understatement. But, to do it with people (strangers, family and friends) in a communal setting with an awesome soundsystem for three Tuesday nights was an honour and privilege that extends beyond me.

This is why I do what I do - “my sh** to the tenth degree” - a phrase I used to say in university… 

Gratitude to: everyone that attended and supported the KIKU Trip Hop edition (especially my partner Rhandy, family and friends - I see you!), to Steve and Gil, for inviting me to co-curate and co-host for this round, and the solid crew at Rooms 915 Dupont. It’s been a sonic slice of life I’ll cherish. 

Down to chat about music and explore ways we can do this together? Reach out anytime!

Join On.Rcrd for the October edition covering Lover’s Rock! Tickets and info can be found HERE.