After the heavy success of Escapism Refuge’s debut album ‘Hold’ that was out last year on Deep Heads, the talented South African is back on Smokin’ Sessions with a mind-blowing Record.
‘Wet Wipes’ is a track that has been getting a lot of hype from DJ’s and fans alike and it is not hard to understand why. It’s a very catchy little roller that has a serious low end. 2 step beats with a heavy baseline mould this track into a recording that is sonically brilliant! The melodies are infectious and shows off exactly what Escapism Refuge is all about, with his display of masterful composition work.
Then we have none other than Biome on Remix duties and he has done a sterling job. No doubt, this is some of Biome’s finest production work and is nothing short of sheer genius. Warm with elegant touches on the bass, give this remix a beautiful flavour that compliments the original to perfection. The remix was also featured in the Escapism Refuge X FatKidOnFire Mix back in 2017 and has got the heads asking ‘When this one will drop’……………Well, here we have it.
Last up we have ‘Don’t Mind Me’ that is reminiscent of a track from Dubstep’s golden era. Still pushing musical boundaries, this intelligent production is a perfect B2 to round off this incapsulating EP.
Championed by the likes of LiveMag SA, XLR8R, Kaltblut Magazine, Dummy Mag and Between 10 and 5, it is no surprise that the aspiring musician has seen commendation from Giles Peterson (BBC Radio), Joe Kay (Soulection), Lefto (Brownwood Recordings) and Kid Founque in his home town in South Africa.
It's been a busy year so far for Escapism Refuge. His debut album 'Hold' was released on Vinyl that contained some stand out tracks from the LP, along with some remixes from Synkro and Congi.
There has been continuing support with his music from an array of taste makers around the globe and his DJ career is moving from strength to strength. A big highlight for this rising talent was his DJ set at Red Bull's Music Festival in Johannesburg, earlier this year on one of the main stages. His set was met by many moving feet and thousands of fans that adore his music.
Escapism Refuge now returns to Smokin' Sessions with one of the stand out track taken from the album 'Hold' entitled 'Misfit' (sure you know that one by now), along with a fresh new track entitled 'Stuck' and…………………drum roll please! Compa on the remix duties!!!
The Compa remix is an absolute stonker and is a joy to hear 'Misfit' finally on Vinyl, that show off this beauty of a track on pure wax physicality. Strictly limited edition on these, grab one while they're about ;)
Championed by the likes of LiveMag SA, XLR8R, Kaltblut Magazine, Dummy Mag and Between 10 and 5, it is no surprise that the aspiring musician has seen commendation from Giles Peterson (BBC Radio), Joe Kay (Soulection), Lefto (Brownwood Recordings) and Kid Founque in his home town in South Africa.
It's quite unbelievable that it is now 10 years in passing that Smokin' Sessions was launched as a Record label and their releases history has been nothing short of magnificent!
To mark the occasion the label is releasing a compilation – The Session – which will aim to consolidate the label's legacy and celebrate the label's future as a key player within the UK- and indeed the world's electronic music landscape.
Expect long out-of-press and highly sought-after classics & recordings from the likes of Djrum, Synkro, Geode, Biome, Versa & Rowl, as well as an abundance of fresh material from the label’s new signing Escapism Refuge.
Escapism Refuge also provides us with a stunning DJ mix that accompanies the release that is a magical journey through the labels sound.
2 step beats with loads of shuffle provides the back bone of the Smokin' Sessions sound, with influences of Jazz, Garage, ambient soundscapes and a good serving of Bass to round it all off.
Double pack Vinyl includes Download Card.
Early DJ Support comes from Compa (Deep Medi), J Kenzo (Rinse FM), Synkro (Appolo / R&S), Biome (Levelz / too many to mention) N-Type (Rinse FM), Don Letts (BBC Raio 6Music), Lefto and Tim Parker (Rinse FM) too name some highlight names.
South Africa’s Escapism Refuge returns to London’s Smokin’ Sessions with the On The Fence EP, following his previous effort for the label – the highly acclaimed ‘Vol. 31’.
A-side and title track ‘On The Fence’ is an understated and subtle effort, carrying with it an introspective and moody set of harmonies and chord progressions. It’s a quietly uplifting start to the EP, and the track’s lead melody will remain stuck in your head for days. The B1 – ‘Almost Eight’ – does things differently by incorporating elements of classic Ruff Sqwad-era grime with an updated and crisp set of modern day production techniques. The EP’s last track, ‘Dust’, uses a deep and propulsive bass line, which is augmented by Escapism’s now signature use of fleeting vocal samples. It’s a powerful ending to a heavyweight and emotionally-charged EP from Escapism Refuge.
Escapism Refuge’s previous efforts have gained impressive DJ support from across the scene, from figures such as Compa (Deep Medi), Synkro, Gilles Peterson, Lefto, Joe Kay (Soulection), Don Letts, Tim Parker, N- Type, Phaeleh and many more.
The On The Fence EP will be available digitally and on 12” vinyl soon.
The Wait is finally over people! SmokinSessions are back with a new piece of Wax that is simply, mind blowing.
Mercy teams up with Audialist for 2 of the tracks on this 12inch with enough bass to shake the house down.
Both Mercy & Audialist have been on heavy rotation on the Deep Heads networks and the debut Vinyl release, for both artists, could not have been better selected for the format.
As you would expect from Smokin Sessions, the tracks are 2s tep and tailored for the sound system crew.