Tunisian oud master and vocalist Dhafer Youssef has announced his forthcoming studio album, Street of Minarets, out January 27th via Back Beat Edition. The album is available now for pre-save HERE. The new single, and the album’s closer, “Ondes of Chakras” features a meditative build of sound created by a flurry of woodwind flourishes, groovy strings, and a percussive backdrop.

LISTEN TO “ONDES OF CHAKRAS” HERE

“The topic of the album is first and foremost about traveling,” shares Dhafer. “After traveling to the four  corners of the world, in search of new sounds, here I sing differently and use vocal effects that I grew up  with. Particularly the sound effect of megaphones for the call to prayer - hence the record title, Street of  Minarets.”

He continues, “this record is a journey through time with a bridge sitting between the child I was, a music lover and admirer of the great masters like Miles, Herbie, and Dave, and the grown-up individual I have become. A bridge between the jazz of the 50s and its rockier version of the 80s too. I wanted to show that I am a musician in perpetual motion, avoiding being labeled as kitsch or exotic.”

Approaching the album in an opposite direction as he usually does, Dhafer first invited the guests he wanted on the songs — which include Herbie Hancock (piano), Marcus Miller (bass), Nguyên Lê (guitar), Rakesh Chaurasia (flute), Adriano Dos Santos Tenori (percussion), Dave Holland (double bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet) — and then composed the music with them in mind. Marking Dhafer’s tenth studio album, Street of Minarets was originally recorded at the historic Sunset Studio in Los Angeles with flute and percussion recorded in Paris. The 12-track LP was mixed at Nguyên’s home studio in Lyon, France under the supervision of Steve Argüelles and mastered in Göteborg, Sweden.

Written from the fifty-something Dhafer of today to his teenage-self, the album offers a gift for the dreamers, the lovers, the fighters, and the obscure. Although the composition of his previous 2018 release Sounds of Mirrors was quite obvious for him as he combined his unique musical touch with Indian music, Street of Minarets required 5 years of questioning and hard work. What was once an unfinished project that Dhafer felt was missing the soul his music usually has, overcoming obstacles of intense anxiety in addition to vocal surgery during the pandemic would go on to rekindle his eternal love of music and provide him with the motivation he needed to rewrite and rearrange the record. The result is a relatable journey of sufferings and successes ultimately spotlighting Dhafer’s inspiring resilience.

Tunisian oud master and vocalist Dhafer Youssef has announced his forthcoming studio album, Street of Minarets, out January 27th via Back Beat Edition. The album is available now for pre-save HERE. The new single, and the album’s closer, “Ondes of Chakras” features a meditative build of sound created by a flurry of woodwind flourishes, groovy strings, and a percussive backdrop.

LISTEN TO “ONDES OF CHAKRAS” HERE

“The topic of the album is first and foremost about traveling,” shares Dhafer. “After traveling to the four  corners of the world, in search of new sounds, here I sing differently and use vocal effects that I grew up  with. Particularly the sound effect of megaphones for the call to prayer - hence the record title, Street of  Minarets.”

He continues, “this record is a journey through time with a bridge sitting between the child I was, a music lover and admirer of the great masters like Miles, Herbie, and Dave, and the grown-up individual I have become. A bridge between the jazz of the 50s and its rockier version of the 80s too. I wanted to show that I am a musician in perpetual motion, avoiding being labeled as kitsch or exotic.”

Approaching the album in an opposite direction as he usually does, Dhafer first invited the guests he wanted on the songs — which include Herbie Hancock (piano), Marcus Miller (bass), Nguyên Lê (guitar), Rakesh Chaurasia (flute), Adriano Dos Santos Tenori (percussion), Dave Holland (double bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet) — and then composed the music with them in mind. Marking Dhafer’s tenth studio album, Street of Minarets was originally recorded at the historic Sunset Studio in Los Angeles with flute and percussion recorded in Paris. The 12-track LP was mixed at Nguyên’s home studio in Lyon, France under the supervision of Steve Argüelles and mastered in Göteborg, Sweden.

Written from the fifty-something Dhafer of today to his teenage-self, the album offers a gift for the dreamers, the lovers, the fighters, and the obscure. Although the composition of his previous 2018 release Sounds of Mirrors was quite obvious for him as he combined his unique musical touch with Indian music, Street of Minarets required 5 years of questioning and hard work. What was once an unfinished project that Dhafer felt was missing the soul his music usually has, overcoming obstacles of intense anxiety in addition to vocal surgery during the pandemic would go on to rekindle his eternal love of music and provide him with the motivation he needed to rewrite and rearrange the record. The result is a relatable journey of sufferings and successes ultimately spotlighting Dhafer’s inspiring resilience.

Streets of Minarets Track Listing:

1. Street of Minarets

2. Bal D’âme

3. SharQ Suite I: SharQ Serenade

4. SharQ Suite II: Funky SharQ

5. Flying Dervish Suite I: Omar Khayyam

6. Flying Dervish Suite II: Omar Khayyam

7. Flying Dervish Suite III: Omar Khayyam

8. Sudra Funk

9. Whirling in the Air

10. Spinning Hermit

11. Herbie’s Dance

12. Ondes of Chakras

ABOUT DHAFER YOUSSEF

Dhafer Youssef is at the vanguard of a movement in contemporary music that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western influences. Considered the most inventive oud player today, over the course of his two and a half decade career Dhafer has released nine studio albums showcasing his musicianship and ability to transcend genres among jazz, electronic, and world fusion. His impressive catalog of critically acclaimed releases has earned him the 2006 BBC Award for World Music and 2017 Edison Award, media praise from publications such as The Guardian, The Times, The Evening Standard, Downbeat Magazine, and Jazzwise among others, and a spot on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization’s 2015 All-Star Global Concert. He has also found success in the world of musical scores working with the legendary Ridley Scott (Exodus: Gods and Kings), James Horner (The Amazing Spider-Man, Day of the Falcon / Black Gold) and Dave McKean (Luna).

Indie alt-rockers Moon Taxi have released their new single “Classics,” out today via 12th South Records. Equal parts fresh and nostalgic, “Classics” is an ode to the songs we all find ourselves singing along to while reminiscing on simpler times and moments that have ultimately shaped us into who we are today. The track is the first off Moon Taxi’s new album coming summer 2023.

LISTEN TO “CLASSICS” HERE

“‘Classics’ taps into the alchemy of listening to music as a teenager. It’s such a crazy time of self discovery and identity formation,” shares vocalist and guitarist Trevor Terndrup. “Music got us through it all and helped us get to the other side.” Lead guitarist Spencer Thomson adds, “This is our ode to the songs that comfort us and usher in waves of nostalgia. The music and lyrics recall scenes of 90's youth bliss, driving around aimlessly listening to burned CDs.”

Just like many others, the members of Moon Taxi have experienced their own personal changes over the last few years. As much of the world was on pause, the band utilized that time to focus on their families, having a few children along the way, which soon sparked many moments of reflection. Finding comfort in memories from their childhood, they were inspired to incorporate those perspectives into their new music. “Classics” is the first introduction to Moon Taxi’s forthcoming sixth studio album, which sees them team up with producer Brennan Aerts to help bring their vision to life. Keyboardist Wes Bailey shares, “This album feels more authentically our own than anything we’ve done in years.”

The new single arrives ahead of Moon Taxi’s Sun Sessions headlining show in New York on March 1st at Brooklyn Bowl featuring support from indie-electronic duo Forester. The event is in celebration of the 10th anniversary of family-owned and run premium clothing brand Faherty whose mission mirrors that of Moon Taxi as they place an emphasis on building community and connections. An essential way Faherty does this is through their ongoing Sun Sessions series where all are encouraged to come together to connect, be inspired, be relaxed, and create moments of joy. With each ticket purchased, a portion of proceeds will go to supporting the work of the Surfrider Foundation, a long-term partner of Faherty and a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our ocean, waves, and beaches. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to shop Faherty’s current collection, learn more about Surfrider’s initiative, and watch unforgettable live performances. Tickets are on sale now and available here.

2023 Tour Dates

March 1 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

March 24 - Knoxville, TN @ The Mill & Mine

April 22 - Charlotte, NC @ Tuck Fest 2023

Vocal powerhouse Vince Freeman  has announced his long-awaited debut album: the painfully honest, life-richly-lived world of Scars, Ghosts & Glory, available March 2024.

With the announcement comes “Powers,” the deeply empowering first offering from the record, out today. A gospel-infused anthem of thanks and defiance, positivity and optimism, “Powers” showcases both Freeman’s soulful rasp and his faith in the power of song. From his journey as an industry tastemaker to achieving prime-time musical acclaim and then finding complete contentment, Vince Freeman has demonstrated his power.

LISTEN TO "POWERS" HERE

Freeman said, “I think that if you're told 'No' or 'You're the wrong fit' enough times, it's hard not to start believing it. That was definitely me, and I didn't even know it. If someone had told me that I would be releasing my music to the world 2 years ago, I would have laughed. I hadn't given up; I was just being realistic. I was nearly bankrupt, running a small horse box coffee business to try and pay the mortgage during the pandemic and not doing much in the way of music.

This all changed when I got a new record deal. Just that small thing, that 'YES,' that 'You are good enough' changed me and as a result started this journey. I woke up the next morning and wrote ‘Powers’ and I am so excited that ‘Powers’ is going to be the first single that the world gets to hear. ‘Powers’ is about my realization that I had been searching for something that I always had. The power is in me.”

In the accompanying music video, directed by Moss Davis and produced by Singularity Film, Freeman is seen liberated, immersing himself in open water. With shots cut to intimate family moments and a transformative performance in a local bar, everything about “Powers” feels life-affirming.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “POWERS” HERE

As the title of his forthcoming debut album suggests, the scars are as important as the glory to Freeman. Scars, Ghosts & Glory is a 12-track collection of songs produced by Paul Visser (aka GoldCrush), brimming with powerful earworms and honest tales. Scars also take a literal form for Freeman, who spent six years in pain, consistently under the surgeon’s knife, perennially fearful that he’d never walk or perform again. Making a miraculous, full recovery, he’s ready to make the most of what life has to offer.

PRE-SAVE SCARS, GHOSTS & GLORY HERE

As it did for many, the pandemic derailed Freeman, switching gears and opening a mobile coffee stall, Coffee Rocks. Some well-timed good-karma, perhaps, an entertainment lawyer buying a coffee at a festival led to Freeman being able to raise the funds to complete his album and set up his own label, Kinetic Records, to release it. “It certainly wasn't the fairy tale that I wanted it to be,” he says. “It was hard work. But sometimes it's hard work that makes things open up.”

Freeman’s career is one to be admired, and one always centered around hard work. As a regular performer at West London club, Ginglik, Freeman founded their popular night ‘Shush,’ performing alongside and/or helping to give early opportunities to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Newton Faulkner, and Nizlopi. Later, around the time he was part of BBC1 TV talent show The Voice, Freeman was playing 300 gigs a year.

While appearing on a TV talent show under the mentorship of The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue was a learning experience, his empowering contentment now feels more of an achievement. With a decade’s hindsight, Freeman said, “You need to own these things. When I was younger, I thought I needed to be a certain person. I was chasing fame – which is now probably the thing that I would run away from.”

Performing at the likes of the F1 at Silverstone, horse-racing at Ascot, the FA Cup Final, receiving a platinum disc (for a collaboration with Lost Frequencies), 5 European Top 10s, sharing stages with Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Jocelyn Brown, and Jamie Woon, and even has a thank you on Ed Sheeran’s debut album, Freeman has had undeniable success.

Scars, Ghosts & Glory is the sound of a musician who has poured everything of himself into his music, made his own luck, overcame life-threatening challenges, and been his own best ambassador. This is Vince Freeman’s journey and his towering achievement.

Scars, Ghosts & Glory Album Tracklist:

    Powers
    Devils
    Passing By
    Blame Myself
    Dancing In The Rain
    Imposter
    Stardust
    Won’t Remember Heaven
    The Sun Is Shining Down
    Real Love
    Oh What A Life
    Freedom