Asta Hiroki -"Channels" / "Vulnerable" (Jalapeno Records)

Add Date: 07/18
Focus Track: 1
FCC: Clean
Formats: Top 200, RPM

Artist Info: Brighton based producer and visual artist Asta Hiroki follows up his critically acclaimed 2016 debut EP - Balance with a sensual and nuanced double-A side single: "Channels" / "Vulnerable". Continuing his luscious ambient beat explorations in jazz, post-Dilla hip hop and leftfield electronica he produces a stunning instrumental piece in "Channels" and cleverly enlists the help of forward-thinking producer/vocalist Suzi Analogue (Never Normal Records, Fresh Selects) to contribute the vocals on the emotive "Vulnerable".

In demand as both a producer and a vocal artist, Ms. Analogue brings a neo soul twist à la Erykah Badu to Asta’s gorgeous arrangement. Lyrically focusing on shedding the various masks people wear and allowing oneself to be completely themselves, she showcases all the attributes that have made her a favourite of online press like FACT, The Fader, Okayplayer, Paper Mag.

It's a perfect match of styles from these two artists with the tune carrying a liberating and relevant message in today’s image-focused world.

"Channels" is a jazzed-out slice of leftfield hip hop and electronica, taking cues from the likes of Robert Glasper, Bonobo and Shigeto. As per its name it perfectly captures the meditative and ever-moving nature of water with no 2 bars the same throughout.

Powerful low end frequencies underpin the beautiful flowing keys work and fluttering organic percussion to keep it ever-evolving and exerting a calming influence on the listener.