A few months ago, we introduced you to ‘Dub Sol’, the first sound bite (a juicy soulful one at that) from the upcoming ‘Reverberations’ album by Manhattan-based artist Nevaris – the third collaboration between Nevaris, Bill Laswell, DJ Logic, Will Bernard, Peter Apfelbaum and Lockatron (with the addition of Matt Dickey).
This instrumental recording, which combines dub, funk, afro-latin rhythms, turntablism and extended improvisation, has already earned praise from guitar legend Carlos Santana, who calls this album “a work of supreme creativity”. The album will be released via celebrated boutique label M.O.D. Reloaded.
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Now they are back with ‘Interference’, where the musicians’ New York City roots shine through. Bass, percussion, drums and turntables take center stage on this track, with a New York sound that channels the energy and vibrancy of the city. This music is hypnotic, atmospheric, relaxing, groovy and sensual all at the same time. A fantastic taster for what is overall an enjoyable, chill and grounding record.
“‘Interference’ was inspired by New York City and the energy of growing up there. As musicians mostly from this city, we really channeled that energy. We tracked the initial percussion, bass and drums live in the studio and added everything else on top of that. There was a good energy to the song from the very beginning. It’s an almost fully improvised track built in some layers. We wanted to give the rhythm section plenty of room to breathe,” says Nevaris.
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“If there’s a sound I’ve been searching for in a life of playing music, this is pretty much it. When I got the mix back from Bill, I cranked it so loud. It was a really good feeling. I hope I can share that feeling through the track.”
A musician and visual artist, Nevaris is a percussionist, keyboardist, vocalist and composer, who is heavily influenced by Afro-Latin, dub, and funk music. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, he is of European and Mexican descent with multi-generational roots in both NYC and LA’s Echo Park neighborhood.
Prior to recording ‘Reverberations’, Nevaris recorded and performed with an evolving lineup of musicians under the name Loud Apartment, most notably Bernie Worrell of P-Funk and Talking Heads fame.
“This record builds on the momentum from ‘System Breakdown’ and ‘New Future’, which we released in 2020 and 2022 as Loud Apartment. There were dub aspects of those recordings, so Bill Laswell and I decided to create a recording entirely focused on that sound. It was a logical next step and came together in an organic way. We let the music go where it needed to go,” says Nevaris.
“It’s a dub based project, with breakbeat, funk, ambient, and afro-latin elements. It’s rhythm based music where the pocket is essential. Lockatron is a huge part of that, as, of course, is Bill Laswell, DJ Logic and everyone else involved. Peter Apfelbaum’s horn arrangements are also a core aspect. In my mind, it’s a cohesive piece of music that is best listened to as a whole rather than as individual songs. And Bill takes it where it needs to go with the production like no one else really can.”
In addition to his work as a musician, Nevaris is a visual and multimedia artist, who has worked on a vast array of creative projects across mediums. He also co-founded Nolej Records, Nolej Studios and the Uncomun Festival.
As of May 3, ‘Interference’ can be obtained via Bandcamp – either as a single and instant-grat download for anyone ordering the full album. ‘Dub Sol’ is also available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify andBandcamp. The full ‘Reverberations’ album will be released on May 26.
CREDITS
All songs written by Agustín Crawford (Ollin Publishing, BMI) & Bill Laswell (BassMatter BMI)
Nevaris – percussion, electric piano, Hammond organ
Bill Laswell – bass, EFX
DJ Logic – turntables
Peter Apfelbaum – horns, Busilacchio electric reed organ
Will Bernard – guitar
Matt Dickey – guitar
Lockatron – drums
Produced by Bill Laswell
Created at Orange Music, West Orange, NJ
Engineered by James Dellatacoma
Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper at Turtletone Studio
Horn arrangements by Peter Apfelbaum
Cover artwork by Realize. Designed by Yoko Yamabe
Bill Laswell uses Ampeg amplification & D’Addario string
Discover the brilliant musical world of Nevaris
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