Turkish born, now Berlin-based producer Nene H is set to launch her new non-profit record label UMAY later this month with a bountiful extended player from rising trans artist and activist BASHKKA.
Established as a platform to promote artists from underrepresented backgrounds, UMAY kick off their release schedule with a weighted club assault from the Munich-based producer, who recently performed at Panorama Bar as part of Silvester Klubnacht, Berghain’s marathon long New Year celebration.
A trained singer and songwriter, BASHKKA blossomed in the New York Ballroom scene, which offered a different kind of family to the traditional Turkish one she grew up in. ‘Maktub’ – Arabic for ”it’s written” – is said to be an intimate reflection of the artist – ”an idiosyncratic love letter to myself, my heritage and my community. My songs reflect the expedition of the past year and a half up until now and all the emotions that I gave myself space and fortitude to deal with and to also to relish in”.
Featuring lysergic artwork by Copenhagen-based artist Noah Umur Kanber, ‘Maktub’ is brimming with peak time dance floor weapons, slathering listeners in high octane bass, weighted drums, potent grooves and shapeshifting sonics – provoking all manners of bodily contortions.
Our pick from the release is ‘C-quence Of Calamities‘ – packing jittery breaks, soulful vocals and succulent synths, this marks a bold rhythmic expression from the mindset of BASHKKA.
‘Maktub’ is scheduled for release on 15 February via UMAY. Order a copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
1. Act Bad
2. DeFol
3. Aziza
4. C-quence Of Calamities
5. DeFol (Nene H Remix)