Higher Groundz Riddim EP – Press Release
Press Release: The Merchant Records’ latest release has a rich and diverse backstory to it.
German-based The Merchant Records and its founder Tamrin are humbled to present their latest offering to the world, in the form of a four-track vinyl release. It is the embodiment of musical connections and friendships – because the record feature artists with whom Tamrin has long-lasting relationships.
Higher Groundz Riddim EP, released via The Merchant Records and available on a 12” release, is a bountiful concoction of four tracks across the same riddim – but with each cut bringing something special to the table in its own right:
The release features Tamrin himself, Prince Livijah, Iman, and Lil Zé, who deliver strong vocals across the interesting composition. It is firmly grounded in Roots, with some traditional musical devices – like keys across a bubble rhythm, drums on a one drop, and a winding bass line. The minor key is stark, and that’s enhanced by some keen attention to detail on the additional instrumentation – including some great synths – as well as inflections of Dub across the engineering.
However, what stands out about Higher Groundz as a project is the interwoven relationships between the artists.
Tamrin said:
“More than 20 years ago I got a tape of a Jah Youth session featuring Daweh Congo. The powerful vibes and selection shaped my musical future to a very high degree. All the deejays on the mic created an intensity which still gives me goosebumps to this day. One artist caught my attention: Prince Livijah.
Around 2007/2008 Collynization Soundsystem (which I am a part of as an MC) invited Livijah for the first time and a couple of years later Jah Youth.
So, it is a big blessing for me to work together with an artist that had such a profound influence on me”.
Of the other artists on Higher Groundz, Iman and Tamrin play together in the band I-Rise but record additional music as well. Meanwhile, Lil Zé is part of Joyful Noise Soundsystem. Tamrin has had a strong connection with them for more than 15 years.
He said:
“In 2017 I had to move “The Merchant Studio” from my living room. But I found a new home in the Joyful Noise Headquarters. Beside several sound system sessions together, Lil Zé and I create music. One production from Lil Zé was featured on my first release in 2018”.
He is also the artist behind The Merchant Records Logo and is responsible for all the graphic design for the label:
With that kind of heritage, any musical project between such well-established artists should be quite something – which Higher Groundz is across its four tracks.
The EP’s opening, Prince Livijah’s Occupy Higher Groundz, is rallying cry to listeners to maintain faith and perseverance in the face of Babylon’s mendacity. Tamrin joins the fray via slick remixing and engineering across the riddim’s title track, which is effectively a gloriously well-executed Dub interpretation Of Livijah’s version. The sonics are strong, the attention to detail on the use of reverb superb, and it is evocative and compelling in equal measure.
Flip over to Side B, and Iman opens with Jah A Di Roots, a poignant and stirring track which sings praises to Jah – as well as reminding others that his word alone is all that’s needed in this life.
Finally, Tamrin meets Lil Zé on Higher Lodica. Throughout the EP, Zé’s use of this classic Roots instrument has been superb – jutting in and out with aplomb. But here, it takes centre stage across a highly pleasing interpretation, with Zé using the melodica like a human voice filled with expression, dynamic variation, and attention to detail in terms of note length.
Overall, Higher Groundz Riddim EP is a robust and engaging release from The Merchant Records and all involved. The composition feels timeless while still being relevant; the artists deliver the goods on their interpretations, but moreover the listener is treated to a glimpse into the artistic and personal relationships between all of them – making the experience even more special.
Higher Groundz Riddim EP track listing:
1. Occupy Higher Groundz
2. Higher Groundz
3. Jah A Di Roots
4. Higher Lodica
Higher Groundz Riddim EP credits:
Vocals and backing vocals: Prince Livijah – 1,2’ Iman – 3
Drums and Percussion: Lil Zé
Melodica: Lil Zé
All other instrumentation: Tamrin
Production and Mixing: The Merchant Studio by Tamrin
Mastering: Duophonic by Moritz Illner
Art and graphic design: Lil Zé
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Higher Groundz Riddim EP Press Release by Mr Topple / Pauzeradio PR Services.
