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Feiertag – ON/OFF EP

Joris Feiertag is a Dutch producer and drummer from Utrecht in the Netherlands who makes music that is a finely balanced blend of organic and synthesised elements, often using ingenious syncopated rhythms combined with instruments such as the harp and kalimba.

His brand new ON/OFF EP brings together four seemingly diverse and disparate pieces of electronica that amalgamate to represent all corners of this musical mastermind’s sonic palette.

EP opener CJ1108 provides a warm introduction into the producer’s sensual soundscape. Lavish synths make way for head snapping, reverb drenched beats, setting things up beautifully for Feiertag favourite, DEKY.

Replete with such attributes as warm crackles and curious ringing keys, which make way for frenetic stuttering programmed beats, once again, the natural and alchemical elements of Feiertag’s musical output at once vie for supremacy whilst simultaneously combining to create a sound that is somewhat other-worldly.

The relentless, twitchy tempo of the track, coming in at around 154 beats per minute, is complemented by chopped-up samples of New York-based, Japanese producer and vocalist Rei Brown. As an artist who himself experiments within the boundaries of indie pop, alternative electronic and lo-fi R&B sounds, Brown’s vocal adds all of these flavours into the sonic stew that Freiertag has concocted. The producer plays around with the pitch of Brown’s soulful chorus, adding tension and a certain anxiousness to the sultry vocals and harmonious bells and keys that run throughout.

The next track, Colorball, is something equally intricate and mesmerizing. Murky synths and pads make way for indecipherable yet irresistible vocals that build together to a very satisfying climax. Joris explains more:

“My goal was to have a kind of simple sounding hypnotic groove where you can discover subtle elements along the way. I’ve tested it multiple times on stage now and I have to say that I’m happy with the response I got so far! I’m glad to share this one with you.”

Finally, title track ON/OFF is an intense, 140ish BPM banger complete with swirling synths, ethereal vocals, next level drum programming and a dash of spoken word that sees this prolific producer re-writing the rule book once again!

As always, Joris creates new challenges for himself by finding that special place where his music can flourish, this time focusing on how his music will translate in a club setting. Look out for more releases to come from him in 2024 on R&S Records, Anjunadeep and Sonar Kollektiv of course!

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