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Album song transitions with Hagan

 
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Hagan seamlessly fuses the sounds of his homelands to create rhythmic, bass-driven club experiments.

It’s what he’s become known for on releases for the likes of Gobstopper, Future Bounce and Python Syndicate; his raw, melodic arrangements and distinctive percussive energy take cues from his African heritage, whilst paying homage to the UK Funky sounds that permeated his London upbringing and musical beginnings.

These influences are ever-present on his debut album, Textures, which just saw its release on Python Syndicate, but this time Hagan dives even deeper into Afrocentric sonics, teaming up with a lengthy list of collaborators along the way.

 

As a whole its a celebration of global sounds and influences which traces his journey back to his roots, and the process of self-discovery and reflection he went through in relation to his British-Ghanaian heritage. The album’s 11 tracks were recorded between these two places and feature a roll call of up-and-coming artists who are redefining African electronic music including the likes of Griffit Vigo, Aymos and Meron T.

In his own words he describes the LP process as taking him ‘on a journey of mixed feelings‘. He continues: ‘I’ve spotted areas of development in my production process but also fine-tuned my strengths to produce a well-rounded Hagan sound. The development of the album opened my mind to previously untapped styles and pushed me out of my comfort zones. At its core, the ‘Textures’ LP is about being proud of retaining heritage and culture through music but also exploring dual identities through fusing sounds.’

After spending much time immersed in the album-writing process, Hagan has picked up a thing or two about smooth interludes and transitions. Below he selects some of his favourite seamless switches and sonic evolutions that have pricked his ears whilst listening to a long player…

Textures is out now. A launch party will be taking place on 18th October at Jumbi, Peckham. 

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Hagan
LISTEN
Cleo Soul [Mother] - 'Don’t Let Me Fall' into 'Promises'

‘Don’t Let Me Fall’ is a smooth piano rich project opener! The transition is executed gracefully as the drums from the next track, ‘Promises’ begin to creep in whilst remaining in the same key.

  • Cleo Soul [Mother] - 'Don’t Let Me Fall' into 'Promises'

    ‘Don’t Let Me Fall’ is a smooth piano rich project opener! The transition is executed gracefully as the drums from the next track, ‘Promises’ begin to creep in whilst remaining in the same key.

  • Swindle [Peace Love and Music] - 'London To LA' into 'Transkit'

    Swindle is just too wavy with it. Maximum respect for how he creates tension in the outro of ‘London To LA’ into ‘Transkit – Yea Yea’ using the sustained string note. It’s a literal masterclass on stripping instruments in the arrangement to facilitate switching up the mood.

  • Sango [Da Rochina 4] - 'Detalhe'

    Weighty intro for an album! This track keeps your ears locked and engaged as you listen to the beat switch ups. Not a dull moment in this track.

  • Kaytranada [BUBBA] - 'Go DJ' into 'Grey Area'

    This whole album is like a long cohesive DJ set! The transition into the next track ‘Grey Area’ is sharp and keeps the bounce alive.

  • Ghetts [Conflict of Interest] - 'Fine Wine' into 'Mozambique'

    Again like Swindle’s track ‘London To LA’, the orchestral elements in ‘Fine Wine’ support the effortless glide into the next track ‘Mozambique’. What’s interesting here is how the arrangement for ‘Mozambique’.

  • Knucks [Alpha Place] - 'Decisions' into 'Leon The Professional'

    Knucks’ soulful touch towards production is elite. The use of dialogue at the end of ‘Decisions’ acts as a flawless topic link for the next track ‘Leon The Professional’.

  • Solange [When I Get Home] - 'Can I Hold the Mix(interlude)' into 'Stay Flo'

    If you aren’t lucky, you might miss this one! Another transition effectively created through the use of vocals to bridge the gap between the two tracks. Sharp and straight into it.

  • Jords, [A Colours Show] - Rice & P’s

    This transition is a saucy one that has two beat switch ups but with the Saxophone linking the two. You can feel the tone switch from Jords based on the instrumental he’s rapping along with too. Great vibes all round.