Chikaramanga / Progressing to the Stone Age Phase One (Release Date: 12/1/2023)
Emerging from the dynamic scene of Los Angeles during his time with the illustrious hip-hop collective Giant Panda and Tres Records, Chikaramanga has returned to his Tokyo roots, evolving his sonic journey. "Progressing to the Stone Age Phase One" presents a rich palette of sounds, a testament to Chikaramanga’s ever-expanding artistry.
The track "Jobs" unfolds with a purposeful, slow tempo — its heavy drums and jazzy, enigmatic samples exude an atmospheric depth. In contrast, "A Friendly Reminder" stands out with its innovative drum programming, intertwining with Japanese Shamisen strings to offer a blend of nostalgia and invigorating melodies.
Yet, one of the album's crowning jewels is "Back-of-the-envelope Calculation." Arguably one of the most potent tracks, its heavy drums and captivating samples evoke a unique sense of retrofuturism, echoing the vision of tomorrow as imagined by the visionaries of the 1970s.
In Tokyo, Chikaramanga fuses the nostalgic allure of 90s vintage samplers with the sharpness of modern "Maschine" techniques. His compositions delve deep into the world of 70s and 80s Japanese vinyl, often drawing from the cinematic melodies of movie and anime soundtracks.
Delve into "Progressing to the Stone Age Phase One" for an auditory experience that spans decades and cultures, where Chikaramanga seamlessly bridges the past with the present, ever embodying Tres Records' mission: "Preserve the tradition, yet stimulate the progress."
"Progressing to the Stone Age Phase One" is a digital-only release. It will be available on all major digital platforms worldwide on the release date, 12/1/2023.
All tracks produced by Chikaramanga and Mixed and Mastered by NOAH
Track List:
- Jobs
- Back-of-the-Envelope Calculation
- A Friendly Reminder
- Return of the Hiccup
- Craziness
- Between the Lines
- Zoned Out Sometimes
- Chapter 11
- Footprints
- Gates
Stream Now on Spotify: TRES Instrumentals Vol. 1 – Celebrating Two Decades of Music
As we have previously announced, our focus as a label will be beats and instrumentals going forward (TRES "Black Label"). This shift is not just a change in direction, but a tribute to the core of our musical journey.
As we gear up for our 20th anniversary in 2024, we've been revisiting our rich back catalog, listening to them on Spotify. This nostalgic journey has vividly reminded us of the incredibly talented beat makers we've had the honor of collaborating with over the years.
We're excited to share that this is the debut of a special Spotify playlist, meticulously curated by Chikaramanga. Titled "TRES Instrumentals Vol.1," this collection features instrumental versions of tracks that we had the privilege of releasing under our brand.
Link to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5nuK49LmXGAGXQhmfOW81u?si=84f5e38b64cf4dbd
Listening to these instrumental versions is an experience in itself. It allows you to appreciate the genius behind how these beats were constructed, layered, and sequenced. It's a perspective you might have missed when listening to the vocal versions of these tracks.
Creating this playlist was an exhilarating experience, akin to crafting a mix tape. It was a journey through our history, re-discovering the essence of each beat. And this is just the beginning. We have more playlists lined up, ready to bring you a unique auditory experience.
Stay tuned for more as we continue to explore and celebrate the art of beat-making!
