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Check out 'Soundscapes: 90s Hip Hop Instrumentals', curated by Chikaramanga of Giant Panda. It's a collection of 90s Hip Hop instrumentals on Spotify. While instrumental versions of many 90s Hip Hop tracks remain elusive on Spotify, Chikaramanga has carefully chosen instrumentals that minimize vocal elements, ensuring listeners can appreciate the details of each beat.  You can hear how beats for those classic Hip Hop tracks were put together – the layers, sequences, and all that. 

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:

1. Jobs
2. Back-of-the-Envelope Calculation
3. A Friendly Reminder
4. Return of the Hiccup
5. Craziness
6. Between the Lines
7. Zoned Out Sometimes
8. Chapter 11
9. Footprints
10. Gates

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!

Chikaramanga's all 7 inch vinyl mix of Japanese City Pop and Wamono.

Chikara's City Pop / Wamono DJ crew, YNO has a monthly event, "Timely" in DTLA every last Friday.  This mix is a little taste of what the night is about.

Track List

1. Hideki Saijo "Beat Street"

2. Miki Matsubara "Hello Today"

3. Michiru Hoshino "Watashi Ga Obasan Ni Nattemo"

4. Miho Nakayama "Waku Waku Sasete"

5. Mioko Yamaguchi "ANJU"

6. Hiroshi Sato "Mystery Zone"

7. Junko Yagami "Tasogare No Bay City"

8. Toshiki Kadomatsu "This Is My Truth"

9. Shingo Kazami "Namida No Take A Chance"

10. EPO "Down Town" 

Chikaramanga's all 7 inch vinyl mix of Japanese City Pop and Wamono.

Chikara's City Pop / Wamono DJ crew, YNO has a monthly event, "Timely" in DTLA every last Friday.  This mix is a little taste of what the night is about.

 Track List

1. Ramu "Aiwa Kokorono Shigotodesu"

2. Momoko Kikuchi "Anatakara Fly Away"

3. Wink "One Night In Heaven"

4. Tetsuwan Miracle Babies "Talk Show"

5. Tatsuro Yamashita "Ride On Time"

6. Miharu Koshi "L'amour Toujours

7. Taeko Ohnuki "Carnaval"

8. Nami Shimada "Motto Zutto I Love You"

9. Yuki Kato "Shy Ni Aishite"

10. Mariya Takeuchi "Single Again"

11. Yumi Matsutoya "Saturday Night Zombies"

About Timely

Timely is a DJ event spinning wamono (Japanese) music, primarily “city-pop” --- a genre of music originated in the 70s in Japan that has been recently revitalized worldwide. The DJ event is hosted by YNO, a Japanese DJ collective (Kapsoul, Ricky, and Chikaramanga), who are fanatics of music and deep-cut culture. This “only vinyl” performance is held at The Mermaid (428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) on the last Friday of every month . Beyond city-pop, Timely also offers a wide range of other wamono music, including rock, rap, arcade and anime songs, soul/R&B, and minimalist composers, which is carefully curated by YNO. Timely has become a popular event because of their original style, gathering the LA Japanese community, music lovers, vinyl fanatics, and locals into one place.

Timely
Friday, 2/28/2020 (the last Friday of every month)
10pm - 2am
@The Mermaid (428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
NO COVER, 21+

Resident DJs
Chikaramanga (Giant Panda, YNO)
Kapsoul (YNO)
Ricky (YNO)
Yota 

About YNO

YNO, Yellow Ningen Organization, is a Japanese DJ collective that was formed in Downtown LA in the spring of 2010 by long-time friends, Kapsoul, Ricky, and Chikaramanga. Kapsoul is a beat-maker and DJ who has been playing an active part in LA’s underground music scene, solidifying his role as a unique music event promoter. Ricky, the CEO and creative director of a popular downtown shop Popkiller, which handles original T-shirts, vintage clothing, and records, has established a following in the local DJ scene as a pioneer in Japanese pop culture in LA. Chikaramanga, a member of hip-hop group Giant Panda and the founder and co-owner of hip-hop label TRES, has gained notoriety in the LA music scene as a beat maker, DJ, and MC. Although these creatives established their careers in separate fields, they were brought together through their love of city-pop. City-pop was a genre of music popularized in Japan in the 70s through the 80s. Recently, there has been a revival in city-pop worldwide. These forty-something Japanese guys grew up listening to the original iteration of city-pop. Needless to say, they are excellent curators in the genre. Based on their concept of “only vinyl,” they formed YNO in order to introduce city-pop to LA’s music scene but at the same time expand the genre. YNO is currently hosting a monthly event called Timely at The Mermaid (428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012). For an “only vinyl” wamono performance by these three Japanese aficionados, check out Timely.

I can't believe it has already been more than a few weeks since we had the release party.  The party was amazing.  We had such a great time.  I would like to thank Ricky at Popkiller, Newman (of Giant Panda), Thes One (of PUTS), and everyone who came to support.  These are photos from the party.

Left to Right: Comel (Time Machine), Newman (Giant Panda), Chikaramanga (Giant Panda), ESQ

Thes One (PUTS)

Doronko Beats T-Shirts will be available on Tres website soon.

Newman a.k.a. Alex Boomin (Giant Panda)

 I brought two of my Akai MPC60 and set them up with a DJ mixer like a turntable setup.  I did a beat set with it for about an hour.  It was my first time doing something like that, but I think it came out pretty good. 

Chikara
June 10th, 2018   

We are going to have album release party for Chikaramanga "Doronko Beats" in Los Angeles on May 19th, 2018.  I, Chikaramana, am going to bring two MPC60s and do a beat set and Newman of Giant Panda is going to do a special DJ set to celebrate the release and relaunch of the label.  

We will have "Doronko Beats" LPs and T shirts for sale at the event. 

Here is the info of the party.  RSVP from the link at the bottom.  

Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda) “Doronko Beats” Album Release Party

Saturday, May 19th, 2018
2:00pm - 7:00pm

@ Popfactory a.k.a. Popkiller HQ
2146 Sacramento St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

All ages (Free beer with ID)
Cover: Free

Akai MPC60 beat set by Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda)

Special Guest DJ: Alex Boomin (Newman from Giant Panda)

RSVP

Before the actual vinyl pressing process starts, you receive test pressings that are usually a set of 4 records.  Obviously, approval process of test pressing is such an important step for vinyl releases. Final products sound exactly same as the test pressing that has been approved.  I would like to share how I usually check my test pressings.

When I check my test pressings, I do two things; checking the sound quality and making sure there is no skip.

1. Checking the sound quality

 As I check sound quality, first I go through all tracks listening to pieces of each track comparing it to the CD master.  CD master is the master that is created for CD or digital download. Vinyl may sound better than CD master, but it is not easy to make that happen.  I especially pay attention to the last track of each side. Sound quality becomes worse as it gets closer to the center of vinyl. Because of that reason, I usually try to avoid having key tracks at the end of each side.

 To evaluate the sound quality of test pressing, I always compare the test pressing with other records.  I usually use People Under The Stairs “Tuxedo Rap” 12 inch as a reference. It is one of the best sounding vinyl title we have put out.  

I also choose different records to compare with depending on the length and type of the album. For example, I used House Shoes “Let It Go instrumentals” LP as a reference when I checked the test for our new release, “Doronko Beats.”  Both of these records have about 20 minutes on each side and they are both instrumental albums.

2. Making sure there is no skip

 When I make sure there is no skip on the tests, the listening condition is very important.  My turntable set-up is two technics SL1200 mk3 turntables and a rane TTM56 mixer. As many DJs do, I usually put the most weight on the tone arm so that it is hard to skip when I scratch or cue up a song.  When I check a test pressing, I adjust the weight to make it regular weight so that I can assure the record will not skip on a turntable with regular “non DJ” setting. I usually set the weight at 2 gram for this purpose.  Portable turntables are not the best device to check test pressings because records skip easier on them than on Technics or other high-end record players. After the turntable is set for it, I listen to the record from the beginning to the end twice.  No texting or checking instagram during this time. I focus on what I hear on the test.

Test pressings for Tres’s new release and my first beat album, Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda) / Doronko Beats will be available for sale here on the Tres website at 7:00pm on Friday, April 13th (Los Angeles Time).  Only 4 copies of this test pressing exist in the world. I will keep one for myself and rest of them will be available for you! Be one of 4 people who owns this test pressing! The official release of “Doronko Beats” (vinyl and digital) is May 18th, 2018.  

Chikaramanga's MPC60 is fully customized by Bruce at Forat.  One of the benefits of living in Los Angeles for a beat maker is that there is Forat in LA.