News — Releases
Chikaramanga "Marketing the Lifestyle" (FREE DOWNLOAD)
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Chikaramanga / Marketing the Lifestyle
5-track EP of beats sampling 60s and 70s Japanese TV commercials
Comel & Ty All "Breakfast Love" (7") IN STORES NOW
It’s been a while… A new VINYL release from TRES!
We’ve been keeping this one quiet, but today’s the day—Comel & Ty All (Prod. by Chikaramanga) "Breakfast Love" is out now! Available as a Limited Edition 7-inch vinyl (only 200 copies!). Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this exclusive drop.
Comel (of Time Machine) stumbled upon a beat on @tresrecords’ Instagram, and it sparked something special. Produced by Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda), this track is the perfect blend of gritty production and melodic vibes, matched by the dynamic flows of Ty All and Comel. Together, they’ve created a morning anthem about resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of success.
The surprise is out, and it’s available NOW! Stream "Breakfast Love" on all major digital platforms and grab your 7-inch vinyl before it’s gone!
Follow Comel @iamthecharacter and Ty All @itstyall on Instagram.
Comel & Ty All "Breakfast Love" (7" and Digital)
Written by Comel and Ty All
Produced by Chikaramanga
Vocals recorded by Mike Cruz at Young Coconut Studio
Mixed and Mastered by NOAH at Galactico Studio
Track List:
Side A: Breakfast Love
Sice B: Breakfast Love - Instrumental
Chikaramanga / Progressing to the Stone Age Phase Two (Release Date: 7/12/2024)
The 2nd chapter in Chikaramanga’s beat-album series, "Progressing to the Stone Age,” delves deeper into the essence of mid 90s Hip Hop beats, skillfully crafted using the classic Akai MPC 60 and Maschine. This album is a fusion of authentic 90s Hip Hop vibes, modern technology, and international music/records of 70s and 80s.
Track List:
- Reboot
- Echoes
- The Warp
- 42
- The Echelons
- A Tech Tale
- Loop Logic
- Digital Past
- Telescope
- Tokyo Tengoku
Produced by Chikaramanga
Mixed and Mastered by NOAH
About Chikaramanga
Chikaramanga, revered for his role in the iconic Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Giant Panda, has brought his craft back to his hometown of Tokyo. With a prolific history in the underground hip hop scene of the early 2000s, he was a driving force behind Giant Panda's two acclaimed albums. Known for his mastery of a classic and vintage Akai sampler, MPC 60, and Maschine, Chikaramanga also leads the LA-based label TRES, supporting its mission to "preserve the tradition, yet stimulate the progress." Drawing inspiration from 70s and 80s Japanese vinyl, his beats transcend eras and continents, bridging generations of hip-hop fans—from those who experienced 90s hip hop firsthand to the current generation discovering its timeless appeal.
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