February 16, 2024
Music Lovers, lend us your ears...
Although activity may be sparce [at the given moment] in the musical world that is Djam Karet, that does not mean that there is little activity going on. Quite the opposite, actually! Whie many of you know, of course, of Gayle's recent album the Electromags and his work with T.A.P. with Mark Cook (Herd of Instinct), Chuck Oken, Jr. has been quietly working on a new project...
Chuck, alongside DK webmaster Mike Ostrich, wants all of you to be the first on your block to know that he has launched a brand new label! The label is called OtherSide, and it is a media label with a mission to keep physical product alive. OtherSide will be defined by the quality of its music and its packaging. With a commitment to using original masters for the best sound quality and creating limited edition, collectible packages, OtherSide is set to be a haven for music enthusiasts and physical collectors worldwide.
OtherSide's mission is twofold:
1. To release progressive rock gems that time has swept over.
2. To highlight new electronic musicians from around the world.
OtherSide's first two releases are out TODAY, and here is just some information about each one
Inner Cosmos by Matt Goodluck, the label's first release, is a unique blend of NEW electronic and ambient music that comes from todays' emerging electronic artists that pay homage to the past as well as painting the present. This album was the catalyst for the formation of OtherSide, as Mike and Chuck recognized its potential beyond a digital-only release. Matt worked with us to go back to his raw files, pre-mastering, and worked with Robert Rich to master his album to bring out one of the best electronic albums we've heard in some time. Even the gang at Prog Magazine agreed, stating that "...his way of enticing the listener into an immersive world of sound is more ambient in feel, inviting you to close your eyes and be transported." In the electronic world, it flows in the same universe as Stranger Things, Miami Vice, and Voyage 34.
Lialim High by Twin Age, originally released in 1997, is a symphonic masterpiece and a long-time favorite of Mike's. The album is infused with power, melody, spirit, and tight time signatures that does nothing but make one happy to be a progressive rock fan in a current world that ignores it. We worked with the band to go back to the original DAT, and then had it mastered from THAT - which is something that they didn't even do with the original release. An incredible Gabriel influenced Genesis prog band with wonderful vocals and great musicians all around. Listen and go back happy!
All OtherSide releases are Limited to a single numbered pressing of 250 copies and are presented in a 6-panel, DVD-style format with die-cut, UV spot printing, and custom artwork by Djam Karet guitarist Mike Murray. Once these copies are gone, there will not be another repressing - it'll be gone forever.
For more information on Matt Goodluck and Twin Age's release, to hear samples and to purchase your copies, head on over to http://otherside.audio or email Chuck and/or Mike via the website.
NEXT: Spring and Summer will see the release of two Vinyl EPs by the legendary French guitarist Richard Pinhas from Heldon and out of print CD Re-Issues from Djam Karet and more!