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!

October 6, 2023

Well over a year in the recording process and knowing Mr. Ellett as we do, hundreds and hundreds of hours of mixing, the new Gayle Ellett & The Electromags release Friends Is available on Compact Disc and as a Digital Download. Mr. Ellett invited his many friends, both local and from around the world, to contribute to this release. Take a listen and support Friends by heading on over to Gayle's BandCamp site!

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August 7, 2023

The feedback to the vinyl release of Islands In The Red Night Sky blew all of us away to the point that we decided, to release the yin to its' preverbal yang on vinyl as well! Originally released in 2019, A Sky Full Of Stars For A Roof is for those who, according to a review at ProgRock.com, "...those who are fond of dream-laden, calm and serene instrumental progressive rock with world music and ambient elements explored in a subtly cosmic oriented context." While the yang of Islands In The Red Night Sky is in translucent red, you know we had to put A Sky Full Of Stars For A Roof in translucent blue! Limited and numbered to 250 copies, original artist [and guitarist] Mike Murray gave the artwork a fresh coat of paint and it just pops. The album was mastered for vinyl by Grammy® award-winning mastered Kimberly Rosen of Knack Mastering The vinyl therefore has a different listening experience than the CD does. Do your own A/B tests, and let us know what you pick up!

Check out our Bandcamp site for pictures of the new artwork and that eye-popping vinyl. Be rest assured, however, that the music is what counts and it sounds far better than you ever dreamed.

So, I hear you saying...where can you buy it? As always, our Bandcamp site allows you to both grab not only the vinyl but the digital version as well. Our great friends at Burning Shed have the album available as well, so those of you outside of North America will not have to pay those obscene shipping charges for your vinyl fix. Additionally, Wayside Music (thank you Steve!) will also have the album available for sale - we ask that you support your local independent progressive rock dealer!

Our continuation of the back catalog in a vinyl medium really does hinge on your support. Sales of both this and Islands in the Red Night Sky directly influence what we as a band are going to tackle next from a back-catalog perspective. Quite simply put...if you want the band to keep out putting vinyl like this, then we ask that you please purchase these two and let us know what you think!

What is immediately next in the world of Djam Karet? The heat! It is hot here in Southern California as we hit August, but plans are set as the garage is taking shape and we are hoping to start recording in early fall with a 2024 release date. With regards to back catalog, our eyes are firmly set on 2010's The Heavy Soul Sessions - completely remixed, remastered, and tons of extras to bring about a whole new experience.