From jungle and breakbeat, to hip-hop and trip hop, to UK garage and IDM - Singaporean-Japanese producer MZA has been prolific in recent years with diverse releases. EPs such as impermanence, See It Say It Sorted, dharma delight and Balmoral (among others) - released under his own imprint Yen Disco Soundsystem - have cemented him as one of the island's finest beatmakers.
However, his latest album might be his most fascinating. Entitled shizen 自然 sounds, the LP is inspired by a series of photographs snapped by ryhansprouts (Ryhan Mohd Yazid) - a former research analyst who moved to Japan to pursue her calling in agriculture.
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Shot primarily on film, Ryhan's photos - which were recently displayed at Objectifs - allowed her to reconcile "the paradoxical feelings of discomfort and joy while exploring her new home." As part of the exhibition, Ryhan enlisted MZA to translate her snapshots of Japan into music, which he has done beautifully.
As MZA explains, "the album traverses a myriad of genres, found sounds and samples to present a deep, contemplative experience." From ambient electronica to organic instrumentation to heavy metal, MZA showcases impressive beatmaking and songwriting versatility on this sublime LP.
For more and the photographs that inspired the works please check out the full liner notes here.
