Dubtember 7 - Dub in the Shell

 

Unlike Paolo Baldini Dubfiles' previous albums, which heavily relied on post-production techniques, this new album sees Baldini embrace the Jamaican Dub school tradition. The music starts with original compositions, building the tracks from the ground up like writing on a ‘blank sheet of paper’. This shift puts the focus on in-studio creation of core instrumentals before Baldini brings in a global crew of collaborators. The list is impressive, featuring artists Kabaka Pyramid, Anthony B, & Queen Omega, alongside many others.

One of the distinctive features of In the Shell is its use of diverse ethnic sounds & samples. Baldini meticulously collected these during his travels across Africa. The samples served as the basis for his signature electronic production & post-production techniques. In the Shell is a vibrant blend of influences. Baldini seamlessly merges a deep exploration of roots music with electronic flourishes. The global collaborations further enhance this hybrid sound, creating a unique sonic experience.

Recorded, mixed, & produced by Paolo Baldini DubFiles at Alambic Conspiracy Studio in Pordenone, Italy. Mastered by Nick Manasseh at Yard Studio, London, UK.

Paolo Baldini Dubfiles - In the Shell, La Tempesta Dub LTDUB 162/24, 2024.
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Fe Free Dub (Occitan Clouds)
Sunlight (featuring Bleue & 5 Star Celestial)
Nice & Easy (featuring Kabaka Pyramid & Mellow Mood)
Sandagà (featuring Supahfly)
Deep Meditation (featuring Anthony B)
You’re Not Alone (featuring Queen Omega)
Praises Be (featuring Jules I)
Shililin Kikikin (featuring Mellow Mood, Lasai, & Zacky Man)
Mata Mata (featuring Andrew I, Forelock, & KG Man)
Big & Bad (featuring Mellow Mood &Minori)
Ticking Bomb (featuring Mellow Mood, Lasai, & Zacky Man)
Como Yo (featuring Mellow Mood)

 

 

 

Enjoy,
NØ

Dubtember 24, Twenty-five

 

Formed in 2017, L.A.B., from Whakatane, New Zealand have become one of the most-popular acts in New Zealand music. An eclectic mix of reggae, electronic, blues & funk all combine to create a sound entirely their own.

The band is made up of: Joel Shadbolt – guitar & vocals; Stu Kora – keysboards & vocals; Miharo Gregory – keysboards; Ara Adams-Tamatea – bass, & Brad Kora – drums & vocals. Since their inception, L.A.B. have performed at almost every major festival across NZ, as well as multiple sold-out headline tours of Australia. They won two 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards including the People's Choice Award.

I have shared producer, engineer, bassist, & sonic visionary Paolo Baldini before here.

His first band was B.R. Stylers, an Italian reggae Dub band from Pordenone, Italy founded in 2000. B.R. Stylers stood out in the Italian reggae scene thanks to Paolo's innovative use of electronics & UK-inspired sounds, a distinctive feature for his music ever since.

In 2006 Baldini joined Italy's longest-established reggae band Africa Unite (shared here earlier). As well as playing bass, he produced two of their albums (Controlli & Rootz). Over time, Paolo's approach & techniques became increasingly analog, inspired by Jamaican Dub legends such as King Tubby & Scientist. 

 

In 2014 Baldini debuted his solo project Paolo Baldini DubFiles, focusing on his work as a Dubmaster. In February 2015 he travelled to Jamaica to record what would become his second album, entitled At Song Embassy Papine Kingston 6. Dozens of artists from the Papine ghetto, many unknown to the mainstream public, transformed Baldini's riddims into a tribute to the spontaneity & genius of Jamaican music. Baldini has worked with Dubblestandart (Dub ME Crazy), Al Brown & Inner Force, Mellow Mood, Imperial Sound Army, & many more.

L.A.B. & Paolo Baldini DubFiles - L.A.B. in Dub, Echo Beach EB185, 2022.
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Shadows Dub
Running Dub
The Watchman Dub
No Roots Dub
Baby Will You Let Me Dub
Why oh Why Dub
Boy King Dub
Like Fire Dub
Rocketship Dub
Fashion Dread Dub

 

 

Kowabunga...Dub's Up,
NØ