Renegades
~ Mark de Clive-Lowe

Description

‘Renegades’ is the highly anticipated new LP from Mark de Clive-Lowe (MdCL), out on 21st November on Tru Thoughts. Recently unveiled in a special feature on long-time supporter Gilles Peterson’s BBC Radio 1 show, the impressive album is also gaining early props from KCRW’s Jason Bentley, superstar DJ Danny Krivit, Goldierocks (NME Radio / BBC R1), Allbury (Rinse FM) and many other tastemakers; first single “The Why” featuring nia andrews – out now as a free download – has been championed by Lauren Laverne on the BBC 6Music Morning Show.

MdCL’s ninth solo longplayer under his own name, ‘Renegades’ finds the prolific producer and musician bridging a transition between two continents, and mining a rich seam of personal creativity and inspiration, having recently relocated to Los Angeles after ten years in London. “I had a decade in London and that was my formative time as a producer. The UK club culture especially really informed me of all the elements of the track... Coming to Cali, the sun is always shining, there’s a whole different music tradition and different musicians that have their own influences. It’s been great trying to express all of that in one piece of work.”  – says MdCL.

Alongside his own impeccable skills on beats, basslines, synths and more, the record features a cast of guest performers from both sides of the Atlantic, including vocalists nia andrews (Common, Janelle Monae), Tawiah (Warners) and Bembe Segue; percussionist extroadinaire Sheila E (Prince); bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo/The Who); strings virtuoso and Flying Lotus collaborator Miguel Atwood-Ferguson; drummers Lil’ John Roberts (US), with whom MdCL describes having a musical ‘telepathy’, and Richard Spaven (UK); guitarist to the stars Mike Feingold; and new label-mate Omar, the king of UK soul. Working with the cream of international musicians is something MdCL relishes: “Everyone that’s been brought in on this record is free to be themselves. I love hearing people come together and bring their own vibe to something.” 

The overall sound of the album hinges on MdCL's energetic, pristine production - club cuts flavoured with soul, funk, tech-Afrobeat and Latin twists topped with fine, organic songwriting;  all orchestrated by MdCL showcasing his ability to meld the science of beat-making with musicianship.  He sums up the approach: “My whole thing with this kind of production is balancing electronics and programming with organic and live musicianship. I love for that line to be blurred almost to the point where you don't know which is which.”

Born in New Zealand, to New Zealand and Japanese parentage, Mark de Clive-Lowe’s love of playing the piano was kindled at age four; he soon became an accomplished jazz musician, before taking his music far beyond. A world-class DJ and exceptional live performer, he has toured across the World, attracting widespread acclaim for his shows which feature impromptu studio production created onstage using drum machines, keys, a cappella tracks and effects, resulting in unique live remixes built at each and every gig. Look out for upcoming MdCL live/DJ dates, tba.

Having long been a first-call collaborator for a wide range of artists, MdCL has lent his skills as producer, performer, composer and more, to over 250 records by Jill Scott, Jody Watley, Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye/Michael Jackson), Dame Shirley Bassey, Sandra St. Victor (The Family Stand/Chaka Khan), and a host of others. He recently collaborated on the “Fairplay” single by Zed Bias, which is all over BBC R1 and 1Xtra. Current extra-curricular projects include monthly LA residencies such as Church, a jazz night he runs at Angel’s in Santa Monica featuring surprise guests; Scored, in which he directs an improvised soundtrack project to classic films; and the house music party Body Rock, with Sole Channel’s Alix Alvarez and Nef Nunez. Studio projects include the Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra Big Band Project; album production for Sy Smith and Sandra St Victor; and collaborating on Jody Watley’s new LP. He is also going back to his roots, playing jazz piano for the celebrated Dwight Trible (former singer with Pharoah Sanders).                                                                           

“The man behind a million great tunes” – Gilles Peterson (BBC R1)

“Call it what you want, I’m sticking with the words awesome and genius” – Wax Magazine

"Music that connects with all corners of the world via great grooves & melodies” – Dam Funk (Stones Throw)