All this week our playlist (over in the right sidebar) is featuring diverse Tasmanian producer Akouo (pronounced “ak-oo-oh”) and his track ‘ Above and Beyond ‘. The crisp hip-hop track is incredibly laid back and loungey. A sweeping two-chord progression lures you in to AKOUO’s world where a pitch bending refrain and sweet vocals swing you in to a carefree state of mind. The beats throughout are sharp and there’s a sense that a lot of precision has gone in to each detail behind the track.
Akouo is no stranger to Australia’s music scene with a background in Hip Hop and spinning the vinyl . He’s a member of groups JNA and Letters To The Sun , and his debut 2008 hip hop album ‘ Outwit The Muscle’ received a healthy run of airplay on Australian radio. Akouo has also laid the backing production for artists such as Phatchance (aka Chance Waters ), 360 , Moka Only ( Can ), Class A , Chad Hatcher ( Can ), Von Pea ( US ), 20Syl ( Fra ), Elf Tranzporter among a range of others.
2013 brings the release of Akouo’s second release, a four track, instrumental future beat/hip hop EP titled ‘ Above & Beyond’ . The release of this new EP also brings with it a new live show incorporating an Akai gear, Serato and a bunch of live tweaking. Expect a bangin’ blend of both original tracks and personal favorites, with an emphasis on dirty drum loops, gritty samples, electric bass lines and glitch synth.
You can follow his sounds on and Soundcloud .
REVIEW BY TOM PITNEY
WORDS BY Tom Pitney
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