Views by Ayala (IT)

Batov Records presents a full-length foray into the musical world of Italian producer and multi-instrumentalist Ayala, with particular emphasis on his love of African music, from Afrobeat to disco.

Whilst earning the support of leading DJs such as Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Dave Lee, Danny Tenaglia, J-Kriv, and DJ Rocco, Ayala has built an increasingly visible profile producing and DJ, with releases across a wide range of prolific labels, such as Compost, Hector Romero’s Latin freestyle label, Orianna, and leading Italian label, Rebirth, early supporters of the likes of Tensnake, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Soul Clap, Jimmy Edgar, and Deetron.

Previous to ‘Views’, Ayala worked closely with the likes of Hector Romero, remixing jazz sensation Web Web, and receiving the remix treatment himself from cosmic disco legend, Daniele Baldelli, NY party starter Nickodemus, and Italian stalwart Musumeci. Now ‘Views’ sees Ayala heading deep within, into his primary loves, Afrobeat and African funk, evolving a warm and organic sound, irresistible to the ear, soul, and body.

‘Views’ opens proceedings with the Afrobeat funk of “Caravan”, which as Ayala remarks, “highlights the value of organic improvisation combined with groove”. However, Ayala's Italian sensibility comes into play on “Adrian”. For Ayala, this song feels like “an intrusion of African grooves into Italy's obscure 70s disco”, offering a “feeling like smoking cigarettes and drinking champagne in a nightclub in Rome”.

It’s not all floor-filling bangers on ‘View’. The deeper side of the album is best exemplified in “Fuse”. A full-bodied slow groover, the steady Afrobeat rhythm, and bassline are complimented by laidback horns and synths.

In this, his first full-length, Ayala doesn’t disappoint as he looks deep within to create a new vision, fusing his musical passions and roots with an underground Italian club sensibility.

There is a parallel world, far away. There must be. A place of peaceful vibes, happiness and music. It’s the primal source of Ayala’s creations, where ethnic atmospheres meet jazz, disco and a pure 4/4 beat.