Aburi from Roots by Hagan
With previous releases on breakout club labels like Beat Werk and Strut Records, Hagan has spent the last few years honing his sound, which is inspired by a mix of Funky, Afrobeat, Baile Funk and more recently, Gqom. “The EP brings me back to the origins of why I started making music”, he explains. “It references a sound that focuses on dark, per-cussive and afro-influenced drum patterns that draw on minimalist grooves.”
The nifty, quick-fire drum work on opener ‘FWD’ open the EP at electric pace, while sec-ond track ‘Detect’ comes correct with booming, lo-slung bass and bubbling, Funky rhythm. Keen to zone in on the concept of returning to his ‘Roots’, Hagan’s title-track zips in and out of experimental club territory, fusing new-skool industrial pressure with killer Afro-rhythms, with final joint ‘Aburi’ landing as a thumping extension of his early Funky produc-tions.
Backed by DJs like Murlo, Gilles Peterson, Toddla T and Champion over the years, Hagan’s recent time in the studio has clearly benefitted his sound, with ‘Roots’ set to land as his most thoughtful and accom-plished work yet.
Tracklist
1. FWD
2. Detect
3. Roots
4. Aburi
Staying true to the UK’s gritty and bass-heavy sound, whilst maintaining firm roots to his African background, Hagan is known for delivering Afro-Bass and tight-knit percussive energy to his music. Inspired by UK Funky but operating on an altogether more divergent plane, Hagan explores creating authentic melodies and bass lines, coupled with distinctive and dynamic drums