DARAND LAND
Smooth textures, delicate and deeply affectionate. Powerful music from a gentle soul.
In 2000, a gentleman originating from Buffalo, New York, named DaRand Land had his first production outing on Chris Gray’s cult Deep4Life Record Label in Chicago.
Prominently producing under the name DaRand Land, releasing two Long Players, one of which is a mini-album and twelve EPs across Deep4Life, Downbeat, Pulp, Urban Imagery; his label, Confluence Records, Scissor and Thread, and Sound Principle. He also belongs to one group, Dark City Ensemble, with Chris Gray, and the two have released two EPs on Freebeat and Urban Imagery.
Buffalo, a city whose musical legacy is often overlooked, once brimming with industrial might and strategic geographic importance, is a city at a crossroads. Urban Imagery was set up and is ‘the reflection of the struggles and emotions of the inner city through music’. His productions do capture the atmosphere of this post‑industrial city well. Though I recognise that from 2013 there is a slight sonic shift, these heavier, moody lines that represent harshness bring it to the fore, deepening that feeling and inviting deeper thought. The genius, for me, is the use and placement of delicate, soothing chord lines and finely honed elements that captivate and astound me, allowing for a transformative place-switch, or rather a shift in a positive direction. Not only is this a sign that the balance of his production technique, sound element choice, and structure is creating an absolute cognitive effect, but it is also what this effect brings forth.
Chris introducing DaRand Land was a thing of beauty, with his undeniable ear for 70s/80s funk filtering through, and there it was, I became instantly captivated. DaRand Land emerged on the scene with a profound statement of intent, no more so than in his first two releases: it is a sound that was fully formed: deep, delicate, atmospheric, and emotionally articulate.
GENTLE SOUL
Starting with ‘Blessings’ from 2000, this is one of the most beautiful house records made, with its artwork adding to the depth of the message within the music; one of freeing from life’s harshness, which is what his label Urban Imagery music represents: more precisely, it leans towards gritty music lines to create that sensation.
Embedded is side B.
‘Sonic Vision’
Equally mesmerising, Side A ‘Blessings’.
Next came ‘Calming Effect’ in 2001 and it is a masterpiece, Such a special release for me, rather than me speak about just how good this is, I simply ask for you to go listen to every track on this mini album, to take it in and contemplate and understand what has graced you.
One selection from me.
‘Edge Of The Looking Glass’
The above two releases are art that truly transcends your inner-being to a place of tranquillity, yet provides resilience; incredible tracks to share with people in a music setting, however I wish to share personally for me It was only in a time of anguish that I came to truly appreciate both these records and the power they hold within them, I remember distinctly that period and it was how this music transferred to me at a very low point and brought me out; did things that I will never truly understand and I do not think I will be able to ever explain in a way of gratitude to the artist how important their music was at that precise point, it was a deep connective experience that turned an extremely fragile situation in to one of forward motion and will be cherished forever.
DECADE BREAK
In 2011, a return to production, not so much a new chapter but instead a continuation from the Deep4life era, using similar thinking and production techniques from then; building on the same principles, staying with his music roots with delicate atmospheric textures, low to mid range chord lines, crisp and deep percussion.
Foregrounds And Backgrounds - 2011
‘Middlesex’
It is here that this sonic shift I spoke of in the third paragraph is represented and brought to the fore for the listener; it is that reminder of the grind the system has people in, and how that plays out in a multitude of ways, encompassing difficult times. Not a bad thing to convey in music, and the selections I have embedded emphasise this fact. You will also find finely placed elements, as well as delicate and beautiful chord lines that directly connect the heart, bringing the message full circle and leaving the listener with reflection, strength, resilience, and the ability to push forward. It is so powerful.
One track from each EP.
‘Soothe Me’
‘Lets Interact’
To think that he produced ‘Aspects Of NYC’ during his most difficult period in life is hard to contemplate. I had to go and find my copy to listen to ‘Luv Rekindling’ in full. Incredible lead synth with the male voice saying ‘inside’ for this delicate 120 BPM number. All tracks: Incredible work during a demanding situation.
‘Of The Time’
‘Kin-Folk’
‘Emanation’
Collection Of Perspectives - 2018
Whole EP.
In the following releases, I sense he is moving towards his Deep4Life territory, showing maturity in technical elements and soundscape.
‘Marcela’s Sense’
Sound Principle 01 - 2018, Joint EP with Jose Lau
‘Move-Listener-Emotion’
‘Melanin Vegan’
‘Remember The Violets’
Whole album.
An album created in four months after redesigning his studio, modelling music-making tools and processes from the 2000s; it was strictly hardware for production, arrangement and mixing. Every track on the album used the Minimoog Voyager. Beautiful. Needless to say, it is an incredible album that represents a mature synthesis of his decades‑long craft.
In his own words.
‘Was a desire to return to the essence of some of my original Deep4Life productions. How was this accomplished? Principally, through the exclusive use of hardware components, minimalist arrangement, and a minds-eye approach to source the musical elements. In particular, the single, The Nature of Reality was written to convey a sense of what it feels like to be in a state of suspended animation. There is a natural tension introduced via the organic, swirling pad progression juxtaposed against endless vocal echoes and the low-end groove of the bassline. Thematically, I wanted to carry this forward through the entirety of the album.’
To hear of shifts like this, delving deep and returning to where it began, deeply moves me. Lovely.
DARK CITY ENSEMBLE
A collaboration between Chris Gray and DaRand Land: the first release, a double 12-inch from 2013, ‘Dark City Ensemble’, and ‘Past Life Connection’ in 2016; I adore this EP in its entirety.
‘Aquatica’
Here is Chris setting the record straight.
‘All composed from scratch using Korg Trinity Plus and Tr-racks. No samples involved and that ‘Aquatica’ was composed along with ‘Ocean Floor’ & ‘Coral Reef’ back in the 90s for what was supposed to be an EP. ‘Ocean Floor’ was then released on the LP ‘Emotional Distortion’
I have followed Chris from the beginning, a deep listener of his work, and in the coming weeks, I will delve into his career.
DaRand Land made an incredibly strong statement of intent with the first two releases, and if that were all he produced, that would be enough to cement his legacy.
Recently he opened up and spoke about how the scene has challenges to who becomes a known quantity and how success is measured and compensated. He is correct and for me this is one of some longstanding concerning areas within the music industry; handpicked individuals not because they create timeless art but rather as showpieces for manipulation to drive something that is incredibly fake and lacks any heart, it troubles me that people want to do this and put themselves in that kind of position; this is not self-respect.
DaRand Land is still a firm believer in quality music winning the day.
After ten years without hearing from him, it was not unreasonable to think that there would be no more, but In 2011, his creative art once again flowed, and the message presented was mightier, hit harder, and the music was more able to convey realities; the ability to drive introspection was ingrained deeper into his pieces, a sound and principle rooted in his Deep4Life pieces presented with more precision, allowing for deep thought, reflection and moral life choices. People tend to ignore what is happening around them, or, for that matter, a broader scope of things; for music to bring what I talk of here to the fore in a way that creates critical thought, whilst deeply soothing, is an impressive artistic attribute.
DaRand Land is another artist whose productions demonstrate that he spends considerable time carefully considering the structure and elements of his pieces, with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element has its purpose; there is not a single poor track in his discography. A man who writes from the inside out, with a sincerity that is becoming increasingly rare, and a discipline that places him among the true custodians of the craft.
His music is genuine, delicate and deeply affectionate.
Until the next time I leave with this untitled beauty test press on Sound Principle.
‘Untitled’
Stay Safe
Peace and Love
Stef
Revelation is the new project from Make Me founder Ben Rubin and his good pal Stefan. If you’re receiving these emails it’s because you attended a Make Me party and opted into our mailing list. Similar vibe, new era. Love.
always a good digest to read on a Friday pm and this one especially! i first got to know his music and the person through the Estimulo shows and especially fond of the Dark City Ensemble collabs. hope ok to share here but we hosted DaRand 10 years ago in london....recording here: https://soundcloud.com/verdant-recordings/darand-land-live-sunk