LISTEN UP: HUMONS DEBUT ALBUM ENTITLED BEING PAYS TRIBUTE TO DETROITS MANY SOUNDS
LISTEN UP: HUMONS DEBUT ALBUM ENTITLED BEING PAYS TRIBUTE TO DETROITS MANY SOUNDS
Humons is the solo project of Detroit musician Alan Sedghi, who just released his first EP entitled Being. The album artwork was done by Michigan artist and illustrator Ellen Rutt. The collaboration between the two young creatives result is complete synesthesia.
Throughout the 10-track album his soothing vocals fade in and out, while sounds transform between tracks from dreamy to funky. The album draws from a number of genres and influences to seamlessly creative its own unique sound. Sedghi cites Detroit as one of these influences; it’s a blend of electronic and acoustic elements that nod to the city’s roots, the sonic texture conveys unspoken aspects of the city where nature can be found creeping through the remnants of an industrial time.
Detroit Music Magazine dissects Track 7:
“Big Island,” is a 10-minute experimental journey of instrumentation. Heavy piano, 80s-style synths, guitar, wailing saxophone and ambient vocal samples are only a few of the unique sounds offered throughout the piece. The rhythm of the initial organic drum beat almost fades away at certain points of the song, allowing Nair’s saxophone to take the lead. The last three minutes of the track holds a more uniform tempo as Sedghi’s transparent voice becomes just barely audible. The synthesizers are overlaid with digitally-constructed drum beats, wispy sound effects and long bending stings that come in and out of tune. [source]
I have been making music since my early teenage years. I started off making rap songs with a cheap sounding keyboard, a computer mic and the generic Microsoft sound recording program. Ever since then I’ve been expanding the genres I listen to, and so the kind of music I have been writing has been continually evolving. If I were counting those years as a pre-teen rapper, that would be about 10 years, but really I’ve been serious about writing/recording for the last 3-4 years.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Bonobo, Washed Out, James Blake, Fleet Foxes, Tame Impala.
How does Detroit as a city affect you and your style?
Detroit has affected me a lot, both personally and musically. Ever since I moved here I have been much more into electronic music. This was my first year at Movement and that definitely turned me on to EDM more than I was before. I’ve also been getting in to funk music more. I don’t expect I will ever be a full-fledged electronic (or funk) artist, but they are definitely influences from the city that will continue to shape my songwriting.
What do you love about Detroit?
I would have to say my favorite part is the people. It seems like there is a higher ratio of good down-to-earth folks in Detroit, than most other places I’ve experienced. I also like how the individual has the opportunity to engage in the progress of the city.”
What do you think about a lot of the changes that are happening?
I think its great! I think its much needed development. I grew up in the Metro Detroit area and I always wished that there was a vital Downtown to go to. I’m looking forward to seeing (and being a part of) what is to come.
Describe what you imagine Detroit to be in 10 years.
I can’t really imagine anything in particular because it seems like change is happening quickly in the city and there are a lot of unknowns in our financial/political situation at the moment. I definitely see the potential for us to have thriving music/art scene and that we can become one of America’s tech-hubs. I also hope that Detroit becomes a model for a sustainable urban environment. I hope that it is more walkable/bikeable and that we invest in more sustainable infrastructure such as public transportation, urban farms & food forests. But I’m just some dude.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m working on putting together my live show which will start happening at the PonyRide open House & Noel Night. I will have an album release party on January 11th at Practice Space (along with a friend who is also releasing a photography book). For anyone who is interested in coming to that party, you can follow me on Facebook. Eventually, I’d like to produce a rap album with Detroit rappers but that is probably a couple projects down the road.
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