The title track is inspired by one of Noraj Cue's all time favorite records, 'Life Formation' by Epsylon 9, released back in '97. Regarding the release, Noraj said: "It leans into the warm sound of Detroit techno, during an era I love dearly. I originally made ‘Ode to Life Formation’ merely to be used in my sets, so it came as a big surprise when I learned Lee was interested in releasing the record, along with two wonderful remixes!”
Today, Amsterdam-based producer and DJ Noraj Cue joins Lee Burridge’s All Day I Dream label for the first time to release the Ode to Life Formation EP, which includes Noraj’s original mix of the title track, accompanied by two remixes courtesy of Anton Tumas.
Noraj Cue released his first EP in 2006, and has put out nearly 300 tracks since. Noraj has contributed to labels such as The Other Side , UnderYourSkin, Klassified, Supernature, Stil Vor Talent, and Lee Burridge And Hoj’s label Tale and Tone, on top of launching his own label in collaboration with Unders & Britta Arnold, Happy Camper Records, in 2018.
Noraj has a rich musical expertise, experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines at an early age, and now revered as an acclaimed audio engineer for the likes of Be Svendsen, Deer Jade, and Itai. He has also scored films for an impressive slew of clients, including Studio Drift, Adidas, GMC Motors, Film Dynamics, and Demobaza.
The EP kicks off with the original mix of ‘Ode to Life Formation’, where Noraj opens with fluttering synth harmonies layered over percussion. After the track’s texture-rich introduction, a driving 4/4 kick is incorporated, bringing an enduring rhythm to the song. The track breaks down at the halfway mark – as all percussion fades, there is a moment of lethargic bliss, before the kick drum is reintroduced and energy floods the track. The latter half of the track features optimistic chord progressions, before the melody fades, and the track concludes with a bare rhythm.
Speaking on ‘Ode to Life Formation’ Noraj Cue notes: “This track is actually inspired by one of my all time favourites, ‘Life Formation’ by Epsylon 9, released back in ‘97. It leans into the warm sound of Detroit techno, during an era I love dearly. I originally made ‘Ode to Life Formation’ merely to be used in my sets, so it came as a big surprise when I learned Lee was interested in releasing the record, along with two wonderful remixes!”
Los Angeles-based producer, Subtract label head and event curator, and DJ Anton Tumas contributes two remixes of ‘Ode to Life Formation’ for the EP as well, the ReFormation mix and the Reprise mix. Tumas incorporates additional energy for the dancefloor ready ReFormation mix, as well as a stripped down electronica iteration for the Reprise mix.
Regarding the release, Anton Tumas said: “Really honored to be contributing these versions to the label that has been such a staple in my sets for over a decade! The remix process flowed extremely naturally, in part due to the incredible quality of the parts from Noraj’s original. For the ReFormation, I added more low end drive and some percussive patterns, which immediately took the energy to a very high level. Having done the dancefloor version, I was so blown away with the melodies, that I decided to strip away all the drums, and rearrange a few of the sounds for the Reprise. The more I listen to it, the more I get lost in the soundscapes. It’s a proper deep meditative journey!”
Noraj Cue has had a watershed year – playing Akasha Ibiza, Levantine Solstitial, Solomun’s NINL festival, Georgie’s Wundergarten, and Lago Lago over the summer, and a massive week at ADE, performing at label showcases for Soulful Techno, Click Records, Happy Camper Records, Moments, and The Other Side. Noraj Cue is carrying this momentum into 2023 – keep your eyes peeled for forthcoming records on labels such as Balance, Dreaming Awake, The Other Side, and Happy Camper.
BUY / STREAM ODE TO LIFE FORMATION
Noraj Cue & Anton Tumas – Ode To Life Formation EP [ADID91]
Format: Digital / 12”
Release Date: 11.18.2022
Pre-Order: 11.4.2022
1. Noraj Cue – Ode To Life Formation
2. Noraj Cue – Ode To Life Formation (Anton Tumas ReFormation)
3. Noraj Cue – Ode To Life Formation (Anton Tumas Reprise)