Mikael Seifu will release the Zelalem EP via RVNG Intl. on March 5th.
Seifu first emerged with a couple of 12-inches for Washington D.C. label 1432 R in 2014, an outlet that also releases music by fellow Addis Ababa resident E.R. Seifu, who was born in the Ethiopian capital, decided to pursue music wholeheartedly after meeting Ben Neill, a pupil of the legendary minimalist composer La Monte Young, while studying abroad in New Jersey.
RVNG says Zelalem "is an ode to—and a fearless break from—the storied lineage of Ethiopian music." Seifu doesn't seek to "westernize or electronicize extant Ethiopian music," the label adds. Instead, his music looks back to the free-spirited Ethio-jazz movement of the '60s and '70s, which informs his desire to create a radical, modern sound that remains "eternally Ethiopian." A 50-minute cassette mix of native Ethiopian and African folk music compiled by Seifu is available from RVNG today.
We asked Seifu a couple of questions on hearing of Zelalem's release.Why is it important to you to stay in Addis-Ababa, a place where you've said audiences don't necessarily understand the concept of a producer functioning alone?
There might come a time when it would be more strategic to be based elsewhere, but I want to develop some more relationships and see through some projects. At the same time, as I'm a student of Ethiopian music, it's much better to stay closer to the source.
As you're not interested in attempting to translate Ethiopian musical traditions for Western audiences, are you surprised at how your music has been received outside of your country?
Overall I'm gratefully surprised with the turn of events. I'm really looking forward to what the future holds since it's such an exciting time to be making music.
Listen to "How To Save A Life (Vector Of Eternity)" below.
Tracklist
01. The Protectors
02. The Solipsist
03. Soul Manifest (Mikael Seifu feat. L.A.)
04. How To Save a Life (Vector Of Eternity)
05. ???? (Vector Of Light)
RVNG Intl. will release Zelalem on March 5th, 2016.