Andrew Emil (still here as Change Request) flexes his songwriting chops on “Shatter Proof,” a new single from Mazi’s Fresh Meat Records. This also represents an exciting return for Fresh Meat Records. After several “archive” editions, Fresh Meat is picking up the tools and getting to work picking out more records you don’t know you need until you find ’em. The word “legend” gets used and abused in this genre a lot, usually it’s flattering but here it’s descriptive: Mazi is a legend in A&R and turning up the most delightful sounds in the least expected places. Like an old radio jock or programmer, this is his calling.
Featuring Lailah Reich (a familiar voice from projects including Beyond Luck and Dia.L with Radius), “Shatter Proof” is grounded in the deep roots of Chicago house – a departure or return (depending on how you look at it) after Emil’s experimental electronica and acid jazz influenced RiteOnRed released this summer and profiled in 5 Mag then. Emil can’t settle down enough to channel his creativity into records strictly for the dancefloor, and I don’t blame him: he has a preternatural touch for sculpting with sound, creating ice-blasted atmospheres and kinky nuance and he’s best when he lets it fly. The original mix is a downtempo masterpiece – stoned, sluggish, drowning in vibes. Remixes are handled with deft skill by Anthony Nicholson, who beats them into shape like a blacksmith for the late night red light crowd. It’s another record you didn’t know you needed until you found it.
Change Request featuring Lailah Reich / Shatter Proof (Anthony Nicholson Expanded Club Mix) / Fresh Meat Records
1. Change Request featuring Lailah Reich: Shatter Proof (Anthony Nicholson Expanded Club Mix) (07:41)
2. Change Request featuring Lailah Reich: Shatter Proof (05:53)
3. Change Request featuring Lailah Reich: Shatter Proof (Anthony Nicholson Instrumix) (07:41)
4. Change Request featuring Lailah Reich: Shatter Proof (Instrumental) (05:52)
HEAVY: Originally published in 5 Mag issue 178 featuring Crystal Waters & Hifi Sean, Dirt Crew Recordings, John Simmons & more. Help support 5 Mag by becoming a member for just $1 per issue.
 flexes his songwriting chops on "Shatter Proof," a new single from Mazi's Fresh Meat Records.){kind=link}