Bringing a rich blend of lo-fi conscious hip-hop and a sense of sprawling, fierce intensity, the EP blends live instrumentation with inventive electronics and well placed sampling, ultimately creating a vibrant blend of jazz, punk, funk and hip-hop elements. Elegantly arranged sampling moves with the high-octane, post-punk edged approach of his live band, highlighting $ebbuku’s inventive creative process.
The title track and lead single ‘Juvenile’ showcases this vibrantly with a distorted mix of sprawling double bass, boxy drums, brass, piano and biting guitar mixed with well placed sampling and interlocking melodies to create a rich and complex backdrop for Seb’s intense social commentary.
Speaking about the EP, $ebbuku explains: “Having big ideas and a lush vision of the future is something I always had as a kid. With this EP, myself and the band wanted to show how life has a different plan for all of us, but we’re all still just big kids with even bigger ideas. Juvenile is my insight on being a young person going against the grain. Since the loss of my mother and spending time in different schools and hospitals fighting for my future, I’ve realised that freedom to express is worth shouting about. Sure, that sounds serious, but I’m still the goofy, nerdy dude I’ve always been—I just shell angsty lyrics over breakbeats now!
The writing process was the most fun and authentic we’ve had, especially with all the live recordings. Blending live instrumentation, breaking down vinyl, and rebuilding musical puzzles really defines our sound. Whenever we link up—on stage or on Nik’s (drummer) sofa—it’s like lightning in a bottle. I hope the music carries a message: as a young man taking bigger steps in this weird world, it’s okay to reflect on how you got here and still stay true to yourself.
We may all act like Juveniles, but we ain’t kidding around.”
The brainchild of Norwich based rapper and producer Sebastian Bates, the upcoming 6 track EP Juvenile highlights the creativity and musicality which makes $ebbuku such an exciting project.
Having made a name for himself on his local scene, $ebbuku (Sebastian Bates) has gained early support from the likes of Reprezent, Wordplay, 1883 Magazine, DMY, Earmilk, God Is In The TV and Notion among others. Playing packed out shows across the East of the UK and at festivals including Brighten The Corners, $ebbuku has also performed live and been interviewed on BBC Local News.
With a new EP on the horizon, $ebbuku is an artist on the rise, ready to take his music to new heights.
$ebbuku – Juvenile
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