9 Aug 2022

Introducing the outernational sounds of 'Elsewhere VXIII' 2LP compilation


We are extremely thrilled to finally share with you this incredible compilation we have been putting together. 'Elsewhere VXIII' is the latest instalment of 'multi-label compilation albums expertly compiled by Brussels-based deep digger DJ soFa.

'Elsewhere VXIII' is available to preorder on ltd edition double LP. You can pick-up a yellow vinyl via the bandcamp link below, or a very special green vinyl edition via some very select indie stores. There is also a very ltd edition black vinyl version available via record stores.

Bandcamp

Due to the wealth of eclectic riches contained within 'Elsewhere VXIII', it was impossible to pick just one track to give you a good taster of how great and unique this compilation is. So we approached Rocket friend and Collaborator Jamie Paton (Höga Nord, Emotional Especial, DFA etc) to select and create a 10-12min teaser mix, taken from the plethora of sounds that make-up the double album – and that is exactly what he has done.

Does this teaser mix fully encapsulate the true diversity held within all the grooves of the comp, no, probably not? Does it reveal a couple of the many, truly amazing moments from the album, it definitely does that!! This mix will give you a tiny little peek into the wonderful world of outernational rhythms, drones & folk tales that partly make-up the sonic world of 'Elsewhere VXIII' – the encapsulating new chapter of DJ soFa's highly regarded 'Elsewhere' series.

Watch this great album teaser visualised by Rocket's very our own pattern explorer John O'Carroll exclusively above.

From its genesis on the sun-drenched streets of Tirana, Albania to the wider sonic spheres inhabited by adventurous heads everywhere, Brussels-based deep digger soFa has assembled a fresh outing in his eclectic compilation series. Whilst the Elsewhere banner has previously focused on unorthodox spaces of the dancefloor via a series of different labels, including experimental imprints like Emotional Response, Music For Dreams and Kalahari Oyster Cult. The latest instalment is something else entirely. Elsewhere VXII is a beguiling collection of songs and soundscapes that form a bridge between the traditional and the otherworldly.

This gathering of outernational rhythms, drones and folk tales takes in a dizzying array of cultures and folkloric traditions, mapping out their common ground with style and finesse. Here we witness a Romanian Christian carol (from Colinde Netemperate) side by side with glacial abstraction from a Mexican artist based in Belgium (Vica Pachecho) The ritualistic mantras of Ladr’ache share headspace with the beatific acid folk of Odessey And Oracle. Meanwhile, ululatory drone-based rapture (courtesy of NÅR) marries with electronic reinterpretations of Greek rural serenades from Anna vs June.

Unified by deep roots and yet branching out fearlessly into the unknown, all these stylings and more cohere and coalesce into an intoxicating patchwork. Yet as much as it may be driven by a DJ’s internal logic, this is primarily a work of border-free serendipity. The same forces that introduced soFa to the violin of Aida Al Hani while walking in Tirana, forging the impetus for this collection, are those that sent both soFa and Rocket Recordings in the direction of NÅR for the album entirely independently of each other. Navigating currents and vibrations that unite the globe, Elsewhere VXIII is a psychic transmission from a singular place where the stars align.

Tracklist:

01. Aida Al Hani – Kafeja Gati
02. Colinde Netemperate – Din patru cornuri de lume
03. Tempo Venus & Ox3 – Y
04. Pedro Castanheira & Caroline Oulman – A Saia Da Carolina
05. NÂR feat. June As – Baba Mimoun
06. Ugne&Maria – Apie Lubas (feat poetry by Birutė Kapustinskaitė)
07. ladr.ache – A Mi Fiasco (Live In Casteau)
08. Vica Pacheco – El Fuego
09. Odessey And Oracle – J’ai Vu Un Croco
10. PRAAH – André
11. Anna Vs June – Dahtila
12. Nyati Mayi & The Astral Synth Transmitters – Lolokele
13. Cyril Cyril – Mariid
14. Kӣr – Zimovka

---