It has been said many times before and needs to be reiterated, there are very few artists in the realm of dance music that are genuinely inimitable, Osunlade really is one of a kind, he is different. Its true he obtains some attributes of being just like many other electronic artists, he is a label owner, musician, producer and internationally recognized DJ with a huge fan base and following. What differentiates him from the rest is his approach to music, his inspirations and his faith. He follows the Ifa culture; a religion that recognises deities derived from nature and can be considered more of a lifestyle than a religion. He is a man who is deeply connected to nature, an ordained Yoruba priest often seen with his trademark bone jewellery elegantly adorning his nose. A man that is highly philosophical about life and relationships and who possesses a deep spirituality that reflects his emotion and experience through his music.

It’s been nearly four years since Osunlade has graced us with an original full length house album, (his last was ‘Elements Beyond’ in 2007). His next release and self proclaimed last house release is about to be released.

His album entitled ‘Pyrography’ is an evolution incorporating the signature Yoruba Soul sound, bridging the gap between organic and electronic. Braced with more vocal songs than any other previous house album, Osunlade has created an innovative endeavour. “The whole idea for the album was to do something more electronic as well as include more ‘songs’, organic meets technology”.

With songs such as Idiocyncracy, the infectious Envision, the Yoruba chant of Ser Al Santisimo just to name a few create a wonderful palette of the musical diversity encompassed here.

Idiocyncracy especially is a standout work, a deep house song, with an electronic vocal inspired by Kraftwork, a strong influence on Osunlade’s early musical development. “I grew up on Kraftwerk and I loved them. If Kraftwerk made a funky song today that would be what it would be for me”.

In addition to the album itself, Osunlade has teamed up with the amazing talent of Australian pyrography artist Scott Marr to create an original art experience much like the days when the two forums, art and music were one. The two have created a new view of the Yoruba Orisha Deities to accompany the sound and feel of the music. Pyrography translates to “painting with fire” in which all the works are composed in an ancient fashion of painting onto canvas or paper with flames or hot objects like fire pokers. It is a truly magical process which creates earthy natural tones with actual flames and without using any brush strokes. All the materials used in the artwork have been sourced from nature and are wholly organic.

This is a true celebration of the organic meeting the synthetic, and art meeting music. The album will be out on May 23rd 2011

Tracklisting:
I’m Happy
Envision
Walking In Paris
Idiocyncracy
Trinity Ov Me ft Oveous Maximus
ManOvWirdz
The Distance
No Way
Solemait (Interlude)
Ser al Santisimo
Pheramones
Yeku Yeku
A Day Without You

Written, Arranged, Produced & Performed By Osunlade. All Paintings by Scott Marr