028 - HAKEEM
earworm028
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Rise Of The Machines
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19/11/23
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earworm028 ~ Rise Of The Machines ~ 19/11/23 ~
Copenhagen-Based Hakeem Osman’s loose, genre-bending style is a discovery journey into deep soulful sounds across the spectrum. His crate digging loot always spawns the forgotten classic, the timeless nugget or that familiar break.
HAKEEM is part of Second Nature, a multi-disciplinary collective based in Copenhagen, focused on exploring the different artistic practices surrounding electronic music.
Interview
What’s your ideal breakfast?
I’ve never really been a breakfast person, but a cup of black coffee, a piece of toast with butter and a glass of æblemost always make me happy. If I’m in Portugal, an espresso and a Pastel de Nata are just pure bliss
What was the first record (or CD) you ever bought?
The first record I ever bought was D’Angelo’s Voodoo. I mean…
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
I know this is probably cringe to say, but I don’t really associate guilt with listening to music. I either like it or I don’t. If I like it, we’re on! From over-the-top hyperpop edits, to cringey RnB ballads, through bro-y heavy metal, anything goes.
Does your alias have a backstory?
Hehe, not really. In my own little bubbles, my name has always been pretty distinguishable which is great because it’s probably saved me years of life in looking for a DJ name. I don’t think I would’ve been able to settle. Too many options… Too much pressure to nail it.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever got for free? (not a gift/present)
Probably a hug and a long catch-up session with a good friend. Those moments always keep a special place in my heart.
Do you have a party trick?
Does pulling an Irish exit count?
What’s your current rotation of non-dance music?
It’s really a mixed bag! Lately, I’ve been rinsing Kruder & Dorfmeister’s “G-Stoned”, Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté’s “Ali & Toumani”, Dorothy Ashby’s “Afro-Harping”, Anouar Brahem’s “Blue Maqam’s” and Mathew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra’s “When The World Was One”.
Where's your current favourite place(s) in the world (and why)?
Tough question for me to answer… I had to think long and hard about it. I think Oporto (where I’m at while answering to this interview) has always had a special place in my heart. I lived there about 10 years ago and had a fantastic time. It’s really where and when I start to come into myself. It’s very special in how honest, direct and embracing people are. Big shout out to Maus Hábitos, Passos Manuel and Café Au Lait for being my electronic music and all-things-life school. The other favourite place would have to be Copenhagen. It’s my base, it’s where my life is and it’s the place where I felt empowered to pursue all my crazy projects. Shout out to the old Ved Siden Af, that was special! And of course, a big shout out to Second Nature, the little collective I’m part of, for always being so accepting of experimentation.
Any other passions besides music?
That would have to be food. Essentially, growing up on my grandparents’ farm made me appreciate all the time, effort and patience put into healthy and nutritious food. Years later, when I first arrived in Denmark, really by chance, was thrown into the depths of the fine dining and wine worlds. That experience really had me intrigued about how people around the world relate to their culture and sense of identity through food. To be frank, professionally that was all a bit too much for me. I’m just into simple and straight forward stuff from relatively dodgy places where the real people are.
What’s something you’re proud of about yourself?
A highlight that I keep going back to in my memory is actually quite fresh, from a couple months ago. Being invited by Anders Dahl to do the stage design together for Astral Stage at Kune Festival 2023 was a beautiful experience. From thinking about the artists and guests, to seeing how they interacted with the space was very rewarding. The cherry on top of the cake, was to host my dear friend and amazing artist, Esben Holk, to join me on the visuals for a concept set to open Astral Stage on the last day of the festival. Seeing how the music and visuals came together to tell the story of an AI falling in love with its programmer, was really special. We got really good feedback from the guests, which was very sweet. And oh, we’re working on the recordings to release a full length audiovisual piece of the whole set, so keep an eye out! It’s a moment that keeps on giving.
Describe your Earworm mix
I love drivey music with thick basslines and that seems to recurrently land me in a place between techno, electro and some wobble wobble. The main idea with this mix was to weave club ready stompers with a variety of more dynamic and experimental numbers to create a thread people could follow. Playing with that idea made for very interesting moments that I’m quite fond of. I think the vibe I went for is mysterious and intriguing.
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Wladimir M. - Evil
Poly Chain - Temporary Protection
Pariah - Caterpillar
Strict Face - Platinum Strength
Actress - Dream (Edit)
Rod Modell - Scrawler
CMD - Shaping Inner Space
AADJA - Thought Dealer
Voin Oruwu - Disturbing
The Suburban Knight - Echo Location
Late Night Approach - Overbridge (Fastgraph Remix)
Missing Channel - Legion Of Hunger
Giorgio Celeste & The Cobra - The Hunter
Prince De Takicardie - Open That Door !!! (Sex Waiting Mix)
Transparent Sound - Electrocution
DJ Overdose - Hero’s Gone Mental
Ectomorph - Ritmo Siniestro
follow HAKEEM:
soundcloud / instagram / second natureearworm post:
soundcloud | instagram