Baauer – ‘Clang’ / ‘Soulja’

Brooklyn Dj and producer Baauer has dropped two new tracks, ‘Clang’ and ‘Soulja’.

The producer, best known for his 2012 anthem ‘Harlem Shake’ – a track which has gone on to weave itself into the fabric of modern day existence as a result of going viral, spawning an array of quirky (read: interesting at first and then, gradually, just annoying) YouTube tributes, tv adverts and, somewhat redeemingly, a rework from Azealia Banks accompanied by a highly explicit video which is, sadly, very difficult to find online these days – has, until now, not released any new material since the track he produced for Tim Vocals ‘Look Both Ways’.

First track ‘Clang’ is a far cry from the rolling snares and bucking basslines of ‘Harlem Shake’, with Baauer sampling German seventies artist Buedi Siebert’s ‘Body Percussion’ on the track. About a week ago Baauer uploaded an audio recording entitled ‘The making of…’ to his site, creating a bit of excitement online. Consisting of a dialogue between him and Siebert conducted over Skype, the recording provides and insight into Siebert’s creative process:

“And a little bit about how you recorded the first little bit of the song with the sort of sound, the slapping sound,” says Baauer. “That was like, that was like, [umm] I was lying naked, in the studio and they would put microphones on my belly, on my breasts, you know — on my legs,” says Siebert. “And [umm] then I would have oil all over my body and then I began to [umm] ‘play’ on my body . . . ” This excerpt is published on Baauer’s site.

‘Clang’ starts off with some sinister whirring chimes before rising up with chords and bells into a hyper-coloured beat. A weird, experimental track, it’s kicking bass and winding melodies are somewhat addictive and this ones definitely a grower. Second track ‘Soulja’, a reworking of Soulja Boy, is a certified monster. Big, in your face and filthy, this is signature Baauer club material to bust up the dance with!

Already, rumours are circulating online about this being the beginning of a stream of new releases from the producer. Having previously hurled USB’s containing unreleased tracks into the crowd at a show, this is not the first time Baauer has got creative when it comes to building hype around his music. Have a listen to ‘Soulja’ below and see what you think for yourself! Fans can get their hands on both tracks for free through the producers website, by typing ‘Soulja’ into the text box for a free download (note: apparently this only works with Safari and Chrome).

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