Aug 9, 2024
“True freedom really starts in one’s mind.” This is a motto from the pages of the label FWM Entertainment. FWM (Freedom Within Mind) is a small record label from Atlanta, USA, which describes itself as DIY. It was founded by Stefan Ringer, who has been known for some time not only on the American house scene. The label can be said to focus on the classic black soul jazz sample house style.
However, that’s something a lot of people could do.
From personal experience, I know that programming an 808 like beat so that it doesn’t sound cheap like what we hear everywhere could be pain. The line between mediocrity and oversaturation is very, very thin. Today's young style has simply returned to where it was long ago - back to a time when everything was new, and details didn’t need to be considered. The tempo has increased, so you don't have to struggle with sophisticated arrangements and slow sound design, as the perception of sound fundamentally changes with tempo. It’s like a quickie in a restroom on some very subpar drugs - intense yet lacking in quality. In a way, I envy this new simplicity. However, I've moved past that phase. Therefore, finding house music that hasn’t regressed into the Stone Age with all its content is not easy at all.
It seems that I managed to find this, specifically with the HYMNS Volume 1 limited vinyl-only release (unfortunately, there isn’t a single record available for purchase anywhere at the moment). Particularly enjoyable is the first track, ATL, where all the names from the FWM label come together. It’s that old familiar groovy deep house, but here, all the ingredients and spices seem to be perfectly balanced with masterful production. I'd particularly like to highlight the layering of the vocals. The synergy between the producer and the vocalists seems almost otherworldly. This record could be your secret gem.
Ivo Češek
