I'm always pleased when I come across individuals like DJ Izem who tirelessly seek out the freshest sounds from around the globe and spread them around. The multi-lingual radio station Groovalizacion from which he broadcasts his weekly Dublin Tropical radio show is a repository for all things good going on in world music today. He regularly spins new artists like Tune Yards and Little Dragon, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the Brazilian scene and Afrobeat as well. And he won't hesitate to throw in some Tribe Called Quest or Gil Scott-Heron for good measure.
But that's not all he does luckily for us. He also records his own tracks. In 2011 he came out with his Quiver/Debaixo D'Agua EP. It contains 3 original tunes featuring beautiful vocalists, and a genuine mix of Brazilian flavor, soul and hip-hop all wrapped up in a post-dubstep sensibility.
This guy knows what's good and he wants to share it with you. If you're frustrated by what you hear in new music these days and you're wondering what good came out of that wild year of recession, Arab Springs, royal weddings and Norwegian snipers that was 2011, take a listen to DJ Izem's Best of 2011 Show.
But before that take a listen to his original tracks below. Especially Do Avesso, the second track.
-Hillary D.
