Out as a free download on 23rd May, “Where My Heart Is” featuring Maxi Jazz is the lead single from Benji Boko’s debut album ‘Beats, Treats And All Things Unique’ on Tru Thoughts.
An innovative, energetic DJ and producer, Benji Boko is the boy from Brighton with the big hair and the split personality (...his alter-ego is a hyperactive purple monkey...) whose larger-than-life DJ presence and amazing mixing skills are matched by his creative prowess as a producer and beat-maker. His fresh, melodic, slightly twisted hip hop-infused pop is as much influenced by Beardyman, DJ Yoda, Fatboy Slim and The Neptunes as it is by cartoons, Peter Sellers, Monty Python and fairytales.
This collaboration with the hotly tipped young producer is Maxi Jazz’s first project since Faithless’ recent parting of ways. As is so often the case with odd couples, it’s an unpredictable pairing that makes perfect sense, and the musical chemistry crackles. Benji Boko’s deep, evocative yet playful beat provides the foundation for Maxi Jazz’s inimitable soul-felt vocals as he takes us on a lyrical tour of his heady lifelong entwinement with music.
In recent years Boko has made a major impression with his ‘Can I Mix It?’ DJ shows, which he describes as “on the fly, off the cuff, completely improvised live remixing”, and countsRob Da Bank, Zane Lowe and DJ Yoda among his fans. From Bestival to V Festival and Ibiza to Amsterdam – not to mention the New Year’s Eve midnight set at the O2, with Calvin Harris and Deadmau5 - Boko’s show has been transporting people in their thousands from the ‘norm’ into a world of pure imagination.
His magic touch as a producer was briefly seen in 2009 when his track “Jungle VIP” gained radio play across the world and shot to no. 16 in the iTunes electronic chart; now, having inked a deal with Tru Thoughts, he is set to unveil his full album. If the hyperactive, livewire DJ is one side of his personality, then ‘Beats, Treats And All Things Unique’ (out 20th June) reveals another facet of Benji Boko’s musical persona. As well as Maxi Jazz, other collaborators on the album include Ricky Rankin (Roots Manuva)... and Boko’s seven-year-old cousin, Louis, who you’ll hear on Intro and Outro duties.
For the video to “Where My Heart Is”, Benji Boko is calling for talented visual artists to get involved in an ambitious creative project. ‘Version 1’ of the promo video, along with full competition details, will be launched on 20th April on the Tru Thoughts YouTube and benjiboko.com. The ‘Making Of Version 1’ teaser is already creating a buzz, and you can check it out here.
“Where My Heart Is” feat. Maxi Jazz is a free download on 23rd May from http://benjiboko.bandcamp.com. It will also be available to buy from all good download stores, including the bonus track, “Glider”.
See www.benjiboko.com for more info on the video competition, from 20th April.
Look out for Benji Boko’s incredible DJ show in the UK and around the world. Full dates at benjiboko.com
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