The Local Beatnik - Kazmik (LP)

A product of the Covid lockdown, 'Kazmik' is the long-awaited second album by local musician, DJ and producer 'The Local Beatnik' AKA Marko Crossley. Combining live instrumentation with obscure record samples dug from the furthest corners of the crate (including Turkish/Bollywood extracts and 70s B-Movie dialogue), the result is a Middle-Eastern acid trip of weird and other-worldly sounds. Although barely any of the samples made the final product, their influence is evident in the album's song writing and arrangement. “Eastern stringed instruments and percussion have always sounded way more interesting to me. I doubt I’ll ever stop tinkering with those sounds” says Marko of his decision to draw on sounds a far-cry away from his Leeds home.

Much like Marko's eclectic DJ sets, the album transcends genre, a melting pot of trip hop, downbeat and electronica, 'Kazmik' is impossible to pin down. “It’s mad what sounds can cross over and make sense together” says the musician and DJ, “maybe everyone might not agree with me on that one though.”

“I’m always learning new things playing with bits of equipment I put in my studio, I’m always progressing learning new things” says Marko asked if the record is a natural progression from his debut album ‘All Work, No Sex’. “It’s not something you can do over- night and I don’t think anyone ever finishes learning new things when producing music.”

Early support comes from Turkish YouTube channel 'rabbithole', with listeners describing 'Kazmik' as "pure fire", "weird shit" that "goes way harder than expected", indeed the album is just as likely to fill dancefloors as it is fill your home speakers (and head) with Middle-Eastern sunshine.

Those wanting to experience 'Kazmik' in the flesh won't have to wait too much longer. The live set up is all ready to go, with Marko using a “two ‘groovebox’ setup” alongside external effects such as tape echoes and glitching reverb to bring to album to life.