In our lives we often “hold two truths at the same time”. Cognitive dissonance. Opposites that exist in parallel. Sometimes holding two conflicting truths feels uncomfortable or even painful. It somehow doesn’t feel right, because we are wired to pick one truth and run with it. Convinced that holding steady while hosting different truths will lead us to a deeper understanding of the world, to more connection and solidarity. Deeper connection to all people we encounter. Because we will consider their truth to be true. And if only we could stop telling them that other people’s truths are true as well.
Starting off the DJ set - a B2B with our friend, supporter and collaborator Kolleg Acid - with “Sometimes” from Jail Time Records, a label housed inside of Cameroon’s Central Prison of Douala. Frustration, pain, love, guilt, hope, social and political criticism culminating in a communal showcase of resilience through the redemptive power of music. From within the grim prison grounds, music allows the artists to overcome the limitations of their condition and becomes an expression of hope, solace and common purpose, as felt in the urgency and intensity of every track. What can be more exemplary than detainees holding two truths at the same time. The truth and reality of their crime, as well as all the reasons, traumas, social factors and contexts which led them to do it. They are holding two truths at the same time, probably in the depth that “free” people can never experience. The record brings some magic back to the existence of current and ex-detainees who participate in this one of a kind musical program. It is seen as the means to give a voice to a part of society that is highly unrepresented. For these artists undergoing the hellish reality of Cameroon’s jail, music has become the reason to continue fighting and believing in a second chance in life.
We don’t always need to decide, nor have complete clarity. We need empathy and understanding that this life and all its parts, such as us, are complex.
With this set we wanted to demonstrate how many artists show this complexity in their music: energetic, hi-NRG, up-beat happy music, with lyrics and melodies that are rather sad, angry, melancholic and profound. Tracks that make you feel every emotion possible at the same time.
Tracklist:
Sometimes - Jail Records
Norea Son – Il Bosco
Citypop - Garth Knight
Don’t Let Go – Dena & Lauer
Starion – Fantomas
La Danse Heureuse – Sound Support
She - DJ Subaru
Something More - Crazy P Something More
Listen to the Band (Club Mix) – Jex Opolis
Estación Espacial - Shubostar
Tunnels (Bicep Remix) - Sisterhood
Neuron - Garth Knight
Ciao! – Sound Support
Start Again - Tornado Wallace
Unexpected love - Lime
Eh Toi Je t’aime (RFX Edit) - Fauve Records
Acetabularia - Lhasa
Doppler Effect – Zeskullz, Hitari
World is Empty - Skream & Jansons
Road To Madness – Occibel
Wake Up Call - Remmah/THH
Trainhopping – Kolleg Acid
I Want Your Soul - Armand Van Helden
Dreamer - Livin’ Joy - DJ Rue Hefner
I Was Made For Lovin’ You - The Nasty Boys
Easy Dreaming (Audrey Danza Bonus Beats) - Judy Larsen
Starry Night – Peggy Gou
Wanna Do - Cadence - Paul Street Sounds
Let me show you (Klub Mix) - K-Klass
Liquid Night - Maruwa
O Superman - Booka Shade feat Laurie Anderson
