Some solo artists create their best works in collaboration with other artists – this clash or smooth melding of sensory perceptions and sonic interpretations can create music that is unforgettable, or at least not likely to be repeated by others due to their diverse inputs. TheUse , the solo project of NYC-based Michael Durek, is one such artist inclined towards cooperation with other artists.

Today we present you the premiere for TheUse’s “Journey To Truth” feat. Black Saturn and Charvak R. Jagtap – two artists from completely different realms – Black Saturn is from Virginia and Charvak R. Jagtap is a classical tabla player based in Thane, India.

The lyrics to this track mention divine intervention, question historical facts, and are full of flowery imagery. A bright upbeat piano sound is surrounded by organic pulsing synths, shifting drum breaks, and a heavy 4/4 beat. Charvak R. Jagtap adds a psychedelic, Eastern percussion vibe to the mix. The music combines Black Saturn’s word-poetry and Charvak’s authentic tabla with the signature theremin, keyboards, and production of TheUse.

Michael Durek explains how the whole project came together:

““Journey to Truth” is inspired by a relentless commitment to one’s own artistic taste, and a belief that at the very least, we are all capable of making art that at the very least, we ourselves will love. I met Charvak R. Jagtap just thirty minutes before playing to a crowd of thousands of people in Thane India. Needless to say it was a fond meeting and memory for us both. I sent Charvak a near-completed track and asked him to play tabla, which he did. But that track I sent him really didn’t have much space in it. So, a year later, I instead I used his recording for this new track.”

Durek continues, “Similarly, Black Saturn sent me the words to a collaboration of ours which was to be called “Divine Intervention”. But, it also never really got off the ground. I really loved his words, but it was more of a hip-hop beat, and it was quirky, but I wasn’t in love with my arrangement.”

Ever the creative, Durek explains, “So I took both of those parts, Charvak’s, and Black Saturn’s, from two abandoned tracks, and used them in what is now, “Journey To Truth”. When the track was finished, I was really in love with it. It came together pretty quickly. As an artist, it took me many years to get to that point. When I was younger, I used to get depressed when something I made wasn’t to my taste. But, now I have developed an intuition, a feeling, where I know when there’s a gem in the music. I might not know how many times it needs to be re-written, or in this case, how many tracks need to be scrapped for that one or two parts that will be used. But it’s a feeling, where I won’t give up on something that I know is special. That said, I very feel lucky to have gotten to bring together these talented artists.”

TheUse is recognized for his soulful theremin playing and imaginative, moody electronic productions. His music incorporates elements of techno, classical, jazz, hip-hop, electro, industrial, and even psych pop, making use of custom instruments, recorded samples, and theremin. He has toured through Europe, the USA and Canada and his production or playing is featured on over 40 albums. TheUse has produced an official remix for Cibo Matto and, among others, has collaborated with Danny Chavis of The Veldt , Sam Hillmer of Zs, and Jeanann Dara, who has performed with Bjork on numerous occasions.

Aagoo Records is home to vinyl releases by Xiu Xiu, Lucky Dragons, Philippe Petit, and more.

This record was mastered by Philippe Gerber at All Real Sound, with cover art by Bas Mantel. Net profits from “On My Deathbed” will be donated to a 501©(3) organization based in New York City that works to improve labor conditions in China. The singles and 7” vinyl can be ordered at Aagoo Records

We also invite you to enjoy “On My Deathbed” feat. Rachel Mason, whose latest “Roses” video also premiered here.

and his “Symantix” video, which premiered in The Wire Magazine in mid-2016.

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