COLA REN is a music producer and DJ based in Guangzhou, China. Her sound is inspired by her inner reflections and experiences traveling the globe.
Her debut EP ‘Hailu’ is an allegory of the human experience, a story of society and its development up to present day. Blending traditional Asian and African instruments with modern electronics, field recordings, and graceful vocals, this transporting extended play is comprised of five tracks that delve into the origins of consciousness, spirituality, love and time.
‘Baraka’ marks the beginning of human consciousness on earth, a playground for humanity to explore itself amidst boundless nature and love. ‘Riot On The Hush’ is an inquiry into the origins of religion and collective spirituality, an attempt at giving meaning to a cycle that goes on for millennia with no end or explanation in sight. ‘Brain Dance’ then illustrates an increasingly self-aware society that forgets itself through industrialization, consumerism, and the pursuit of comfort over happiness. ‘Outta Space’ is a conceptual play on escaping a once-loved planet that no longer has room to breathe, a claustrophobic push into the depths of the universe. ‘Heart Shape Mole’ closes the EP with a look in the mirror which reminds us that no matter how far we've gone, or how far we may want to go, we still need to focus on the present.
credits
released June 1, 2023
All tracks written and produced by COLA REN in Guangzhou & Xiamen, China 2022.
Mixed & Mastered by Sdewdent
Cover Art by Yutong Zhang
Executive Producer Yomin Chen
Special thanks to Knopha, Guohan, DFU, Eric Lau, Mauro Ferreiro, Stella Z , Will Hofbauer, Mau Mau.
My whole body agrees with the pace of this short but solid track list. A generous helping of acoustic rhythm samples ignited by breakbeats add extra attention to full range movement on the dancefloor. Not a beat wasted. cherub420
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