Born 'Free' by Ben Iota
Ben Iota (formerly known as Bornski of Adroit Effusive/Common Cause) and Matchless Gift (Butterthief) proudly present Born ‘Free’. Lyrically inspired by Ben Iota’s recent studies, travels and experiences living in a developing country, alongside the manifest production of Matchless Gift, this release explores the theme of freedom, or lack there of. It is a narrative to the search for an alternative to the homogeny and trappings of society, and the endeavour to outlive the limitations that we place upon ourselves. Inquiry and exploration underpin Born ‘Free’.
After setting the bar high with his outstanding debut EP ‘Inquire Within’ in 2012, the production by Matchless Gift has been upped yet another notch on Born ’Free’, demonstrating his firm grasp on both Western and Eastern musical forms, but with both feet firmly in Hip Hop territory. Putting the mic aside for this release and concentrating on the bangers, Matchless has orchestrated a soundscape that is eclectic, yet congruent. It utilises sampling, live instrumentation, an MPC, a Moog, and movie sound grabs, instinctively fusing Psych-Rock, Folk, Industrial, Soul, Hard Rock, Hindi and Middle-Eastern sounds. The result is solid and at times quirky collection of hard-hitting Hip Hop beats.
The lyrical concepts on Born ‘Free’ are inquisitive. A different beast to Ben’s past work with Adroit Effusive and Common Cause, the concepts stem from Ben Iota’s fascination with the human condition, and the desire to explore and expand the personal trajectory. The title track Born ‘Free’, featuring Janey Housego, and backed by a heavy Matchless Gift soundtrack, is an analogy of Ben’s travels, both mentally and geographically. It documents the personal endeavour to discover freedom by expanding the mind and exploring the world, and in the process find peace of mind, put things into perspective and gain a fresh lease for life. Other concepts covered on Born ‘Free’ include the magic in the moment (‘You Can Feel It’), the need to seek out truths in spite of the mass media (‘Guerilla Journalist’), and the search for a better path (‘Iota’). These tracks are complimented by a stream-of-consciousness banger (‘1, 2, 1, 2’), a posse track with Adelaide’s most diligent emcees (‘More Than Just Words’, featuring Visionz, Motion, Mesha and Social Change), and rounded out by the smooth K21-produced ‘Iota remix’.
Born ‘Free’ by Ben Iota, produced by Matchless Gift, and featuring co-production by Funkwig and cuts by DJ Snair, is a polished product from two hard-working and outward-looking artists that have come of age. Entirely recorded and written within an inspired six-month period, it traverses the path less travelled, and is a testament to both the dedication to the craft of Hip Hop and an open, inquisitive mind.
Focus tracks: ‘Iota’, ‘Born Free’, ‘Guerilla Journalist’, ‘More Than Just Words’.
Born ‘Free’ is released through Butterthief and available in good record stores Australia wide, Itunes and Bandcamp
Note: the author missed two flights in the writing of this press release
Tracklist
Credits
Written and Performed by Ben Iota
Track 2 Written and Performed by Ben Iota & Janey Housego
Track 7 Written and Performed by Ben Iota, Visionz, Motion, Mesha & Social Change
Produced and Arranged by Matchless Gift
Track 3 and Track 7 Co-Produced by Funkwig
Scratches on Track 7 by DJ Snair
Additional Vocals on Track 5 by Janey Housego
Recorded by Matchless Gift at The Boat
Mixed by Matchless Gift and Craig Lewis
Mastered and Manufactured by Disk Edits
Album Artwork by JosephDemaria.com
Photography by WillFreeland.com and JonathanVDK.com
License
All rights reserved.
Emcee, vocalist and producer Ben Iota. Born and raised in Adelaide, Australia, but went rogue.
Alt Jazz Soul Lofi conscious Hip Hop. All warm, all cosy.
Collaborators and affiliations: Ben Iota and The Rogues, Dan the Underdog, Jirrah, JLotu$, Kultar Ahluwalia, Social Change, Matchless Gift, Adroit Effusive, Common Cause, Butterthief.