Bearface (Raj Panasa) releases his groundbreaking new single, ‘French Orkestra.’ The track cleverly weaves together house beats and grooves with the lush, resonant sounds of woodwinds, keys, horns, and percussion to create a soundscape that is both modern and timeless. ‘French Orkestra’ begins with a steady yet catchy beat that gradually builds, layering each instrument to create a rich tapestry of sound. As the song progresses, the energy intensifies, leading to a euphoric peak to captivate and energize listeners. Bearface’s innovative approach in ‘French Orkestra’ showcases his ability to blend genres seamlessly. It highlights his exceptional skill in crafting music that is both complex and accessible. This single is a testament to his creative prowess and his relentless pursuit of pushing musical boundaries.
Inspiration for the track came from a Flea market in Marseille. Bearface liked the idea of taking old pieces and making something new. He also added drum sounds from a drum machine (Pioneer Sp16 toraiz) as well as live percussion and live instruments.
Reflecting on the song, Bearface says “‘French Orkestra’ was an exploration of blending traditional French music with the vibrant energy of French Touch. Instead of the usual disco samples, I incorporated elements of classic French melodies and instrumentation. The goal was to create a track that feels both timeless and contemporary, capturing the elegance of French music with the infectious groove of house. This track is my tribute to the rich musical heritage of France, reimagined for the dance floors of today.”
Starting as an acid jazz percussionist in London’s music circuit, Bearface’s career started when he visited iconic venues like ‘Plastic People,’ deepening his love for house music. Influenced by the sounds of Masters at Work, Mood II Swing, Ron Trent, and Chez Damier, he ventured into music production. Since then he’s gained support from a plethora of renowned DJs and outlets including DJ Mag, Mr. G, Charlie Tee, MixMag, and more.
Bearface’s debut release under his former moniker Bana Kuba, in collaboration with Max Mistry, titled ‘Bare Brass,’ marked a significant milestone in his career and really kicked things off for him. The track was KISS FM’s ‘Track of the Week,’ leading house legend Roger Sanchez to sign it to his label Stealth Records. It was also picked up by Defected Records and Vendetta for their VA compilations. Roger was so impressed by Bearface’s hypnotic house grooves that he signed several more tracks, including ‘Tribal Dancing,’ which became a staple in Roger’s sets. His recent Drumsheds performance in October 2023 also captivated fans across the dance floors.
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