4AU by Sabixatzil, Haggari Nakashe, gaop & NishMa

We have some very exciting news to share!

Today, this killer release is dropping via our good friend, Fruit Exports.

This gloomy and doomy 25-minute-long session is a an amalgamation of various musical styles, blending elements of free jazz, noise, drone, and doom, along with a bunch of other genres that cleverly overlap within this eclectic Venn diagram. 

It was a fun live session that some of the RZRecords team had the pleasure of participating in, each contributing their unique vibe, flair, and creative energy to the groovy noise-soundscape we crafted together.

The lineup was:
Sabixatzil - Guitar
Haggari Nakashe - Synths
gaop - Clarinet
NishMa - Drums, percussion

Following the live session, the original source files underwent a light process of re-editing, during which we infused the recording with some studio magic, and sprinkled some more dirt on it, enhancing the auditory experience and further elevating the raw sounds we had initially produced. 

This refinement transformed our joined performance into a polished-turd-like piece of noise art, capturing the essence of our improvisational exploration while also offering a more cohesive listening experience. But you can be the judge of that.

We were incredibly fortunate to connect with the wonderful folks at the Fruit Exports label, who expressed interest in our work and graciously agreed to release this session for the world to hear. Their support and enthusiasm for our project not only provided us with a wider platform but also validated the creative efforts of all the artists involved. 

This isn't just a collaboration between artists but also a collaboration between like-minded labels, and we strongly encourage you to check out their other releases on their Bandcamp, which have been accumulating over the last year, as there's a lot of inspiring music coming from them.

We are eagerly looking forward to sharing this unique sonic experience with you, don't feel pressured though. We're also looking forward to collaborating with Fruit Exports again in the very near future!

This EP is available for streaming and name-your-price download on the Fruit Exports Bandcamp.

The instrumental lineup here creates fascinating textural possibilities that wouldn't emerge in a more conventional band setup. Sabixatzil's guitar provides the foundation of grit and distortion, while Haggari's synths wash over everything with oscillating dread. But it's gaop's clarinet that becomes the wildcard, a voice that slips between melodic fragments and squealing dissonance, sometimes conversing with the rhythm section, sometimes fighting against it. NishMa's percussion work anchors the chaos without attempting to tame it, providing just enough structure to keep the whole thing from dissolving entirely while still leaving space for the improvisation to breathe and mutate. This combination of traditional jazz instrumentation (clarinet, drums) with noise elements (synth abuse, distorted guitar) creates a sonic middle ground where neither genre dominates, resulting in something genuinely hybrid.

The partnership with Fruit Exports represents exactly the kind of cross-pollination that keeps experimental music communities vital and interconnected. Rather than operating in isolation, RZRecords continues to build bridges with like-minded outlets, creating networks of support that benefit everyone involved. Fruit Exports has been quietly building an impressive catalog over the past year, and this collaboration gives both labels' audiences a chance to discover new artists they might have otherwise missed. The name-your-price model on Bandcamp also reflects a shared philosophy about accessibility, these aren't releases designed to maximize profit, but rather to maximize reach and impact. When underground labels collaborate like this, they're not just releasing music; they're actively building the infrastructure that allows experimental music to survive and thrive outside commercial channels.

Cardboard Boulevard by gaop

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of gaop's newest avant-jazz album "Cardboard Boulevard", an experimental sonic odyssey that challenges the boundaries of conventional contemporary jazz music. This extraordinary release invites you on a journey through mesmerizing soundscapes characterized by rich, dark tones and haunting ambient atmospheres. Here, improvisation intertwines with the unexpected, offering an exhilarating auditory experience that captivates the senses.

Drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted traditions of avant-garde jazz, this album intricately blends a variety of elements: ethereal vocal harmonies that echo with emotion, the soulful resonance of wind instruments, the dynamic textures of electric pianos, and rhythmic pulses from hand percussion. The dissonance that gaop creates is joined by gifted collaborators who lend their unique talents to further enhance this eclectic tapestry of sound.

This captivating exploration of musical possibilities is designed to transport listeners to a realm where creativity knows no limits. Whether you're a longtime free-jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer to this world of improvisation, this album promises to engage and intrigue with its innovative approach to sound.

Don't miss out on this auditory adventure — now available for streaming on all major platforms. Dive into the shadows and let the music envelop you.

For listeners craving something that defies the algorithmic predictability of modern jazz, Cardboard Boulevard isn't just an album, it’s a necessary intervention. gaop constructs a world where beauty is found in the creases, where a missed note or a breath caught mid-phrase becomes the focal point of the composition. This is avant-jazz stripped of pretense but steeped in intentionality; it moves with the logic of a waking dream rather than a rehearsed score. The interplay between the organic warmth of the hand percussion and the cold, almost metallic resonance of the electric pianos creates a friction that is uniquely RZRecords, a sound that refuses to sit comfortably in the background. Whether you're mapping the dissonant vocal layers or simply drowning in the ambient murk, Cardboard Boulevard rewards deep listening and repeated dives into its shadows. Stream it loud, stream it alone, and let it rewire your expectations.

"Cardboard Boulevard" positions gaop as a vital voice in contemporary avant-garde jazz and experimental music, drawing direct lineage from free jazz pioneers like Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago while incorporating modern influences from noise jazz artists, ambient improvisation, and electroacoustic composition. Released through RZRecords in October 2024, this experimental jazz album showcases sophisticated improvisational techniques featuring clarinet, wind instruments, electric piano, hand percussion, and processed vocals that appeal to fans of artists like The Necks, Irreversible Entanglements, and Sons of Kemet. Available for streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms, the album has garnered attention from avant-garde music communities, free jazz enthusiasts, and experimental music listeners seeking challenging instrumental music that balances accessibility with uncompromising artistic vision. The collaborative nature of "Cardboard Boulevard" highlights the strength of RZRecords' artist roster, with contributions from Haggari Nakashe and NishMa adding layers of sonic complexity that transform the album into a collective improvisation rather than a solo statement. For listeners searching for dark jazz, ambient jazz fusion, experimental woodwind music, or contemporary free improvisation, this release offers an essential entry point into gaop's distinctive approach to sound art and jazz deconstruction, rewarding both casual listening and deep analytical engagement with its rich textural palette and dynamic range that spans from whispered intimacy to overwhelming sonic density.

Honey & Cream by Les Carnages Possibles, NishMa & gaop

 

Honey & Cream offers an intriguing take on the original track, "Honey Hunting" by Les Carnages Possibles and NishMa, now reimagined by gaop. Like the original, this release features the same mesmerizing drones and captivating female vocals enveloped in dark ambient sounds, but it adds to it.

This edited and overdubbed version takes the emotionally charged original, adding delicate layers of synth drones, subtle hiss noises, and woodwinds, resulting in a beautiful and poignant tribute with a unique character of its own.

This remix isn't just a cover; it’s a true deconstructed club-inspired metamorphosis. Where the original "Honey Hunting" felt like a drift through a vast, dark cavern, gaop’s version builds intimate, claustrophobic chambers within that space. By isolating the ethereal female vocals and threading them through gauzy layers of hiss and woodwind, the artist transforms the emotional core from one of searching to one of lingering memory. It’s a masterclass in how dark ambient music can be both deeply personal and universally resonant, proving that restraint often yields the most profound impact.

Listen closely with your top quality headphones, and you’ll discover gaop’s subtle genius in the negative space. The added synthesizer drones don’t compete with the original drone work; instead, they act as a warm, melancholic shadow, bending the pitch ever so slightly to create gentle, microtonal dissonances. This technique, paired with the deliberate inclusion of crackle and hiss, bridges the gap between pristine digital production and the warmth of worn-out vinyl. It makes "Honey & Cream" feel less like a digital file and more like a cherished, physical artifact, a fleeting moment captured beautifully on dusty tape.

In Drone We Trust, by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe and gaop

 A while back we told you about an upcoming special release that wasn't only a collaboration between artists, but also a joint effort between RZRecords and Ranger Magazine.

Ranger Magazine was the first platform on which we released IN DRONE WE TRUST, the dreamy, spooky, wonderfully haunting album by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop.

This release is interesting as it's almost a meditative trance of sorts, while also being heavy-hitting (bordering on doom metal aesthetics) at times, and ambient-like, droning, and experimental enough to contain elements of noise and free jazz.

We're now glad to announce that this album is available on all streaming platforms, and if not all then surely most of the big ones. 

Please, go on and enjoy this thing of beauty.

One last note: while this year our main focus is releasing and distributing digital albums, we are considering releasing this gem in physical format. This will mostly be up to our listeners, which is based on the play statistics.

Every now and then we toy around with the thought of doing new CDR releases, cassettes, and even vinyl, but as of now, there was no special demand that we noticed. If you feel strongly about owning 

our releases or merch, please let us know!!!

Honey Hunting, by Les Carnages Possibles & NishMa

 

Honey Hunting, a collaboration between Les Carnages Possibles and NishMa is an 18-minute track that's going to blow you away.

Both Amsterdam-based artists bring their A-game and deliver this weird, haunting, extremely delicate, thoughtful release, unique in a way that seems not to be of this world and is definitely very hard to describe or pin down to a certain genre.

The vocals, the instrumentation, the way it generates tension and fear, it's really unique.

The fact that they chose us to release and distribute this gem is both exciting and humbling.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop

 

An hour-long sonic journey awaits you, featuring three distinct tracks, co-created by three talented artists.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the haunting sounds of drone, dark jazz, ambient, and doom music, all brought to life through a unique blend of woodwinds, drums, electric pianos, synths, bass, and even some bells.

Brace yourself for an otherworldly experience "like no other", brought to you by the collaborative efforts of NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits is an interesting experience, and we're glad that RZRecords is part of it.

NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop have masterfully crafted a musical tapestry that slightly pushes boundaries and defies boring traditional genre constraints. The two longer tracks within this sonic journey (25 and 33 minutes long) unfold like a chapter in a mysterious narrative, drawing you in with hypnotic rhythms, evocative melodies, and subtle nuances. The third, much shorter track, serves as an intermission between these two mammoths.

As you delve deeper into the intricacies of this collaborative effort, you will find yourself completely enchanted by the seamless convergence of drone, doom's brooding intensity, jazz's soulful improvisation, and ambient music's ethereal atmospheres. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that transcends genres, offering a somewhat unique and immersive listening experience that might not be "unlike any other," as musical innovation is hard to do, but what it does is stand tall, on the shoulders of giants. The giants of jazz-doom.

Musical innovation is hard. Musical innovation involves pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and breaking new ground in the world of music. That's not an easy task. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. It takes mastery, honed through a lifetime of practicing, experimenting, education, or just the rare gift of natural talent.

That said, experimenting with music is a delightful and refreshing endeavor that can bring joy and excitement to your life as an artist or even a listener. Whether you're trying out a new instrument, exploring different genres, or creating your own combo of genres and sounds, music is a therapeutic and invigorating experience. Not only does it stimulate your creativity and imagination, but it also has positive effects on your mental and emotional well-being (this is a plug for Haggari's upcoming album "Chamber").

So, what is an experimental collaborative album? Is it a cure for the masses? A way for friends to pass the time and have some fun? A bold way to go where others went before? All I'm saying is, doom-jazz is a genre that needs to be more popular, and this release is a good place to start.

NishMa: drums
Haggari Nakashe: tape loops, synths, bells
gaop: electric piano, bass, woodwind instruments

[UPCOMING] In Drone We Trust - in collaboration with Ranger Magazine

We're very excited to share that the soon to be published issue #4 of the wonderful Ranger Magazine will include a premiere release of In Drone We Trust, the long awaited collaboration between NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop.

This nine track album has been in the works for the entirety of 2023, with a few singles (with earlier versions of the tracks) appearing throughout the year on compilations.

The album is (obviously) drone heavy, incorporating elements of dark ambient, noise, experimental or avant-garde metal, and just a dash of woodwind instruments and world music motifs.

Ranger magazine is a web publication (with printed copies) dedicated to experimental art, poetry, music and film. We encourage you to explore past issues and stay tuned for issue #4.

In Drone We Trust, by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop

RZRecords 6 WAY SPLIT, Vol.2

Hot on the heels of Vol.1 it's out extreme pleasure to present: RZRecords 6 WAY SPLIT, Vol.2 !!!

We were lucky enough to be presented with enough materials for two back to back releases. 
This made the process a bit longer because we had to find the right concept for the releases to work in a harmonious way, but this is far from a complaint, it was a pleasure to be trusted with the participants' art, and to come up with a result we are very proud of.

As always, our goal is to find interesting collaboration, to do our tiny part in the promotion of artists you might have not heard of, and in the process to discover new music that excites us.

This is yet again a purely online release, which is spread across several streaming platforms. 
Feel free to share it anywhere, and look for other instances it on other platforms that might pop up later.

The participants in Volume.1 are:

(in order of appearance)

• ohrr
• Intro Vertic
• DEEP DOWN
• NishMa
• xPhin
• Mierdia

Generically this is a very interesting release, so per our usual MO, there's a huge mash up of genres going on.

While as always, the color palette stays dark, this compilation travels between electronic subgenres such as techno, IDM and ambient, into a more nu-metal inspired side of electronics, followed by low end, dark ambient sound art, finishing with a string of highly creative and very interesting noise tracks.

We can only hope that you enjoy is as much as we did while compiling, and still having fun listening to it.

A huge thanks to participants, listeners, and all the RZRecords folks who worked on it and obviously their families for accepting the weirdos that we are, blasting noise in the middle of the night, running away to our computers to fix stuff, corresponding 24/7 on stuff that "normal" people don't care about.

Psychic War Against Cop City: An Extreme Music Compilation

The kind folks over at Delirium Psychosis Productions released a 50 track compilation titled "Psychic War Against Cop City: An Extreme Music Compilation" with the profits going to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund.

It's a good compilation with lots of interesting tracks and genres, and a very good cause.

Some of our artists participated, so if you're into the stuff we're doing, here's a great opportunity to contribute or just take a moment to learn about this important cause.

Here are the direct links to the tracks:

• Haggari Nakashe - Modern Life 
• gaop & NishMa - It Must Flow
• Paxit - The Hidden Tongue

Haggari Nakashe's track is a synth drone gone noise. gaop & Nishma's track is multilayered noise, with drums and heavily distorted woodwinds. Paxit delivered straight up experimental doom metal.

Snake Handling Gloves by gaop & NishMa

gaop & NishMa present: Snake Handling Gloves.

Drums, recorders and electric organ. Simple and brilliant. 

Abstract, jazz like, nightmarish. Conjuring ambulances, rattlesnakes, dangerous woods, poisonous attacks, hallucinations, trips to the hospital, bagpipes, abandoned churches, deserts, scary birds, warm bottled water, Lars von Trier and other stuff too.

Good stuff.

NishMa, gaop & Haggari Nakashe - The Hidden Hand

RZRecords proudly present The Hidden Hand, a brand new single by NishMa, gaop & Haggari Nakashe, collaborating on a drone oriented noise track, accompanied by live drums.

The track is available for streaming on most platforms, and for purchase via BandCamp.

2023 is looking great release wise, with a strong first quarter, and a few more surprises up our sleeve for the near future.

NishMa / gaop split

 A super fun collaboration by NishMa and gaop.

The first thee tracks are by NishMa. They're wonderfully cinematic, larger than life soundscapes that conjure sci-fi drama, vast futuristic dystopias, dark skies filled with rusted flying cars.

The last three tracks are by gaop. They're conceptual attempts at deconstructing traditional IDM music into easy listening piano ambient music, using the usual tools of the trade and an electric piano.

The track "Marcel will return", sandwiched right in-between the other tracks, is a joint effort by both gaop and NishMa, delivering top execution from both artists.