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.

The Spirit of Jazz Compels You, by Haggari Nakashe & gaop

This is a single-track, 40-minute-long album, released in a very fun collaboration via two other labels: Splitting Sounds Records, from Serbia and Noyade Records, from Russia.

This is really pure joy. It's the excitement of an international collaboration with such amazing labels that release hidden gems, doing us the favor of bringing us in and allowing us the pleasure of joining their circle.

It's the joy of experimental music. Supporting a release that flows like a painting, it has a beautiful droning backdrop, layers of pads, noise, and acoustic instruments. What else could one ask for?

Not much really. 

Haggari Nakashe is on most electronics & gaop is on noise woodwinds.

Released on Splitting Sounds Records as SSR​​​-​​​RR​​​-​​​0248
Released on RZRecords as RZR24SoSc

"The Spirit of Jazz Compels You" represents a somewhat groundbreaking fusion of experimental jazz, drone music, and ambient soundscapes that pushes the boundaries of contemporary improvised music. This 40-minute journey through doom jazz and noise jazz territories combines acoustic woodwind instruments with electronic processing to create a sonic experience that appeals to fans of avant-garde jazz artists like John Zorn, The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, and Bohren & der Club of Gore. The collaboration between Haggari Nakashe's electronic manipulations and gaop's experimental clarinet work produces layered drone textures that evoke the atmospheric qualities of dark jazz while maintaining the spontaneous energy of free improvisation. Listeners searching for experimental electronic music, atmospheric jazz, or drone ambient compositions will find this release particularly compelling, as it seamlessly merges multiple subgenres into a cohesive artistic statement available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and all major streaming platforms.

Be sure to visit, support, and follow these fellow creatives:

Splitting Sounds Records:

https://www.instagram.com/splittingsoundsrecords/
https://splittingsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/music

https://splittingsoundsrecords.blogspot.com/

Noyade Records:
https://noyaderecords.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/noyaderecords/

https://www.facebook.com/noyaderecords/

Don't forget to follow the RZRecords Bandcamp which is finally back.

This release is also available on Spotify and most streaming platforms.

This international music collaboration between RZRecords, Splitting Sounds Records from Serbia, and Noyade Records from Russia demonstrates the global reach of underground experimental music networks in 2024. Independent record labels specializing in avant-garde music, noise releases, and experimental jazz continue to build cross-border partnerships that help promote underground artists and distribute limited-edition releases to worldwide audiences. Splitting Sounds Records has established itself as a prominent Serbian experimental music label, while Noyade Records brings Russian underground music perspectives to this tri-label collaboration. For fans of international experimental music and collectors of independent label releases, this partnership represents the kind of grassroots music distribution that keeps experimental jazz and avant-garde improvisation thriving outside mainstream music industry channels.

Extended format experimental music releases like "The Spirit of Jazz Compels You" offer listeners a meditative deep-listening experience that contrasts sharply with contemporary short-form digital music consumption. This single 40-minute composition follows in the tradition of long-form ambient music and extended jazz improvisation, requiring dedicated listening time to fully appreciate the evolving textures and gradual sonic transformations. The album's structure allows drone elements to develop organically while woodwind improvisations weave through electronic pads and noise textures, creating an immersive soundscape ideal for focused listening sessions, creative work, or contemplative environments. Fans of artists like Brian Eno's ambient works, Stars of the Lid's drone compositions, or extended free jazz recordings will appreciate the album's patient pacing and attention to textural detail. Available as a high-quality digital download on Bandcamp and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms, this release joins a growing catalog of experimental music that prioritizes artistic vision over commercial radio formatting, offering listeners seeking challenging and rewarding musical experiences an essential addition to their experimental jazz and drone music collections.

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.

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

gaop - Heavenly Jazz Noise Father

We've been quite busy with releasing music, and that took a toll on posting about said music.

Be warned, there are going to be numerous posts about numerous releases.

You might even like some!

Heavenly Jazz Noise Father by gaop is a three track electro-acoustic-jazz-noise EP. Clocking in just under 20 minutes but delivering all of the goods.

Here's the blurb that was originally posted by gaop:

An exploration of the Jazz-Noise spectrums. Walking the sacred grounds between the two genres, with a heavy bag of influences.
The goal in mind for this EP was to somewhat fuse two genres, using their commonalities.
These tracks utilize the electronic, acoustic, instrumental, harsh, experimental, improvisational, intense, cerebral and carnal, to produce an interesting palette.

Earlier variations of the tracks in this EP appeared in compilations this year, but were revisited, re-edited, and partially re-recorded for the occasion.

And that's about it.

No further description required, really. Just take a listen.

I couldn't have worded it better myself. 

Adding a Bandcamp embed of the album below, so you can play it without bothering yourself with a search.

Bad Dreams - Haggari Nakashe & gaop

Bad Dreams - Haggari Nakashe & gaop is a four track EP, originally released in early 2007.

As a part of our attempt to map out the history of our releases, we're finally posting about it, something we unfortunately never did.

When it came out, it was uploaded to a handful of streaming channels existing at the time, but mostly sent out to people in a Zip file format and on personally burned CDs.

It wasn't one of the releases we did PR for, it was just sent out to friends, posted about on a few forums, later we uploaded it to YouTube. But that was all. 

No idea why, but then again, 2007 was a really busy year for us, and sometimes we just recorded stuff because it was just happening,  released it because it was there and we felt like we have to share whatever we were creating and move on to the next outburst. 

This was one of the earliest Haggari Nakashe & gaop collabs, a bunch of them were also released that very year, all of them quite different, most of them are still pretty good in retrospect. There were a few lost, so if you have files, CDRs or recollection of releases we fail to mention, please let us know!

This specific release was recorded in bits and pieces by emailing tracks and channels back and forth. It's mostly layered bass guitars, flutes and recorders, some FX, but that's it. For a period in our lives where noise was out major focus, it's pretty calm, even though it's dark and haunting.

It was quite interesting or even shocking for us that this release became so "popular" with time. At the moment it already received over 23K streams on Spotify alone, which is honestly amazing for such a niche EP that we never properly promoted, never physically released and never gave it the attention it deserved.

Today this release neatly fits in the catalog, right next to the other woodwind, electroacoustic, post free jazz releases; but back in the day we just did it cos if felt right, not knowing that we're going fall in love with obscure experimental jazz. It was just us trying new sounds, not really knowing why or how.

Let us know if you happen to have a copy of the release, in any format. Or if you recall something about it that we've missed. We really appreciate any input because so much is lost to time.
Also, as always, feel free to add to or edit our Discogs pages.