Renegades is the highly anticipated new (and ninth) solo longplayer from NZ born Mark de Clive-Lowe (MdCL), is out on Tru Thoughts and proudly distributed in NZ by Rhythmethod.
Alongside his own impeccable skills on beats, basslines, synths and more, the record features a cast of guest performers from both sides of the Atlantic, including vocalists nia andrews (Common, Janelle Monae), Tawiah (Warners), Bembe Segue; percussionist extraordinaire Sheila E (Prince); bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo/The Who); strings virtuoso and Flying Lotus collaborator Miguel Atwood-Ferguson; drummers Lil’ John Roberts (US), Richard Spaven (UK); guitarist to the stars Mike Feingold; and new label-mate Omar, the king of UK soul.
The overall sound of the album hinges on MdCL's energetic, pristine production – club cuts flavoured with soul, funk, tech-Afrobeat and Latin twists topped with fine, organic songwriting; all orchestrated by MdCL showcasing his ability to meld the science of beat-making with musicianship.
Recently unveiled in a special feature on long-time supporter Gilles Peterson’s BBC Radio 1 show, the impressive album is also gaining early props from KCRW’s Jason Bentley and other international tastemakers.