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Bilal x HighBreedMusic present: VOYAGE-19
Produced by Bilal and Tariq Khan
Recorded and Mixed by Tariq Khan
Mastered by Akihito Yoshikawa
Associate Producer: Nikki Birch
Assistant Producer: Victor V. Jones
Artwork: Angelbert Metoyer


EXPERIENCE THE HISTORIC JOURNEY!

On Aug 7th-9th, 2020, an unprecedented and extraordinary live event made recording history. For 54 hours, the world watched as legendary Grammy-winning artist Bilal (Musician, Actor, Composer, Producer, Vocalist), an original member of the iconic Soulquarians movement, Record Producer Tariq Khan (Slingbaum: Erykah Badu, FKA Twigs; Blue Note Records), and 30 musicians and vocalists, remotely recorded and composed an experimental 3-song EP, part-by-part, from 30 different locations. Each participant recorded their contributions from the safety of their own homes -- in real-time. This multinational interactive recording session was broadcast live with Bilal’s creative process as the centerpiece, and used an innovative approach pioneered by HighBreedMusic (HBM) which combined several technologies to turn the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic into an opportunity for collective creative expression. HBM, whose slogan is “The Artists That Artists Love,” is a forward-thinking Black and minority-owned studio and cultural hub in Brooklyn, NYC, run by founder Tariq Khan and Grammy-winning Videographer Nikki Birch (Snarky Puppy, Emily King, Cory Henry).

The album will be released on Bandcamp on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2020 and features an all-star lineup of artists, including Bilal’s long time friends and collaborators Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper, Chuck Treece (of The Bad Brains), Tone Whitfield, and Philly-based MC Khemist, along with several members of HighBreedMusic’s extended family, including Keyon Harrold, Madison McFerrin, Nick Hakim, Cory Henry, Simon Mavin (of Hiatus Kaiyote), Jaime Woods, Marcus Strickland, Yahzarah, Ray Angry (of The Roots), Ben Williams, Brandee Younger, BigYuki, Melanie Charles, Marcus Gilmore, and Louis Cato.

Bilal masterfully guided the experience as musical director, producer, and vocalist, showcasing the fascinating progression of an initial idea to a finished album. The artists came together in a virtual green room that recreated the atmosphere of a studio session. They reminisced, laughed, wrote, recorded, produced, and mixed a brand new song each day. Viewers enjoyed rare access to the traditionally private world of song creation and album production - for free. They were also able to observe as Angelbert Metoyer created artwork for the EP - while the music was being recorded.

The three-day event was an incredible opportunity to watch the magic and camaraderie of some of the music industry’s most exciting artists working together, using new technology, to reflect the current times.

Fans are also encouraged to support the project with donations.
https://www.payolee.com/checkout/5f2c535794f62
Proceeds from EP sales and donations are being shared among participating artists, many of whom, despite being accomplished career professionals, are facing financial uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Special thanks to Event Consultant: Jill Newman Productions

Legendary Grammy-winning artist Bilal (Musician, Actor, Composer, Producer, Vocalist), an original member of the iconic Soulquarians movement.