Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Remix Project – release August 17th via iTunes

Five KCRW DJ’s remix songs from Ozomatli’s latest release, “Fire Away”

Los Angeles-based public radio station KCRW (89.9FM and KCRW.com) are proud to announce their latest release — the Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Remix Project — available August 17th on iTunes.

KCRW Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic Jason Bentley, Anthony Valadez, Aaron Byrd, Anne Litt and Tom Schnabel all remix songs from Ozomatli’s fifth studio album “Fire Away” as part of this unique creative collaboration between KCRW and Downtown Records / Mercer Street Records

“The Soundclash series was envisioned as a chance for KCRW DJs to get more involved in the creative process of an artist we feel strongly about and the results of the Ozo Soundclash are truly inspired,” said Bentley, “Take Anne Litt’s re-imagining of the vocals for “Love Comes Down,” with a capella group Sonos, or the subtle beauty of the sitar performance on Anthony Valadez’ version of the same song. Tom Schnabel turns in a dreamy and soulful take on the song “45” and Aaron Byrd transforms “Are You Ready” into a frenetic percussion workout. Each remix is unique and represents the individuality of the talented crew we have on air here at KCRW.”

KCRW was the first radio station to play Ozomatli’s music, before they were signed to a label. The station also hosted their live performance debut in 1997 on Morning Becomes Eclectic. The band recently made their 7th appearance on “Morning Becomes Eclectic”, and Ozomatli will be also appearing at the Hollywood Bowl as part of KCRW’s World Festival on Sunday, September 19.

Fire Away is Ozomatli’s band’s fifth studio full length, and first for the NYC based Mercer Street Records / Downtown Records. Produced by acclaimed producer Tony Berg, Fire Away features eleven new Ozo songs. Fire Away is arguably Ozomatli’s most diverse album yet, ranging from the emotionally resplendent ballads “It’s Only Time” and “Love Comes Down,” the 60’s Stax influenced vibe of “45”, to the Spanglish of “Nadas Por Free”.

Ozomatli’s music — a collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga — has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around the city of Los Angeles.

2009 proved to be a busy year for Ozomatli, serving as US cultural ambassadors with a US sponsored State Department trip that included Ozomatli community outreach and performances in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. The band was also honored to play for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 32nd Annual Award Gala, held in Washington DC in September.

2010 looks to continue Ozomatli’s feverish pace. In addition to taking their incendiary live show on the road in support of Fire Away, the band recently collaborated with the Boston Pops Orchestra for the 125th Pops Anniversary Celebration, and once again served as US Cultural Ambassadors with a State Department trip to China and Mongolia in June.

Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Tracklisting
1. Love Comes Down (Anne Litt remix) – Produced by Anne Litt and Mark Kilian. Featuring Sonos (vocals), Julio Moreno (percussion), Kim Carroll (charango). Mixed by Casey Stone.
2. 45 (Tom Schnabel remix) Produced by Jeff Rona
3. Love Comes Down (Anthony Valadez remix) Produced by A. Valadez. Featuring I, Ced (Keys & Bass), Itai Shapira (Sitar), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (Strings), Mixed by Itai Shapira
4. Are You Ready (it’sAByrd’s Bundao remix) Produced by Aaron Byrd for SCS Productions
5. Malagasy Shock (Jason Bentley remix) Produced by Jason Bentley and Chris “Smitty” Smith. Featuring Tom Holkenborg (bass, guitar)

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN HERE