Benzaiten

We’re thrilled to welcome South African producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Gregory for his Stereofox debut, Benzaiten LP – a collection of jazzy hip-hop instrumentals born from his recent trip to Japan.

Equipped with his mobile studio setup and acoustic guitar, Dan created the project entirely in the room, with nothing written in advance, collaborating with a circle of Japanese artists – neo-soul guitarist Toshiki Soejima, trumpeter Nahokimama, saxophonist robe, and producers Shin-ski, re:plus, and Refeeld, whom he met while travelling from the Shikoku all the way to the far north of Hokkaido.

Rather than arriving with fixed ideas, Dan let each track take shape around what the musicians brought to the moment. The result is unhurried and tape-warm, with several sets of influences flowing naturally into one another, while keeping the sense of spontaneity and give-and-take of the sessions throughout.

The album takes its name from Benzaiten, the Japanese Buddhist goddess of water, music and confluence, inspired by the movement, musical exchange and meaningful connections that shaped the project. The accompanying artworks feature film photographs Dan took throughout his Japanese journey, capturing the landscapes and moments that surrounded the making of the record.