Nigerian-born, New York house music icon Jerome Sydenham makes his debut on Carl Craig’s renowned label Planet E Recordings with the highly anticipated double single “Deeplight / Black Dog.” The release sees him collaborating with rising Berlin-based producer Fatima Njai, aka Cosmic Soldier, blending their distinct styles into a hypnotic fusion of underground house and techno.
A Deep and Tribal Dancefloor Experience
Both tracks tap into an industrial yet tribal energy, offering a journey through dark, pulsating rhythms and uplifting sonic textures. “Deeplight” builds on layers of psychedelic textures, raw percussion, and prophetic vocal work, while “Black Dog” flirts with shadowy intensity before giving way to vintage Detroit keys and euphoric waves of melody. The result is a mesmerizing, floor-focused production that stays true to the underground ethos.
A Legacy of Innovation: Jerome Sydenham’s Storied Career
With a career spanning 40 years, Jerome Sydenham has left an undeniable mark on house and techno. Emerging from the New York underground scene of the ‘80s, he held a residency at Nell’s before joining Atlantic Records as an A&R, where he helped break legendary acts like En Vogue.
In 1995, he founded Ibadan Records, an imprint that helped shape deep house, championing releases from Kerri Chandler, Joe Claussel, and many more. Relocating to Berlin in the early 2000s, Sydenham evolved his sound further, drawing inspiration from techno visionaries like Laurent Garnier. Resident Advisor describes him as “one of the few DJs that can credibly pull off equally well-received sets in Berghain and Panorama Bar.”
Cosmic Soldier: A New Force in Underground Electronic Music
Emerging Berlin-based producer Fatima Njai, aka Cosmic Soldier, is making waves with her experimental approach to electronic music. Her collaboration with Sydenham on “Deeplight / Black Dog” highlights her ability to push sonic boundaries, delivering a distinct, forward-thinking take on underground dance music.
With Ibadan Records and Planet E Recordings both serving as cornerstones of house and techno since the mid-1990s, this release represents a meeting of two forward-thinking forces in dance music.
“Deeplight / Black Dog” is out now via Planet E Recordings, bringing a deep, hypnotic, and timeless energy to the underground scene.
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