Charles Hayward of This Heat and MC dälek (Will Brooks of dälek) have joined forces for a new record called HAYWARDxDÄLEK due out on December 5 via Relapse Records. It’s set to likely be a real scorcher, or at least that’s what this dense new single “Breathe Slow” has led me to believe. Pre-orders for HAYWARDxDÄLEK are available here.
Though their first joint recording for HAYWARDxDÄLEK happened last year, the story goes back much further. The pair first connected in the late 2000s, when Hayward visited Deadverse Studios and instantly clicked with Brooks and his group.
Brooks recalls that initial meeting: “I remember me and [dälek group members] DJ Rek and Oktopus waiting for him to show up. When he showed up at the studio, Rek was back-spinning This Heat records and Charles was bugging out.”
Hayward reflects on that same session: “I learned so much in those four days at Deadverse Studio. It just felt like a really ecstatic experience to me.”
Following those initial sessions at Deadverse, the duo embarked on the ultimate test of musical camaraderie: going on tour. “We did a week-long tour throughout the UK, and Charles actually rode in the van with us,” said Brooks. “I figured if this man was able to handle a week in the van with all of our madness, he’s good people.”
Hayward reflects on the process: “It’s just a big learning curve, and it’s a big exchange that keeps everything alive. It’s easy to sort of just acquiesce and be what you were, but working with Will has changed my head.”
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