专辑简介

Limited-run release with a delightful handmade iron-on/burlap packaging and individually signed tracklists. Made with loving care by Jason's own hands at the Nicespice Audiofarm.

Jason ":brownstudy" Hogans has always been up for inventing universes and spanking protocol. "I don't ever want to be pigeonholed." says the tall & lanky producer/singer/songwriter/mc. "I have too much to say in too many different ways." His latest release, a ten-song joint called These Trees Were Illegally Cut, flirts with such disparate styles as folk, jazz, techno, hip hop and perhaps even a little punk rock. It's this kind of refreshingly reckless business that's prompted critics to draw comparisons to mavericks like Andre 3000 and Herbie Hancock. Here's some background... In 1999, Jason released an electronic instrumental EP called Peter And The Rooster on Planet E. It was jazzy, warm, hip hop affected, slighty trippy and quietly influential. The daring EP received excellent reviews and secured a small cult following for young Mr. Hogans. 2002 saw Jason releasing two more instrumental songs on a Premier Cru compilation called Enjoy Detroit, introducing the :brownstudy moniker. In late 2004, our hero :brownstudy released the Tell Me More About Bubbles six-tracker on his own Really Nice Recordings imprint, which showcased a nimble and appropriately quirky flow (covering subjects from auto theft to tossed salad) to compliment the usual pleasant and punchy sonics. And to round out things for summer 2005, Kenny Dixon Jr.'s Mahogani Music label included the swinging blues nodder "In A Better Way" on their recent compilation. And now... :brownstudy has just finished a new album titled These Trees Were Illegally Cut. This new album is his most personal work yet, going places that most artists who are concerned with retaining an audience normally don't. "Man," says :brownstudy, "the past several years have been bananas. The only way I felt I could keep my sanity was to kick back with smoke and drink, boot up the computer and let my nuts hang." Quite simply, :brownstudy didn't give half a heck about making concessions to anyone. Stuff to get off the ol' chest, ya know? Off-pitch, overdriven, dubbed-out vocal melodies. Drum & percussion patterns made by beating on whatever objects were in the room. Disturbing phrases and surreal personal language. Guitar serenades recorded under a bridge through his laptop's built-in mic. At the tail end of the most energetic cut, "Infinite Divisibility", he sees fit to append haunting, inebriated rambling over a rude, belching bass synth for about two minutes. Yessir. Crap like that. We at Really Nice Recordings hope you're pleased with this mess. It came from the heart of a man who, not too long ago, lost basically everything most westerners desire (car, job, apartment, girl, religion, etc.) in pursuit of path and identity, only to bounce back with a wife, baby, home, free thought and a fat, manic middle finger. "My wife says I'll find out who my real friends are this album." reflects Jason, referring to some of the album's more lyrically confrontational moments. "There's definitely some sass vented at certain institutions & individuals. We'll see if they catch it." Safe with most meditations. Available for an unlimited spine. Go :brownstudy.