Blacklauren (Open To Close)

Blacklauren derives his name from the first two things people typically notice about him. He’s Black, obviously, and has a strong affinity for Ralph Lauren, a holdover from the days of the Lo-Lives that were the background of his migration to New York from Port-au-Prince. Split between the bustling hip hop world of NYC during the 80s & 90’s and an early exposure to Haitian Vodou, his music style combines various sonic elements of the black diaspora while maintaining a signature style. As a DJ, his thought provoking techno driven sets have earned him gigs at every notable venue in the city. His collaborative project with his long time friend Zack, The Long Count, held down a residency at Sustain Release as well as Bossa Nova Civic Club, highlighting a rotating cast of avant-garde DJ’s and producers. In 2015 he released his debut EP, The Observer of Omens, a complex exploration of the darker side of sound. Since then, he’s self released a handful of singles and contributed to compilations from Blankstairs and Cultivated Sound. Currently, he is working on his own label Nyabinghi Electronic Research. Follow him on Instagram.