DJ Seduce Interview from THE ARIZONA REVIEW on Vimeo.
The Message
Afro:Baile Records is the new age global sound of world beat. Like generations of world music makers before us, our mission is to discover a new era of talented musicians, djs, and bands, bringing you the sounds of Afro Beats, Brazilian Rhythms, Latin Soul and World Jazz. "Listening To The World Together" is our motto, focus & message in creating a musical landscape of cultural experiences.
Foundation
Originally established in 2006 by Arizona native; dj, producer, & long time music enthusiast,Miguel Ivery aka DJ Seduce. Afro:Baile first began as a monthly event for international touring artists & local artist to come together and perform world music, dance, & cultural traditions. In just the first year of the event launching, Afro:Baile received the Best of Phoenix award (Best New World Music Event) presented by the Phoenix New Times. The event also hosted to a number of international acts including reggae legend General Smiley (of Michigan & Smiley), Yellow Wall Dub Squad, Nosotros, and members of B-Side Players.
With growing popularity among local, national, and global communities, Afro:Baile began to take form as the central hub of global music in Phoenix, Arizona. Resident DJ & event founder DJ Seduce began a cultural crusade the following year 2007 to put together a CD compilation of past guests of the event, and future leaders of the global movement. As the CD compilation began to take form, DJ Seduce began to recognize the need to release the CD on an independent level. With that idea, he created Afro:Baile Records as a spin off to the event & a new foundation for future music. The label would focus on releasing various CD Compilations from around the world as well as select CDs & Vinyl releases from various bands, DJ's, and musicians.
In the Beginning
Afro:Baile Records officially launched in Feb 2008 with the release of “Afro:Baile: The Southern Root”, an 11 song CD compilation featuring both local and national bands with music ranging in Latin Soul, Rock & Jazz, Reggae, Batucadas, Afro beat and Middle Eastern fusion. The CD was reviewed and featured in Global Rhythm Magazine as well as featured on World Music Central - quoting "Compilations such as this are a great way to discover new talent".
April 2008 Afro:Baile Records signed on to release & debut to America the 10 Piece Ghanian hi-life band “Yaaba Funk” and there debut EP – Nyash E Go Bite You! The CD made a splash with high praise from various magazines including the Phoenix Newtimes as well as extended radio play on KCRW and Giantstep.net.
June 2008 came the 3rd release on the label by local musicians “The Afrodelic Stegosaurchestra”, a funky 12 piece afrobeat jazz funk band. The self-titled CD soared on its release with great reviews and radio play on “Global Rhythm Radio” - quoting "We play the heck out of it at KXCI! It is the perfect complement to Femi Kuti, Chicago Afrobeat Project & Antibalas":
November 2008 came the 4th and biggest release of the year. Brazil:Sambossica by DJ Seduce, an eclectic 10 song Brazilian CD compilation filled with the warm sounds of Samba, Bossa Nova, Jazz and electronica. The Cd soared to new heights with various radio play, magazine reviews, tv play and soaring CD sells. Brazil:Sambossica was also picked up by national music retailers Amoeba Music in Los Angeles and Dusty Groove America in Chicago.
FUTURE
With a fresh start to 2009, Positive reviews, radio play, and growing world wide credibility amongst record labels, music artists and DJs; Afro:Baile Records will continue to push forward in discovering new talent both nationally & internationally while introducing a new age sound of global music for years to come.
