You know we love DnB here at HIHF so, we HAD to cover the South African artist Pala Chrome. Formerly known as Hendrik Joerges, Pala Chrome has been gaining popularity […]
You know we love DnB here at HIHF so, we HAD to cover the South African artist Pala Chrome. Formerly known as Hendrik Joerges, Pala Chrome has been gaining popularity for his distinct style of DnB, tying in elements of South African culture to old-school DnB drums and breaks. Representing his homeland through his music is only one of the artist’s goals as he continues onwards on his musical journey. He also hopes to eventually tour the US and Europe as his music continues to become infectious across the scene. Looking up to fellow South African artists Chee and Jon Casey, Pala Chrome draws plenty of inspiration from these two and would love to follow in the footsteps of these two very talented HIHF favorites.
Not only has Pala Chrome collaborated with some industry heavyweights like Jon Casey, Dabow, and Jupe, but he also has released with some reputable labels including Jadu Dala, KUMO Collective, and of course, Quality Goods Records, where today’s release is coming out of. His forthcoming releases are poised to captivate audiences again, recently dropping a double single EP featuring the two tracks “Concrete Jungle” and “In The City”. With killer melodies and groovy baselines, both tracks will surely get you jumping and jamming. The first track on the double single release, “Concrete Jungle”, begins with a psychedelic atmosphere followed by distorted bass and Zulu vernacular lyrics that tie in the cultural element of South Africa that Pala Chrome strives to introduce into his soundscapes. In a quote about the release Pala Chrome tells us that:
“The single ‘Concrete Jungle’ came about from a need to create a culture shock between old-school drum & bass and the South African / Durban sound in a way that has never been done before. The merging of Zulu vernacular lyrics and an instrumental that is influenced by 90’s Jungle DnB creates a unique sound that, in my opinion, hasn’t been created before.” -Pala Chrome
With many DnB tracks containing that distinct UK grime lyricism, it is nice to have a different vocal change that still maintains a familiar feel to the overall style of lyrical DnB.
We are excited to see what the future holds for Pala Chrome as he gains popularity through his unique twist on the ever-expanding culture of DnB! Let us know what you think and which Pala Chrome single was your favorite in the comments once you give the double single release a listen for yourself!
