As if they weren't busy enough with side label Hardly Art and their thriving Seattle indie rock institution, Sub Pop has announced a new world music label. Next Ambiance sees Sub Pop working with KEXP radio host and world music guru Jon Kertzer to unearth some new sounds.
In a press statement, Sub Pop head Jonathan Poneman explains the logic behind launching this new endeavour. "I've listened and learned so much from Jon [Kertzer]'s show [The Best Ambiance] for half of my life. It just seemed natural to put his knowledge, resources and remarkable taste to further use. It'll certainly be a boon to listeners everywhere."
The first release from the label is I Speak Fula, an album from West African musician Bassekou Kouyate and his band Ngoni ba. The album, which was released in the UK on September 21, will be released digitally on December 1, with a CD release coming February 2.
From there, the press release suggests the label won't release albums too often. "After all, it's going to take a particularly brave artist or artists to follow Bassekou," it reads.
In a press statement, Sub Pop head Jonathan Poneman explains the logic behind launching this new endeavour. "I've listened and learned so much from Jon [Kertzer]'s show [The Best Ambiance] for half of my life. It just seemed natural to put his knowledge, resources and remarkable taste to further use. It'll certainly be a boon to listeners everywhere."
The first release from the label is I Speak Fula, an album from West African musician Bassekou Kouyate and his band Ngoni ba. The album, which was released in the UK on September 21, will be released digitally on December 1, with a CD release coming February 2.
From there, the press release suggests the label won't release albums too often. "After all, it's going to take a particularly brave artist or artists to follow Bassekou," it reads.
