Besides the OG legends like Dilla and Nujabes (RIP and thank you for everything), one of the producers who really defined my love for the new wave of instrumental hip hop after 2010 is Ian Ewing. I guess if you've been with us since the inception of Stereofox you probably know that, given I've written about 25+ features of him alone. Anyway, known for his buttery-smooth grooves and a sound that feels equally at home in a late-night drive or a Sunday morning reset, Ian has become one of those household names you instantly trust when you hit play and I was happy to hear about s brand-new EP we get to celebrate today.
The 6-track collection titled In The Sky EP is a lush continuation of his ever-evolving journey as both a producer and drummer and (I think) a way to channel all the new feelings and emotions related to him becoming a father earlier this year (congrats, Ian!).
The title track and opener, "In the Sky" is a great way to sets expectations high. I appreciate the trace of nostalgia that feels like an anchoring element throughout the whole song. It perfectly matches the clear blue sky view I have right now.
As I'm writing those lines, I'm already daydreaming to the futuristic groove of the EP's second track - "Crescent Bay". Life feels complete. With a catalogue that fuses soul, jazz, downtempo and hip hop into a laid-back yet deeply textured mindful experience, Ian has spent the past decade shaping the sound of modern chill beats while incorporating tight-sounding live drumming (ps don't sleep on his Instagram videos). That being said, I do love this modern, forward-thinking and synth-heavy sound on that tune. The gentle vocal chops and off-kilter beat vibe add a unique scent to the whole thing and I have to say - that track sets expectations high!
From his countless collaborations across the beat scene to his ability to craft tunes that feel both fresh and timeless, he’s cemented himself as one of the genre's most consistent and inspiring voices. Something that's evident as we cruise further down In The Sky journey. A collection of moods and textures, In The Sky wouldn’t feel complete without the signature sound of Ian's collaborators. One of my favourite beatmakers, Philanthrope, joins on the rather laid-back and very warm "Youth" where it's pretty evident their years-long history of collaboration and close friendship.
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The EP also brings in producer/collage artist Howiewonder and saxophonist Lofi Sax, each adding their own hues to Ian’s colorful sonic palette on "Cirrus". Both have long held a special place in my library, and here they help shape a release that feels at once deeply personal and effortlessly expansive.
Ian elaborates, "Sonically, I was inspired to create a collection of songs that encompasses as much of my musical identity as possible, acknowledging my tastes old and new. Leaning on nostalgia, I aimed to create a timeless feeling with the EP. This concept also inspired me mentally and emotionally through the creative process, as, now a new father, I thought much of the cyclical nature of space and time, and how my son, too, will be able to experience so much about what I love in this world. At the same time, the unchanging sky looks down on us both.”
One of the most pleasant and soul-touching experiences in the instrumental world I've had in a while. I view In The Sky as a wholesome experience that needs to be enjoyed from front to end. If you give it the right amount of time and attention, Ian's creation will pay back with the ultimate zen experience.
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