“Slickly executed with no small degree of charisma, the machine funk is matched to an emotive flair.” – Clash

Today sees exciting new producer/artist Dorj, share his debut solo track ‘Don’t Care‘, along with the news that he will release his debut solo EP ‘FORGETMOVEONDONTCARE‘ later this year. Dorj will also be playing the Notting Hill Arts Club in London on Wednesday 29th July.

Stream new track ‘Don’t Care‘ here

Real name Dor Turgeman, Dorj grew up in Emek Hefer, a small town on the Israeli coastline, surrounded by nature, this was the setting in which he first starting playing musical instruments. Teaching himself to play the guitar and piano from the age of 9, Dorj was taught to sing by his grandfather – once a famous singer back in Morocco. Exposed to the art of improvisation, through complicated vocal techniques that originate from Arab influenced music – this was Dorj’s entry into music, later helping him develop his ability, and enhancing his desire to play instruments, and sing incessantly.

In his twenties, Dorj then went to study classical composition at the music academy of Tel Aviv, where he learnt classical composition – conducting symphony orchestras with as many as forty parts/instruments, being taught to understand Counterpoint, ear training, as well as performing in an orchestra choir. During this period Dorj would be simultaneously playing a wide range of instruments in jazz ensembles – jumping between harmonicas, keys and guitars – thereby fusing a strict classical music education with the freedom of jazz improvisations, testing the borders of musical jams.

Aside from his instrumental education, and his exploration into jazz improvisation, Dorj is very conscious of the importance of strong lyricism. “I grew up with lyricists such as Leonard Cohen & Bob Dylan, who influenced my journey in exploring the power of words within melodies – how to play with meanings, syllables, and poetic metaphors” says Dorj. Also noting 2Pac, Biggie, and other more recent hip-hop artists such as Kendrick Lamar as inspiration – “I have grown increasingly fascinated by the artistry of strong lyrical presence sitting on top of abstract electronic sounds“.

“In recent years, my entire musical attention has shifted to the outpouring of electrical music, beats and sounds, that are both abstract and yet simultaneously very grounded“. Exploring the sounds of the likes of Jai Paul, Kaytranada, and Mndsgn, Dorj has managed to create a sound which both aligns with the times, but is totally his own – a fascinating blend of classical influence, combined with the interesting production and song-writing structures of modern electronic music.

New 3-track EP, entitled “FORGETMOVEONDONTCARE“, was co-produced by New York based producer Ido Freedman – and Dorj explains that it’s… “a trilogy which explores the same story told from three different perspectives. These three songs were written whilst I was in a serious relationship, and as it came to a painful end. A reflection on the meaning and essence of relationships, of the individual placed in front of the other.”

Not only written with relationships in mind, Dorj explains that lyrically, there is a lot more to it. “This is not merely a banal exploration of love, or the hardships to have loved and lost – these are abstract and ephemeral metaphors and questions that apply to all the definitions of selfhood – be that chasing a career, trying to understand who we are in a process of growing, and constantly trying to become something, and someone – and along the way.”

Over the past 12 months or so, Dorj has been perfecting his live show, performing both at home in Tel Aviv, and abroad in places such as New York and London – a live show featuring songs off his collaborative EP ‘Waiting For The Crown‘ with London based producer Edan Feldman Vazan (Subculture Sounds), and this forthcoming new EP.

‘FORGETMOVEONDONTCARE‘ is the culmination of months hard work, a variety of fruitful collaborations, and successful musical experimentation. An EP, which explores the boundaries of experimental electronic music, yet always managing to maintain its pop sensibilities and soul influences. Dorj’s fragile – yet entirely accomplished vocals, align with perfectly balanced, glitchy electronic production, telling a wonderful, heartfelt and meaningful story along the way. It’s an incredibly promising first offering, and is sure to be the start of something very special.

Dorj plays the Notting Hill Arts Club in London on Wednesday 29th July.

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