Los Angeles-based musician Connan Mockasin has kept a low profile in the five years following the release of his critically acclaimed album Caramel, having only fleetingly appeared to release an archived collaborative album with Sam Dust (of LA Priest and Late Of The Pier) and to make contributions to the work of Charlotte Gainsbourg, James Blake and most recently MGMT.
Noticeably, during this period of absence there has been no indication that Mockasin has been working on new solo material, adding to his already enigmatic reputation. However long-awaited news has now emerged as the New Zealand native spoke with Under The Radar over the festive period to discuss an upcoming tour of his home country, a new record and more.
The new album entitled Jassbusters is set for release in 2018, is a full band recording in contrast to Mockasin’s previous secluded Tokyo hotel room affairs and is a concept album. Of the new release, Mockasin said the following.
“It’s a concept record in that it’s a music teacher’s album, and they are called Jassbusters. It’s the first band recording I’ve done and it’s in two halves, one half is the New York version and one half is the Paris version.”
Mockasin and his live band are scheduled to play seven dates in New Zealand alongside Kody Nielson (of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Mint Chicks) in the coming weeks which are detailed in the tour flyer below. The songwriter has also confirmed via his Facebook page that details of an international tour will follow soon.
Words by Sam Wilkinson.
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