Internationally acclaimed drummer, producer, and sonic collagist Makaya McCraven has released “Off the Record,” a comprehensive two-LP and two-CD compilation that offers a deep dive into his signature “organic beat music” style. This new music release, **Makaya McCraven Off Record**, marks his first recorded output since the widely celebrated 2022 album “In These Times.” The collection gathers four distinct yet interconnected EPs – “Techno Logic,” “The People’s Mixtape,” “Hidden Out!,” and “PopUp Shop” – showcasing McCraven’s unparalleled ability to reshape live improvisations through meticulous editing and post-production, a hallmark of **Makaya McCraven Off Record**. This music compilation is a testament to his unique studio alchemy, a true showcase of Makaya McCraven’s artistry and a significant Makaya McCraven compilation.
Makaya McCraven Off Record: A Sonic Tapestry Woven from Live Moments
**Makaya McCraven Off Record** is not merely a collection of tracks, but a testament to McCraven’s artistic philosophy, which prioritizes communal, in-person musical experiences. Each EP draws from spontaneous moments captured during live performances, allowing the energy of the room and the interaction between musicians to shape the raw material. The compilation serves as a powerful reminder of the magic that occurs when artists share physical space, a sentiment McCraven emphasizes in his own words: “In a time where we’re increasingly connected through phones, in a virtual world where you can’t really tell what’s real or what’s fake, there’s something special where we come together and share space… I want to create an energy that amplifies the magic in the underground moments”. This focus on capturing raw, live moments is central to the **Makaya McCraven Off Record** experience, embodying the essence of live improvisation.
Deconstructing the EPs: Diverse Origins, Unified Vision for Makaya McCraven Off Record
The four EPs comprising **Makaya McCraven Off Record** each offer a unique glimpse into McCraven’s creative process and collaborations:
* “Techno Logic” is forged from three distinct live recordings spanning nearly eight years: London in 2017, Berlin in 2024, and New York in 2025. This EP features ongoing rapport with collaborators Ben LaMar Gay (cornet, vocals, synth) and Theon Cross (tuba), showcasing their developing musical conversation, a key element in **Makaya McCraven Off Record**.
* “The People’s Mixtape” is rooted in a January 2025 live session at Brooklyn’s Public Records. This recording coincided with the 10th anniversary of McCraven’s seminal 2015 album “In The Moment,” intentionally returning to the improvisational language honed during those sessions. The ensemble includes bassist Junius Paul, trumpeter Marquis Hill, vibraphonist Joel Ross, and synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, all contributing to the unique sound of **Makaya McCraven Off Record**.
* “Hidden Out!” originates from McCraven’s June 2017 residency at Chicago’s renowned The Hideout venue. These sessions often featured improvisations with Junius Paul on bass, alongside guitarist Jeff Parker and alto saxophonist Josh Johnson, providing the foundation for **Makaya McCraven Off Record**.
* “PopUp Shop” is drawn from a live recording made during McCraven’s debut in Los Angeles at Del Monte Speakeasy. This EP includes contributions from guitarist Jeff Parker, vibraphonist Justefan, and bassist Benjamin J. Shepherd, further enriching the **Makaya McCraven Off Record** collection.
The Evolution of “Organic Beat Music” in Makaya McCraven Off Record
**Makaya McCraven Off Record** marks a return to the pioneering “organic beat music” style that Makaya McCraven first introduced with his 2015 album “In The Moment”. This distinctive approach involves harvesting recordings of live improvisations, which McCraven then meticulously reshapes in his Chicago home studio through extensive editing, layering of overdubs, and advanced post-production techniques. This method allows him to create entirely new compositions that retain the raw energy of live performance while possessing the cohesive structure of a studio album. His critically lauded 2022 album, “In These Times,” further solidified this process, blending orchestral arrangements with his signature beat-driven sound, a process deeply explored within **Makaya McCraven Off Record**, showcasing his mastery as a beat scientist and his incredible studio alchemy.
A Trailblazer in the Modern Music Industry: The Makaya McCraven Off Record Legacy
Born in Paris and raised in Massachusetts before settling in Chicago in 2006, McCraven is celebrated for his ability to collapse space and borders, blending past, present, and future into a unique sonic landscape. His diverse background, influenced by his jazz drummer father and Hungarian folk singer mother, contributes to his genre-agnostic approach, earning him acclaim from major publications like The New York Times, Pitchfork, and NPR. McCraven has been recognized as a key figure in the contemporary jazz renaissance, praised for his innovative process and his ability to push the boundaries of improvisational music. **Makaya McCraven Off Record** continues this legacy, offering fans a rich collection that reaffirms his status as a “beat scientist” and a vital voice in the global music industry, a true master of jazz fusion and a music industry innovator.
**Makaya McCraven Off Record** is available now on 2xLP and 2xCD formats, with digital versions of the individual EPs rolling out on October 31st via International Anthem / Nonesuch / XL Recordings. This release not only provides new material from the artist but also serves as a compelling sonic statement from one of modern music’s most inventive practitioners, solidifying the importance of **Makaya McCraven Off Record**.
