Member Since: 6/1/2004
Band Website: carvinknowles.com/hamsa
Band Members: Carvin Knowles has written music for TH!NKFilm's "Strangers With Candy," Universal's "American Pie," John Waters' "Cecil B. Demented," Steve Martin's "Novocaine," and TH!NKFilm's hilarious documentary, "FUCK" about the mother of all profanities with a broader message about Freedom of Speech in Bush's America.
Carvin has collaborated with Adam Pike, Shakti, The Backyard Bangers, Jon Anderson, Sex-0-Rama, JoelSkool, Tao Factor Dub, Bootsy Collins, Ethan James, Kate St. Pierre, DJ Chris Monaco, Jason Hamlin, Jason Friedrich, The Syrups, Rachel Christian, and Lately Blue on various occaisions.
Influences: When asked about influences, I never give the same answer twice. That's because everything I hear influences everything I write and produce. Today I have been influenced by Morcheeba, Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, K&D, Bill Laswell, Talvin Singh, Rashid Taha, Cheb Khaled, Dead-Can-Dance, Daft Punk, Royksopp, Jazzanova, Dan the Automator, DJ Cheb I Shabbah, Om Kalthoum, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Dr. Israel, Matisyahu, Dave Tarras, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Freddy Mercury, Carl Stalling, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Danny Elfman, Bernard Herrman, John Barry, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Akira Ifakube, Les Baxter, Igor Stravinksi, Yellowman, Femi Kuti.
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention those radio DJs who influence me: Chris Douridas, Liza Richardson, Garth Trinidad, Scott Willis, Chuck Niles (OBM), Helen Borgers, Jose Rizo, Kevin Lincoln, Raul Campos and Tom Schnabel. I am lucky enough to live in a city with great public radio. If you don't subscribe, you should.
Sounds Like: NOW PLAYING ON THE STANDALONE PLAYER
1. Mme. Zorna Featuring lots of traditional Turkish Ud in a rhythmic balady jam, this track is from Carvin's 2005 album Hamsa. (85bpm)
2. Ghita Broken-beat remix of traditional Egyptian dance music from Carvin's 2005 album Hamsa. (134bpm)
3. Keter Ehyar Inspired by Arabic Classical Music and traditional Jewish dance rhythms, this track is from Carvin's 2005 album Hamsa. (85bpm)
4. Liberi Noctum: Think World-music Dub with a Gothic flair. Because everybody looks better wearing black, this track is from Carvin's 2005 album Hamsa. (85bpm)
5. Medjool Broken beat remix of traditional Mizrahi music. (135bpm)
6. Treacherous (downtempo) The final track on International Affairs, Inc. is a chilled out, downtempo remix of Treacherous Intent. (65bpm)
Record Label: Ozone Layer Music
Type of Label: Indie