Kutiman

One talented producer to join a line of creative output emerging from Israel is Ophir Kutiel aka Kutiman. Its hard to believe that this multi instrumental musician was only recently introduced to funk and afro-psychedelia. In the short time since he has fallen in love with it and produced an interesting smart and fun album.
This debut is arguably one of the most interesting one-man-band-projects around with support from all around, Jazzanova and Giles Peterson to name a few.

We got a hold of him for a quick chat on his new album.

Nice album, how long did it take to produce it?

Taking this album live on stage would mean the world for me. I only hope we can figure a way to fly 8 players overseas.

Thanks. It took me about 5 very psychedelic months to finish the core of this album, then about 2 years to achieve the rest (find a label and finish mixing mastering…)

How many people were involved in the production of it?

About 10 people beside me (singers, musicians and a mixing partner). I was blessed to be working with some of the funkiest musicians and singers around. That’s one of the main advantages of living in a rather small place like Tel Aviv. Once you know one, you know them all…

How did you first make the connection with African and Psychedelic music?

I was born and raised in a small village in the north of the country. It wasn’t until I arrived to Tel Aviv around 2000, and met with my good friend and musical partner DJ Sabbo, that I even knew this kind of music existed… When I stared working in a 7 -11 shop I was listening all day to a local college radio station (106fm.co.il). It was the first time I came across to so many genres and quality music I never heard before. It felt like magic.
About that time, DJ Sabbo realized I knew nothing about this kind of music and he gave me this magic dusty cd box with some of his own cds. This was the first time I first heard Fela Kuti, King Crimson, Soft Machine, Sly & The Family Stone, Cymande, Lonie Smith and even James Brown (I only knew his 3 hit songs)… My excitement was so big I simply started to jam with my pc and eventually this album was born..

How did you get to MPM music?

DJ Olski, the main man behind the label, approached me on myspace. He was really feeling the “No Groove Where I Come From” (featured on my album) and wanted to license it for the label’s compilation. Since day one the vibe we shared was amazing and it felt natural that we release the album on MPM (luckily he felt the same about my music…)

Are you planning live shows to accompany the album?

I was blessed to be working with some of the funkiest musicians and singers around.

I am gathering some serious line up with heavyweight players from the local groove scene. Taking this album live on stage would mean the world for me. I only hope we can figure a way to fly 8 players overseas.

What are the plans for the future?

Live shows, live shows, live shows, my next album, live shows, live shows, live shows and on & on

How is the musical climate in Israel (and /or Tel Aviv) at the moment?

Quite Diverse. On one hand the internet in general and sites like myspace in particular gave a huge boost to the scene. We have some great talent around so people like myself have a chance to get a worldwide exposure of their music. I don’t believe my album would have been released was it 5 years ago. On the other hand, the music scene in Israel is going through a rough period business wise, same as in the rest of the world, but you can imagine things are especially bad in such a small and crazy market like ours.
Music wise the scene is very eclectic - Reggae & Electro, are quite popular here these days but you also get a lot of trance (obviously) and even quite a few Funk bands. I guess if you dig properly you may be able to find any kind of music you are looking for.

Are you a vinyl collector? Does it matter to you at all what format the music will be released on?

No, I don’t collect vinyl. I’m afraid my first 45 was my own (on Afro Kats). I don’t have a turntable at home but I would still go for a vinyl if I had to choose.