24 January 2013 - 0 Comments

Ex-pat Cantabrian musician / producer Oakley Grenell is celebrating more than just a new year. 2012 marked the 10 year anniversary of his label, Central Records and in recognition of this occasion Grenell has put together a digital compilation of his finest selections.

Spanning the years 2002 – 2012 Oakey Grenell - Finest Selections: The First 10 Years compiles what could be considered his life's work thus far. 16 tracks that delve into Grenell's substantial back catalogue and represent some of the favourites from the 8 releases that Central Records has delivered during the last decade, plus 1 new previously unreleased track.

Among them are tracks from his production moniker 'O.G', reggae dub band the 'Otautahi Allstars', hip hop / dancehall group 'The Eskimo Squad', jazz / soul / groove outfit 'Departure Lounge' and sister Amiria's Tui award winning album 'Three Feathers' which was produced by Oakley and released on Central last year.

While Central Records is perhaps not a name that most will recognise it is interesting to see just how many notable New Zealand musicians have contributed to this significant body of work during the earlier stages of their careers.

“We started Central 10 years ago out of my bedroom studio in Philipstown, Christchurch.  It was with the first release in 2002, O.G Jaded EP, that the label was established. I am really proud of what we have achieved, the work that's been produced and of course the artists that have been involved, many of whom are friends, fellow students and students of mine from Christchurch that have gone on to do great things.” says Grenell.

Some of the many local musicians that have been involved with Grenell's projects over the years include Isaac Aesili (Funkommunity, Opensouls, Solaa), Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight), Devin Abrams (Shapeshifter, Pacific Heights), brother Redford Grenell (ex Shapeshifter) and The Nomad. Vocal collaborators have included Ladi 6, Parks, LA Mitchell, Mark Vanilau, Sacha Vee, Mara TK and MCs Switch & KP, JDubs, Aeries and Tiki Taane among a host of internationals that Oakley has met and recorded during his time living abroad in the UK and Australia, Dynamite Mc (Roni Size), Spikey Tee and The Eskimo Squad.

Oakey Grenell Finest Selections: The First 10 Years represents a small but outstanding sample of a decade of work from this prolific NZ producer / musician and with it a part of NZ musical history worth checking out. The compilation will is now available digitally through Central Records.

“I'm not stopping here though” adds Grenell. “The 17^th track 'Blaze' ft. Rayjah 45, Kpz and Mc Aeries is the first single from my next O.G album which I will release later this year. I am also working on a singer / songwriter album for 2014 and we will be recording the second Otautahi Allstars album this January!” 

Watch this space ....

Youtube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1vviceyJA

Bandcamp - 

http://oakleygrenell.bandcamp.com/track/blaze-ft-rayjah-45-kpz-mc-aeries

http://oakleygrenell.bandcamp.com/album/central-records-finest-selections-the-first-10-years

http://www.oakleygrenell.com/

http://www.centralrecords.co.nz/

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